Park Loop Acadia National Park
If you live or are visiting Maine and looking for a short ½ day or one day road trip then you will want to consider the Park Loop Acadia National Park. While the trip is of short duration, there is plenty to see for anyone who loves nature.
Road Trip Summary
- Begin: Hulls Cove Visitors Center Acadia National Park, Maine
- End: Maine
- Distance: 27 Miles
- Drive Time: About 2 hours
- Best Time of the Year: After labor day through mid-September or for those who are looking for fall colors, October.
Located on Mt. Desert Island Acadia National Park is a beautiful park well worth a visit. One of the best way to get an overall feel for the park is by taking the short scenic drive through the Park Loop.
Although the trip is just a short 27 miles, to really get a feel for this place it is best to plan to spend at least ½ day so you can stop along the way to take in some of the more fantastic views. There is plenty to see along the way, as there are lakes, mountains, valleys and rocky shorelines as well plenty of wildlife.
There are plenty of pull offs and observation points where you can stop and take pictures and you may also want to stop a little longer and explore places such as Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Sand Beach.
Feel free to pack a picnic lunch for this single day road trip, and bring along a camera and warm clothing if traveling in fall since some days can be cooler than others.
Also check the weather conditions on your route before heading out, since you don’t want to attempt the trip in the rain or heavy fog.
If your setting out in the morning for this little road trip be aware that much of the wildlife is active during the morning hours so you will want to drive with a little more care. With over 17,000 species of wildlife in the park your bound to see at least one or two interesting creatures on your tour of the loop.
If you are looking to expand your road trip by a few hours or even a day there are several coastal towns and villages and summer mansions on the outskirts of Acadia worth visiting. If you want to add some real excitement to your road trip around Park Loop, drive the Loop in the morning and then spend the afternoon on a 4 hour whale watching trip starting from Bar Harbor around noon.
Whether you just looking for a short road trip with plenty of fascinating scenery or looking for something a little longer including the Park Loop at Acadia National Park as part of your travels should provide you with a great basis for any road trip in Maine.
So make sure your car is road worthy, fill up with gas, pack some snacks and maybe your lunch and set out to enjoy some of the best Maine has to offer.
