Acadia National Park is a breathtaking destination every RV should see at least once. While the park's popularity is well-deserved, the millions of visitors each year can cause overcrowding at some of the more well-known spots and viewpoints in the park. However, plenty of secret locations offer as much beauty and wonder without the crowds. In this blog post itinerary, we'll explore some of the hidden gems our family discovered so you can make the most of your trip to Acadia.
What Makes Acadia National Park So Popular?
Our family has visited 37 US national parks during our RV travels, and our favorite park so far is Acadia National Park. The iconic rocky coast and crashing waves among a backdrop of mountains and sleepy Maine towns make this park like no other. The problem? The adorable tiny tourist town of Bar Harbor lies at the park entrance and serves as a bustling cruise ship port. This results in park overcrowding, which can ruin the experience of seeking solitude in nature. After spending two summers RVing in Acadia National Park, here are our favorite lesser-known spots to escape the crowds.
Stop 1: Schooner Head Overlook
Schooner Head Overlook is a must-visit for travelers looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy the park's dramatic views. While most visitors only stop long enough to snap a photo, there's a hidden gem waiting just below the lookout point.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: While many quickly stop here, there’s a somewhat easy-to-miss trail leading from the overlook down to the secluded rocks below. This offers a more peaceful experience of Acadia’s coastal beauty.
- Tips for Visiting: Follow the trail on the right-hand side of the overlook as it winds down the cliff and leads you out onto the rocks below. Those who do find the trail often stop at the first set of rocks, but if you keep walking farther along the cliffs, you'll usually find a tranquil spot all to yourself. This location is not on any shuttle routes, and we recommend visiting after 5:00 pm when the crowds have thinned out.
Stop 2: Little Hunters Beach
One of the most unusual locations on this list is Little Hunters Beach. A favorite of the locals, if you can find this hidden gem, you will be glad you stopped at this secret slice of paradise.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: The beach is covered in perfectly round, multicolored rocks that tumble with the tide, creating a mesmerizing sound. Trust us; you don't want to miss the smoothness and colors of the pebbles here!
- Tips for Visiting: Little Hunters Beach is located on the Park Loop Road but can be difficult to spot from the street. To find it, we recommend checking Google Maps beforehand and taking a screen shot of the map, as there's limited internet service in the area. Look for a long, steep wooden staircase on the left that leads down the cliff to the beach.
Stop 3: Seal Harbor Beach
While Acadia National Park is famous for its expansive, rugged coastlines, many visitors enjoy visiting one of the few sandy beaches in the park for a chilly swim. Unlike the bustling Sand Beach on the main park shuttle route, Seal Harbor Beach remains a relatively undiscovered gem.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: Located southwest of the Park Loop Road, past the quaint town of Seal Harbor, this beach offers a quiet retreat. There's even a historic bathroom, which adds an unexpected place to explore at this stop.
- Tips for Visiting: Parking here is limited, so it's best to leave your vehicle at the visitor center and take the free Island Explorer park shuttle. This is a separate shuttle line and has limited hours, so be sure to check the schedule.
- Bonus Stop: After your day of beach fun, make sure to check out the historic and scenic Jordan Pond House Restaurant in Acadia National Park. Have you ever heard of a popover? This fluffy, eggy pastry has been served on the lawn with tea since 1895. Once you see the view from this restaurant, you will discover why so many choose to dine outside.
Stop 4: The Schoodic Peninsula
Another off-the-beaten-path spot to explore is the Schoodic Peninsula, located an hour's drive past the town of Winter Harbor. This separate section of Acadia National Park sees less than 10% of the park’s annual visitors.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: This section of the park is every bit as beautiful as the main part of Acadia, minus all the crowds.
- Tips for Visiting: Follow the single park loop road around the peninsula to discover many stunning overlooks, or take advantage of the free Schoodic Peninsula Island Explorer shuttle that runs the loop. You can also take a ferry boat from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and then hop on the free park shuttle at the ferry terminal.
Note: The Island Explorer shuttle in the main section of Acadia National Park does not connect to the Schoodic Peninsula Island Explorer shuttle.
Stop 5: Schoodic Point
Schoodic Point is one of our favorite places to hang out on the Schoodic Peninsula. While there may be more visitors here than in the rest of the peninsula, you can find plenty of room to explore on your own if you walk around a bit.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: Schoodic Point is a relaxing place to watch the raw power of nature as waves put on a show crashing against the rocky shoreline. It’s especially impressive if you visit as the tide level is rising. One of the best things to do at low tide at Schoodic Point is tide pooling. The big rocks hold large pools full of fascinating creatures to explore.
- Tips for Visiting: Don’t miss the fascinating geology of the rocks in this location. The rocks can get very slick when wet. It’s best to always wear proper footwear while exploring Acadia National Park.
Stop 6: Ranger Programs at the Schoodic Institute or Schoodic Campground
For those interested in learning more about the Schoodic Peninsula and Acadia National Park, there are two great options on the peninsula that aren’t found elsewhere.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: The Schoodic Institute has a small museum and offers free, guided Junior Ranger Programs for kids during the day. The Schoodic Woods Campground offers nightly education programs for both kids and adults and staying at the campground is unnecessary to attend. Once kids complete the free Junior Ranger program booklet, they receive a free park badge. These programs are exciting ways to get families excited about nature and park preservation.
Stop 7: The Rocky Shoreline at the End of the Sundew Trail
Finally, we recommend checking out the serene rocky shoreline at the end of the Sundew Trail.
- Why It’s Worth A Stop: This flat, 0.7-mile begins at the Schoodic Institute and ends in a secluded, rocky stretch of shoreline perfect for watching a peaceful sunset. This is in stark contrast to the crowds that tend to gather at Schoodic Point to watch the sunset.
- Tips for Visiting: Park at the Schoodic Institute or arrive by the Schoodic Peninsula Island Explorer shuttle. With the trailhead located near the rear of the parking lot at the top of the hill, it’s an easy walk to a breathtaking, uncrowded vantage point.
Final Thoughts On Exploring Secret Spots In Acadia National Park
While Acadia National Park can be a busy place during peak season, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path spots to explore that offer just as much beauty and wonder without the crowds. From hidden beaches to scenic overlooks and educational programs, there's something for everyone in this stunning park. So next time you take an RV trip to Acadia, be sure to add these must-see stops to your itinerary and enjoy a more peaceful experience in one of America's most beautiful national parks.
