The 6 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park in the Winter

Acadia National Park is among the most visited national parks in the USA, but winter is a different story. Most of the tourism is during the summer and fall months, so Acadia National Park in the winter is quiet and peaceful.

We have visited Acadia National Park in the winter a few times and loved our winter getaways there! We love enjoying the views with fresh snow and fewer crowds.

If you are hoping to enjoy Acadia National Park without the crowds, winter is for you! This guide reviews everything you need to know to plan a trip to Acadia National Park in the winter.

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Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park in the Winer

If you want to visit Acadia National Park in the winter, there are a few things you should know when planning your trip!

Part of the Park Loop Road closes by December 1. Park Loop Road is a beautiful scenic drive around Acadia National Park. Most of the road closes by December 1, but two sections stay open year-round, Jordan Pond and Ocean Drive. We love driving the open sections of the Park Loop Road in winter!
Cadillac Mountain Road is closed. If you are looking to get to the top of Cadillac Mountain, you will need to hike to the summit.
The shuttle stops operating in October. The Island Explorer runs from the end of June through mid-October. Since it does not offer services in the winter, you will need a car to explore Acadia National Park.
Some restaurants and stores in Bar Harbor close in the winter. Since most of the tourism in Acadia National Park is during the summer and fall months, some restaurants and stores close during the off-season. We never have any issues finding food or accommodations when we visit in the winter though!
Acadia National Park in the winter is cold and snowy. Winters in northern Maine are no joke! It is cold, icy, and snowy, so I recommend packing warm clothes.
Trails will be snowy and icy. If you are hoping to winter hike in Acadia National Park, please bring the appropriate hiking gear. The hiking trails will be snowy and icy, so you will need the proper footwear and layers to stay safe and warm.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

Where to Stay in Acadia National Park in the Winter

Although many accommodations close in the winter, a few towns near Acadia National Parkoffer lodging options year-round! We usually stay in Bar Harbor in one of the few open hotels since it is the closest to the park entrance.

Hotels and Campgrounds:

The Inn on Mount Desert
Acadia Hotel - Downtown
Saltair Inn
Blackwoods Campground (only campground that is open year-round)

unique places to stay in maine

What to Pack for Visiting Acadia National Park in the Winter

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and warmth on your trip, you need insulated hiking boots.
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!

Best Things to Do When Visiting Acadia National Park in the Winter

Drive the Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is a beautiful scenic drive and section of the Park Loop Road that is accessible in the winter. It has many must-see sights, including Schooner Head Overlook, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole. In the winter, you can access it from Schooner Head Road to Otter Cliff Road.

We love driving Ocean Drive in the winter because it provides stunning views. I recommend stopping at every overlook to experience everything it has to offer!

Schooner Head Overlook is the first overlook (and one of my favorites!) and has views of Egg Rock Lighthouse. The path from the parking lot to the rocky coast is very icy in the winter.

Sand Beach is the next must-see sight on Ocean Drive and is beautiful in the winter. I love visiting in the winter because it has no crowds compared to the summer and fall. There is also the 1.6-mile Great Head Trail which is a great winter hike.

Thunder Hole is one of the last spots to visit along Ocean Drive and is one of the most popular attractions in Acadia National Park even in the winter. It has a small, carved-out area in rocks and makes a thunder sound as waves crash into it.

Although you can enjoy the winter views from the comfort of your car, I recommend stopping at a few of the overlooks.

sand beach - acadia national park in the winter

Explore Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is another winter-accessible scenic area at the base of the North and South Bubble Mountains. The 3.5-mile loop around Jordan Pond is one of our favorite easy winter hikes. The Jordan Pond Path is a great way to experience Jordan Pond and take in the scenic views!

Note: The Jordan Pond House restaurant is not open in the winter.

jordan pond - acadia national park in the winter

Winter Hike in Acadia National Park

Winter hiking is a fun way to explore Acadia National Park in the winter! The trails in the winter are snowy and icy, so proper footwear and traction are required. It will also be cold, so it is crucial to wear and pack layers to keep warm.

We love hiking in the winter in Acadia National Park because the snow-covered cliffs and mountains are stunning! Here are some of my favorite hiking trails in Acadia National Park that are accessible in the winter:

Jordan Pond Path: Easy; 3.5 miles; 90 feet of elevation gain
Great Head: Easy; 1.5 miles; 300 feet of elevation gain
Gorham Mountain: Easy/Moderate: 3 miles; 500 feet of elevation gain
Cadillac North Ridge Trail: Moderate; 4 miles; 1,100 feet of elevation gain
Pemetic Mountain: Moderate; 4 miles; 900 feet of elevation gain

ocean path trail guide

winter hiking - acadia national park in the winter

Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski on the Carriage Roads

Acadia National Park has over 45 miles worth of historic carriage roads that are perfect for year-round fun! The carriage roads were built in the early 1900s and are a beautiful way to explore Acadia National Park.

In the winter, many of the carriage roads are groomed to make cross-country skiing easier. We love cross-country skiing on the carriage roads!

Since most of the Park Loop Road is closed, you are also able to cross-country ski there. Please note that snowmobiles can use the road as well.

If you do not have cross-country skis or snowshoes, you can rent them at local shops in Bar Harbor.

Snowmobile on the Park Loop Road

If you have a snowmobile and want to explore Acadia National Park in the winter, then you are in luck! Since most of the Park Loop Road is closed in the winter, you can ride a snowmobile on it. It was always one of our favorite family activities growing up when we visited Acadia National Park in the winter. All the regulations you need to follow are on the National Park Service website.

Snowmobile rentals are not available near Acadia National Park, so you will need to own one to enjoy this winter activity!

Go Ice Climbing With a Guide

Are you looking for a fun and unique activity to do in the winter? The Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School offers ice climbing experiences with guides. They give you the opportunity to ice climb a waterfall with no experience.

Their courses teach you the foundations of ice climbing and provide the technical tools needed. If you are up for a fun adventure, ice climbing in Acadia National Park is for you!

This guide is the perfect place to start if you want to plan a winter visit to Acadia National Park. Since I have visited Acadia National Park many times in the winter, I can provide you with the best things to do in Acadia National Park in the winter!