Discover more about the scenic beauty and natural and human history of Acadia National Park when you join a park ranger for an ambling walk, a leisurely trail hike, a cozy campfire chat, an offshore boat cruise, or one of the many other interesting programs offered from the middle of May through mid-October at locations throughout the park.
Go birdwatching to locate, identify, and discuss the wealth of migratory and resident land and sea birds that inhabit Acadia. Meander through the woodlands around Sieur de Monts Spring to for a close-up look at the animals and plant life that live there and why. Take a walk to a beaver pond around dusk when the animals are most active to get a look at the homes and handiwork.
Travel the beautiful carriage roads and marvel at the stone bridges on foot of by bicycle to stories and gain insight into the history and construction of these amazing structures, gifts of John D. Rockefeller and his family. Explore the paths around Sieur de Monts Spring for a look at some of more than 1,000 species of wildflowers, plants, and trees found in the park.
Circle the alpine environs of the summit rocks atop Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the park, for a bird’s eye view of the park and the myriad islands offshore in Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Hike to the top of Beech Mountain for a peek inside the only firetower in the park and a talk on how fire has changed the physical geography of the park over time.
Scan the cliff faces of the mountains for migrating hawks and other birds of prey. Poke around the seaweed and rocks of the tidepools for a close look at the fascinating little creatures that make their home in these special places. Tour the site where the mansion of George Dorr once stood and learn more about the role this man played in creating the park.
Take a hike over Sand Beach to Great Head to explore the unique geologic history of the park. Bring your digital camera and join expert photographers as they explain how best to capture the wonders of Acadia.
Join a park ranger for a boat cruise to Frenchman Bay, Baker Island, or Isleford to watch for wildlife above and below the ocean waters, visit a lighthouse, tour an island historical museum, or take an island hike.
Numerous nighttime activities in the park mean ensure a full day of fun for the whole family. Evenings at Blackwoods Campground at Seawall Campground feature a wide variety of ranger programs held at the amphitheaters there. Campers and non-campers alike are welcome. Check the park bulletin boards and visitor centers for a list of times and topics. Meet a ranger at Sand Beach to explore the night sky and the universe of stars, or take a guided night hike to experience the shadowy sights and sounds of life in the park in the dark.
The Acadia Night Sky Festival each September is a weeklong celebration of the wonders and importance of the Acadia and Downeast Maine night sky, and includes talks, night hikes, cruises, photo workshops, movies, and much more.
Fun children’s programs are many and varied, and include animal tales, mountain mysteries, readings with a ranger, exploring streams and sand beaches, short hikes, tidepool exploration, and many others. Participating children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Visitor Resources: Ranger Led Programs
