Acadia National Park

The Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine is the only national park in New England — and one of the most visited in the entire USA. On the island of Mount Desert Island, rocky Atlantic coast, dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and the highest mountain on the US Atlantic coast come together. Acadia is where New England shows its most dramatic face: granite cliffs where the surf crashes, silent mountain lakes between birches and pines, and sunrises that voluntarily get you out of bed at 5 a.m.

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain (466 m) is the point where the sun first shines on the USA between October and March — a fact that attracts hundreds of early risers to the summit every morning. The Cadillac Summit Road (5.6 km) leads to the parking lot at the summit, from where you have a 360° panorama over the Atlantic, the offshore islands, and the bays of Mount Desert Island. Vehicle reservation required for sunrise (May–October, recreation.gov, $6 plus park entrance $35 per car, valid for 7 days). Alternative: the South Ridge Trail hike (11 km round trip, 3–4 hours) — more strenuous, but you have the summit almost to yourself.

Jordan Pond & Popovers

Jordan Pond is Acadia's postcard motif: a crystal-clear glacial lake, framed by the Bubbles (two round hills), with reflections that look painted. The Jordan Pond Path (5.2 km loop, flat, 1.5 hours) circles the entire lake — one of the most popular and easiest hikes in the park. Afterwards: a stop at the Jordan Pond House for the legendary Popovers (warm, airy dough balls with butter and strawberry jam, $12), served here since 1893. In summer, wait times of 30–60 minutes — still worth it.

Thunder Hole & Coastal Walks

Thunder Hole is a narrow crevice in the granite coast where the sea crashes in with a thundering roar at high tide, shooting a spray up to 12 m high. Most spectacular 2 hours before high tide with strong surf — rather disappointing with calm seas. The Ocean Path (3.2 km, flat) connects Thunder Hole with Otter Cliff, a 33 m high cliff over the Atlantic, and Sand Beach, one of the few sandy beaches in Maine (water temperature: 13°C in summer — only for the hardy).

Carriage Roads

John D. Rockefeller Jr. built a 72 km network of gravel roads through the park between 1913 and 1940 — the Carriage Roads, where cars are prohibited. They are ideal for cycling, jogging, or hiking and lead over 17 hand-built stone bridges, each a work of art. Bike rental in Bar Harbor: from $30/day. The most beautiful routes: the Eagle Lake Loop (9.5 km, largely flat, magnificent lake views) and the loop over the three Bubble Pond bridges.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is the gateway to the park and the tourist center of Mount Desert Island — a charming coastal town with restaurants, souvenir shops, and harbor romance. The lobster density per square meter is the highest in the world here: Lobster Roll, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Lobster Bisque, Lobster Ice Cream (yes, it really exists). The best addresses: Thurston's Lobster Pound in Bass Harbor (lobster directly by the water, market price about $18–25/pound) and Side Street Café for Lobster Mac & Cheese ($22). Bar Harbor is also the starting point for whale-watching tours in the Gulf of Maine (from $65, 2–3 hours, sighting rate over 90%).