27 Miles of Atlantic Coastline and Granite Peaks
Park Loop Road is a 27-mile scenic drive through the eastern section of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. The road connects most of the park’s signature stops: Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond House, and the side road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. It begins and ends near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center north of Bar Harbor and runs mostly one-way (clockwise) from mid-June through Columbus Day.
The drive takes about two hours without stops, but that misses the point. With pulloffs at overlooks, short walks to viewpoints, and time at the major attractions, plan three to five hours for the full experience. This is not a road to rush.
The Route
Hulls Cove to Sand Beach: The loop begins at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and climbs through forest before dropping to the coast. The first major stop is Sand Beach, a rare pocket of sand on an otherwise rocky coastline. The water is cold year-round (rarely above 55 degrees in summer), but the beach is popular for sunbathing and the surrounding cliffs are striking.
Sand Beach to Otter Cliff: This is the most dramatic stretch. The road hugs the granite coastline with the Atlantic pounding below. Thunder Hole, about a mile past Sand Beach, is a narrow inlet where waves compress and explode with a deep boom during the right tide conditions (visit one to two hours before high tide for the best show). Otter Cliff, further south, rises over 100 feet above the water and is one of the highest coastal headlands on the eastern seaboard.
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles: The road turns inland past Otter Point and reaches Jordan Pond, a pristine lake framed by the Bubbles, twin rounded peaks that reflect perfectly in the still water. Jordan Pond House serves lunch and the famous popovers with butter and jam on the lawn.
Cadillac Mountain Summit Road: A spur road climbs 3.5 miles to the summit of Cadillac Mountain (1,530 feet), the highest point on the North Atlantic coast. The summit offers 360-degree views of the island, Frenchman Bay, and the outer islands. Sunrise from Cadillac is legendary, but a vehicle reservation is required from late May through late October.
Vehicle reservations for the Cadillac Mountain summit road are required from late May through late October. They release on Recreation.gov 90 days in advance and sell out within minutes. Set a calendar reminder and be ready at the exact release time. Sunrise slots go first.
Key Stops
The following stops are listed in the order you encounter them on the one-way loop:
- Sieur de Monts - Nature center, Abbe Museum, and access to several trailheads
- Sand Beach - Pocket beach between granite headlands (parking lot fills before 9 AM in summer)
- Thunder Hole - Wave-powered natural sound effects (best at incoming tide)
- Otter Cliff - Dramatic 100-foot granite cliffs above the ocean
- Otter Point - Rocky shoreline with tidal pools and picnic area
- Jordan Pond House - Restaurant, popovers, and lake views
- Bubble Pond - Quiet lakeside pulloff
- Eagle Lake - Large lake with carriage road access
- Cadillac Mountain - Summit road (reservation required)
Consider driving the loop once for the overview, stopping at a few key spots, and then returning the next day to spend more time at the places that interested you most. Trying to do everything in one pass leads to a rushed experience.
When to Drive
Summer
All facilities open. Warmest weather. Peak crowds, especially July and August. Start before 9 AM.
Fall
Spectacular foliage. Clearer air for views. Smaller crowds after Labor Day. Jordan Pond House open through October.
Spring
Road opens mid-April (weather dependent). Fewer visitors. Facilities limited until late May.
Winter
Most of Park Loop Road is closed. Short sections remain open near the visitor center.
Fall is the best time for the scenic drive. The foliage lights up the mountains, the air is clearer than summer haze allows, and the crowds thin significantly after Labor Day. Summer offers the most complete experience with all facilities open, but parking becomes a serious challenge at popular stops by mid-morning.
The one-way section of Park Loop Road actually makes the drive more relaxing. You do not have to worry about oncoming traffic on the narrow coastal sections, and pulloffs are easier to use. Do not try to drive the loop backwards, as sections are strictly one-way during peak season.
Practical Notes
An Acadia National Park entrance fee is required ($35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass). Park passes can be purchased at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, at the Sand Beach entrance station, or in advance online.
The Island Explorer shuttle is a free bus system that connects Bar Harbor to several stops along Park Loop Road. It is an excellent alternative to driving, especially for Sand Beach and Jordan Pond, where parking lots fill early.
Restrooms are available at the visitor center, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and several picnic areas along the route.
Packing List
Park Loop Road Drive
- Park pass (or cash for entrance fee)
- Camera
- Binoculars (coastal bird watching and island views)
- Layered clothing (temperatures vary from shore to summit)
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Tide chart (for Thunder Hole timing)
Getting There
Park Loop Road begins and ends at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Route 3 in Bar Harbor, about four miles northwest of downtown Bar Harbor. The visitor center is the usual starting point for the drive.
From Bangor, take I-395 East to Route 1A East, then follow Route 3 South over the bridge onto Mount Desert Island. Continue on Route 3; the Hulls Cove Visitor Center is on the right, marked by signs. The drive from Bangor is about 60 miles and takes about an hour.
From Portland, the drive is about 180 miles (three hours) via I-295 North, I-95, and then I-395 and Route 3.
The visitor center parking area accommodates cars and RVs and includes a set of 52 stone steps up to the main building, along with an accessible lot behind the building. A valid Acadia park pass ($35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass) is required and can be purchased at the visitor center, at the Sand Beach entrance station, or in advance online.
During peak summer, the free Island Explorer shuttle from Bar Harbor stops at several points along Park Loop Road, letting you skip the parking challenges at Sand Beach and Jordan Pond. GPS coordinates for the loop center approximately 44.3550, -68.2200.
FAQ
How long does Park Loop Road take to drive?
The 27-mile loop takes about 2 hours without stops. With stops at major viewpoints and attractions, plan 3 to 5 hours for a complete experience.
Is Park Loop Road one-way?
Large sections of the road are one-way (clockwise) from mid-June through Columbus Day. The rest of the year, the road is two-way where it is open.
When does Park Loop Road open?
The road typically opens in mid-April, weather permitting, and closes in late November. Check the NPS website for current status.
Do I need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?
Yes. Vehicle reservations are required from late May through late October. Book on Recreation.gov 90 days in advance. Sunrise slots sell out within minutes.
What is the best time of day to drive Park Loop Road?
Early morning (before 9 AM) avoids the worst crowds and parking challenges. Late afternoon, after 3 PM, is also less busy. Midday in summer is the most congested.
