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This is one of the East Coast's most incredible drives.
Key Points
- The 40-mile Acadia All-American Road connects Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and several of coastal Maine's most iconic attractions.
- Summer and fall are the best times to drive, though early starts and advance Cadillac Mountain reservations help avoid peak-season crowds.
- Highlights include Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, Frenchman Bay, Rockefeller Carriage Roads, and fresh lobster stops in Trenton.
Not all great drives have to span hundreds of miles. In fact, New England's only All-American Road, a designation given to roadways that are destinations in and of themselves, is just 40 miles long.
Maine's Acadia All-American Road is a scenic byway that follows portions of Routes 3, 198, and 233, as well as Acadia's Park Loop Road, connecting coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and many of the region's most iconic attractions—including Acadia National Park. Beginning near Trenton and winding across Mount Desert Island, the route takes travelers from waterfront lobster shacks and the shops of Bar Harbor to the granite peaks, carriage roads, and rugged coastline that the park is known for. Whether completed in a day or stretched into a long weekend, the drive offers one of the easiest ways to experience coastal Maine.
Here’s what you need to know before planning a drive along the Acadia All-American Road.
Best Time to Drive
Summer brings the busiest crowds—and for good reason. Long daylight hours make it easy to fit in a sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain, an afternoon in Bar Harbor, and an evening lobster dinner along the coast all in the same day. Fall is a close second, when cooler temperatures and changing foliage transform Acadia's forests and mountain landscapes.
Those hoping to avoid the heaviest traffic should consider visiting in late September or early October, when many businesses remain open but summer vacation crowds have begun to thin. Visitors willing to contend with larger crowds may want to wait until mid to late October, when fall foliage typically reaches its peak.
Know Before You Go
The drive itself may only span 40 miles, but traffic can be heavy during the summer, particularly in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Parking lots at popular attractions such as Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain often fill early, so an early start is recommended. Those planning to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain should also note that vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October.
Additionally, to avoid parking headaches, many visitors take advantage of the free Island Explorer shuttle, which connects Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, campgrounds, and many of the area's major attractions. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as many of the route's highlights—including carriage roads, overlooks, and coastal trails—are best explored on foot.
Finally, keep in mind that weather conditions can change quickly along the route, where fog, wind, and cooler temperatures are common even during the summer months.
Stops Along the Route
Trenton
As the gateway to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, Trenton serves as the unofficial starting point for the byway. With that said, it's well worth making a quick pit stop here before crossing onto the island, whether to pick up supplies or enjoy a lobster roll at no-frills—albeit delicious—spots like Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound or Gateway Lunt’s Lobster Pound.
Bar Harbor
Bustling Bar Harbor combines historic architecture, independent shops, seafood shacks, and waterfront views, making it one of the most popular stops along the route. The town also serves as the primary jumping-off point for boat tours, kayaking excursions, whale watching trips, and, of course, visits to Acadia National Park. Its downtown, lined with galleries, boutiques, and ice cream shops, is also a destination in and of itself. For those looking to stretch their legs, the Shore Path offers an easy waterfront stroll with views of Frenchman Bay, while the Bar Island Trail allows visitors to walk across the ocean floor at low tide to a small island just offshore—provided they return before the water comes back in.
Frenchman Bay
Frenchman Bay is one of the defining landscapes of the Acadia region, with views appearing in and around Bar Harbor and at several points along the eastern side of Mount Desert Island. The sweeping vistas of the water, often dotted with lobster boats and sailboats, are among the area's most memorable. Several overlooks and roadside pull-offs offer opportunities to step out, breathe in the salty air, and take in the coastal scenery.
Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road forms the scenic heart of the Acadia All-American Road. Passing through Acadia National Park, it connects many of the park's most popular attractions, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and numerous overlooks and trailheads. It also showcases the park's diverse landscapes, from the beaches and forests to granite peaks and spectacular rocky coastlines.
Cadillac Mountain
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States and one of Acadia’s most iconic destinations. The summit is easily accessible by car and offers sweeping views of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay. A short, paved summit loop trail, along with restrooms and a gift shop, is located at the top. Keep in mind that reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October and must be purchased in advance through Recreation.gov.
Rockefeller Carriage Roads
A gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr., Acadia’s 45 miles of carriage roads provide traffic-free routes for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. The roads wind through mountains and valleys, cross historic stone bridges, and pass through forests and alongside peaceful ponds, offering a quieter way to experience the park.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
