The Ultimate Guide to Acadia's Park Loop Road

The Park Loop Road is the primary artery of Acadia National Park. This 27-mile scenic drive connects the park’s most iconic sights, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Jordan Pond.

If you only have one day in Acadia, driving this loop is how you spend it.

The Route at a Glance

• Length: 27 miles (43 km)
• Time: 3-4 hours (with stops)
• Direction: Mostly one-way (clockwise). Pay attention to signs!
• Fee: You must have a valid National Park pass displayed in your windshield.

Key Stops (In Order)

Since the road is one-way, you need to hit these in order. If you miss one, you have to drive the whole loop again!

1. Sieur de Monts Spring

The “Heart of Acadia.” Visit the Nature Center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia here. It’s a quiet start before the crowds.

2. Sand Beach

One of the few sandy beaches in a park famous for rock.

• The Vibe: Gorgeous but freezing. The water rarely tops 55°F.
• The Hike: The trailhead for the famous Beehive Trail (iron rungs, very steep) is right across the street. Alternatively, take the flat Ocean Path which starts here.

3. Thunder Hole

A natural inlet where waves crash into a small cavern, creating a thunderous boom and splashing water 40 feet in the air.

• Pro Tip: It only “thunders” about 2 hours before high tide. At low tide, it’s just a quiet cave. Check the tide charts!

4. Otter Cliff

One of the most spectacular sights on the East Coast. These 110-foot granite cliffs drop straight into the ocean. It’s a popular spot for rock climbers.

5. Jordan Pond

The deepest and clearest lake in the park.

• The Jordan Pond House: Famous for its popovers and tea on the lawn. Reservations are essential in summer.
• The Hike: The Jordan Pond Path is a flat, easy 3.3-mile loop around the water.

6. Cadillac Mountain Summit Road

Near the end of the loop, you can turn onto the road up Cadillac Mountain.

• Warning: From May through October, you need a separate vehicle reservation to drive up Cadillac Road. Do not just show up; you will be turned away.

Logistics & Tips

• Go Early or Late: Between 10 AM and 3 PM in July and August, the road can be a parking lot. The right lane allows parking, which effectively turns the scenic drive into a one-lane road.
• The Island Explorer: Consider leaving the car behind. The free propane-powered buses stop at all major points on the loop. It’s stress-free and better for the environment.
• One-Way Warning: The section from Sand Beach to Jordan Pond is one-way. Once you pass Sand Beach, you are committed.

Seasonal Access

• Summer/Fall: Fully open.
• Winter: Most of the Park Loop Road closes to cars from December 1 to April 14. It becomes a playground for cross-country skiers and fat-tire bikers.

Beyond the Main Stops

While everyone hits the major attractions, the Park Loop has quieter spots worth discovering:

Schooner Head Overlook

An early turnoff before the main loop offers excellent views of the Porcupine Islands. Much less crowded than the main viewpoints.

The Ocean Path

This 2.2-mile trail parallels the road from Sand Beach to Otter Point. Walking it lets you experience the coast at a slower pace than driving, with access to ledges and coves you’d otherwise miss.

Great Head Trail

Starting from Sand Beach, this moderate 1.5-mile loop climbs to the highest headland on the Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro. Stunning views in every direction.

Hunter’s Beach

A tucked-away cobblestone beach that most visitors never find. The turnoff is small and easy to miss—which is part of its charm.

Photography Tips

The Park Loop Road is one of the most photographed drives in America. To get better shots than the crowds:

• Golden Hour: The granite cliffs glow at sunrise and sunset. Otter Cliff at sunrise is particularly spectacular.
• Fog Days: Don’t put away your camera. Fog rolling off the ocean creates moody, atmospheric images that capture Acadia’s mystery.
• Tide Timing: Thunder Hole is dramatic at incoming high tide. The cobblestone beaches look different at different tide stages.
• Off-Peak Hours: The crowds thin dramatically before 9 AM and after 5 PM.

Combining with Carriage Roads

The Park Loop Road is just one way to experience Acadia. John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s 45 miles of broken-stone carriage roads offer car-free exploration through the park’s interior. Several carriage roads intersect with or parallel the Park Loop, allowing you to combine driving and walking/biking.

Highlights accessible from Park Loop Road stops:

• Jordan Pond Carriage Roads: Flat, scenic riding from the Jordan Pond House.
• Day Mountain: A carriage road leads to a summit with excellent views.
• Eagle Lake Loop: Popular for biking, with lake views throughout.

Planning Your Loop

For first-time visitors, here’s a suggested approach:

Morning (7-11 AM): Start early to beat crowds. Drive the full loop first without stopping at major sites—get a feel for the layout. Then circle back to Sand Beach and work your way around.

Midday (11 AM-2 PM): This is peak crowd time. Consider lunch at Jordan Pond House (with reservation) or a hike that takes you away from the road.

Afternoon (2-6 PM): Return to any spots you missed. The light gets better as afternoon progresses, and crowds thin toward evening.

Evening: If staying on the island, catch sunset from Cadillac Mountain (reservation required) or Seawall on the quieter side.

The Park Loop Road is Acadia’s greatest hit, but it’s also a starting point. The more time you spend here, the more you’ll discover beyond the obvious stops—and the more you’ll want to return.