Things to do nearPark Loop Road
Park Loop Road is Acadia National Park's iconic 27-mile scenic drive in Maine, celebrated for coastal cliffs, forested overlooks, and the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Park Loop Road was developed in the early twentieth century as a way to guide visitors through Acadia's most celebrated landscapes. The road reflects the era's philosophy of designed scenic drives, curving deliberately to frame views of the ocean, the mountains, and the interior ponds that define Mount Desert Island.
Drivers and cyclists follow a roughly 27-mile circuit that passes landmarks including Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, Thunder Hole, and the toll road ascending Cadillac Mountain. Each stop offers something distinct, from the pink granite sea walls at Otter Cliff to the quiet reflection of Jordan Pond beneath the rounded summits known as the Bubbles.
The road draws hikers, photographers, and cyclists alongside those touring by car. Many visitors combine a drive with short trail segments that branch directly from roadside pullouts, making it easy to move between the vehicle and the landscape on foot.
Park Loop Road captures the essential character of Acadia in a single continuous journey, offering accessible entry into one of the most visually varied national parks on the East Coast.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Park Loop Road
Visit during early morning to catch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain and avoid the heaviest traffic along the one-way sections of the road.
Try stopping at Sand Beach for a short walk even if the Atlantic water is too cold for swimming, as the surrounding pink granite scenery is striking.
Bring layers regardless of the season, since summit temperatures and coastal winds can drop significantly even on warm inland days.
Pull off at Thunder Hole around mid-tide when wave action is strong enough to produce the dramatic sound and spray the site is known for.
Park at the Jordan Pond House area and walk the flat shoreside path around the pond for a quieter experience away from the busiest overlooks.
Top tours & experiences near Park Loop Road
Explore Acadia & Bar Harbor on a 3-Hour Private Tour
Tour Bar Harbor and Acadia’s Park Loop Road by private van
3-Hour Guided Acadia Tour With Cadillac Summit
See Acadia’s Park Loop Road, Cadillac Summit, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole in 3 hours
3-Hour Private Guided Tour of Acadia National Park
Explore Acadia’s Park Loop Road on a private 3-hour guided drive
4-Hour Guided E-Bike Tour in Acadia National Park
Ride Acadia highlights by e-bike with a guide
Explore Acadia National Park on a 4-Hour E-Bike Rental
Ride a Class 1 e-bike on Acadia’s Park Loop Road and Carriage Roads
Full-Day E-Bike Rental in Bar Harbor
Ride a Class 1 e-bike on Acadia’s Park Loop Road and Carriage Roads
Explore Mount Desert Island Guided Tour From Bar Harbor
Private 5-hour Mount Desert Island tour beyond Acadia National Park hotspots