Acadia Park Loop

Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Hulls Cove Visitor Center

Downeast & Acadia · Maine · United States

Key measurements

Distance

26.2 miles

Elevation gain

1,747 ft

Elevation loss

1,807 ft

High point

543 ft

Low point

3 ft

Net change

-60 ft (77 ft to 18 ft)

Route type

loop

Route Overview

This 26-mile circuit explores Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine, centered around the iconic Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. Originating at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the route quickly transitions from state highway into a winding, scenic parkway that hugs granite headlands, drops to sea level along the open Atlantic, and climbs forested mountain ridges before returning to the edge of Bar Harbor via Eden Street.

The trip is characterized by modest elevations—ranging from sea level to a high point of 543 feet—and moderate, low-speed sweeps. The main draw is the dense concentration of coastal landscapes, dense boreal forests, and glacial lakes. Because large sections of the park road operate as a one-way highway, the route flows as a continuous loop, sharing the corridor with sightseers, shuttle buses, and cyclists.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Coastal Approach & Route 3 Gateway — Miles 0.2–2.5

Departing the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the route heads southeast along Maine Route 3, running parallel to the shoreline of Frenchman Bay. This initial stretch acts as the transition corridor from local commercial access to the park gate. Traffic moves at general highway speeds past roadside inns and view corridors toward the bay. The asphalt is smooth and wide, providing an easy warm-up before entering the restricted-speed environment of Acadia National Park.

Acadia Park Loop Circuit — Miles 3.6–22.3

The core segment of the trip enters the park's iconic loop, which converts to a unique two-lane, one-way system for much of its length. The road twists through dark spruce forests before breaking out onto the rocky Atlantic coastline past Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, reaching its lowest elevation of 3.1 feet near mile 11.0. From the shoreline, the route sweeps inland around Jordan Pond and climbs up the western flank of the loop, navigating tight canopy-shaded curves, historic stone-faced bridges, and granite outcrops. The loop reaches its high point of 543 feet near mile 19.7 near the Cadillac Mountain access corridor before beginning a gentle descent back toward the northern entrance.

Eden Street Return to Bar Harbor — Miles 23.4–26.2

Exiting the national park boundary, the route rejoins ME-3 northbound along Eden Street, heading directly into Bar Harbor. The road transitions back to a two-way, commercially developed coastal corridor lined with historic estates, lodging, and oceanfront dining. Speed limits drop as you approach the downtown terminal area, with increasing pedestrian crosswalks and local traffic.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Mount Desert Island experiences dramatic maritime weather shifts. Maritime fog can roll in off the Gulf of Maine with little warning, rapidly reducing visibility and depositing a slick layer of condensation on shaded forest pavement. Summer (July and August) brings high humidity and peak tourist traffic, while autumn offers crisp air and vibrant foliage that draws heavy regional visitors through October.

The Park Loop Road is typically closed to private motor vehicles from December 1 through April 15 due to ice and snow accumulation, making this strictly a seasonal route. Even in late spring and early fall, lingering dampness under dense evergreen canopies can keep corners wet long after the sun comes out.

Logistics & Services

An active Acadia National Park entrance pass is required to ride the Park Loop Road, which can be purchased at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center or online prior to starting.

Fuel and full mechanical services are concentrated outside park boundaries in Bar Harbor and along ME-3; there are no gas stations within the national park loop itself. Cellular coverage is generally reliable near Bar Harbor and Hulls Cove, but signals frequently drop along the eastern sea cliffs and in the deeper valleys near Jordan Pond.

Important Considerations

The one-way design of the main Park Loop segment means that if you miss a pullout or overlook, returning to it requires completing the entire 18-mile circuit again.

Traffic density can be very high during peak hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM), with frequent stops by sightseeing drivers, Island Explorer shuttle buses, and pedestrians crossing near popular trailheads like Ocean Path and Jordan Pond. Watch for tour buses stopping in the right lane of the one-way section, where parking is explicitly permitted, effectively narrowing the roadway to a single lane.