We’ve filmed and hiked across cadia/”>cadia-national-park/”>Acadia National Park more times than we can count, and the place never loses its grip on us. Something about the way the Atlantic crashes against the pink granite, the fog rolling off Frenchman Bay at dawn, the smell of balsam fir everywhere you go. It’s one of those parks that gets into your bones.
You can expect anywhere from six to twelve inches of snow a month. Since temperatures rarely rise above freezing, even at daytime highs, that snow sticks around through spring. Of course, you can’t bank on having snow either.
Nor’easters pummel the region from fall through spring occasionally, but those come with plenty of advance warning.
Acadia Winter Hikes
Beyond walking or snowshoeing the carriage roads, all the hiking trails you can reach are up for grabs.
Keep in mind that the strenuous trails of summer because that much more foreboding in winter, especially places like Beehive and Precipice that require climbing ladders and using rungs.
Coastal Trails
If hanging off the edge of a cliff wielding an ice ax sounds like fun, you’re going to love what awaits at Acadia. Places like Otter Cliffs, The Precipice, and South Bubble continue to offer excellent climbing options even in the depths of winter.
The winter shoreline of Acadia in Winter. (Shutterstock/Scott Canning)
Great Head Trail: This is a moderate 1.7-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the ocean and Sand Beach. It’s a great option for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Ocean Path: This easy 4-mile round-trip trail takes you past Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff, offering beautiful views of the coastline. Be sure to check the conditions before you go, as the trail can be icy in the winter.
Ship Harbor Trail: This easy 1.3-mile trail is a great option for a short hike. It winds through the woods and offers views of the ocean and Somes Sound.
Tap on the photo below to check out our favorite hikes in Acadia National Park.
Ice Climbing
Outfitters like Acadia Mountain Guides are ready to help you plan the experience based on your skill level.
Most of the ponds and lakes freeze over in Acadia National Park, offering a great chance for some ice fishing. The season runs from January through March, and you’ll need a Maine fishing license.
A fresh snowfall adds luster to the Acadia National Park landscape in winter. (NPS Photo)
For a more turnkey experience, book a tour with places like Acadia Fly Fishing. They set up everything – you show up and catch fish.
Scenic Drives
As discussed above, a great scenic section of Acadia National Park stays open in the winter. However, more adventures await.
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of the best parts of Acadia in winter. (Shutterstock/Saptashaw Chakraborty)
Schoodic Peninsula National Scenic Byway
On the way to the Schoodic Peninsula, you’ll drive the Schoodic National Scenic Byway. It stretches for 35 miles, including the loop portion in Acadia National Park.
“Never turn your back on the ocean,” and waves like this are the reason why. (Shutterstock/Scott Canning)
Check the tide schedules for Tidal Falls Preserve, where you can see the “reversing falls,” one of only eight found throughout Maine’s coastline.
“Sometimes, Better Is Dead”: If you know what book/movie that is from, you’ll love this! Go two miles off Route 1 on Point Road in Hancock. The house used in Stephen King’s Pet Sematary movie is located at 303 Point Road.It is privately owned, but there’s a small pull-out to look at the house if you want to snap a photo.
Sargeant Drive on Somes Sound
Over by Northwest Harbor, you’ll find my favorite scenic section in winter. Take Sargeant Drive, which straddles the eastern edge of Somes Sound. The two-lane road becomes an explosion of winter wowza. On one side, the water ripples to the rim of the rocks lining the road.
An example of the conditions you might find on a trail at Acadia in winter. (NPS Photo)
On the other side, ice formations dangle, drip, and delight on sheer cliffs. In between? Snow-heavy trees line the way. Tuck this one away for stunning fall drives, spring blooms, or summer “top down” cruises.
Seawall in Acadia
One of the first roads to feel the impact of an incoming storm is Seawall Road near Southwest Harbor. This five-mile stretch of road takes you right to the edge of the tide. Bundle up at night to soak in the night skies from this vantage point.
Acadia National Park roads, state roads, and carriage roads don’t always intersect but overlap, as you see here.
As we mentioned earlier, the Ship Harbor Trail is one of the best winter hikes in Acadia, and it’s right off this road.
Bass Harbor Sunset
During summer, you’ll struggle to find a parking spot or even get a moment of peace with the groups that crowd Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset. Winter in Acadia brings the best opportunity to savor Bass Harbor’s sunset in all its glory.
Jordan Pond takes on a whole new winter personality inside Acadia National Park, and it is accessible throughout the year. (Shutterstock/Scott Canning)
A small parking area awaits with a short walk through woods to the coastline. One important note – the best spots come with precarious steps. You’ll stand (or sit) on tiers and steps of the rugged coastline. My nerves took over when I couldn’t wear crampons on the slick rock but needed them for the snow and ice – all within inches of each other.
Winter Sunrise and Sunset Times in Acadia
Now that we’re all excited to visit Acadia in the winter, I’m offering another dose of reality. Considering how far north Acadia National Park is, the sun will set much earlier than you might expect – as early as 3:53 pm.
Dogs on a six-foot leash love exploring the trails and carriage roads. Acadia offers one of the most dog-friendly national park experiences in the nation.
A trip to Acadia National Park isn’t complete without a view of Schoodic Point, which is open in the winter. (Shutterstock/Thomas Kloc)
If you are bringing a pet, be responsible. Pick up after them and carry the waste with you until you can properly dispose of it. Do not leave it bagged on the trail or toss it into the woods. Responsible pet owners and dogs can earn the title of B.A.R.K. Ranger. As a pet parent myself, I love that Acadia allows pets to enjoy the splendor on these roads.
A few pet rules to note:
Leashed dogs are allowed on Sand Beach in the winter but not in the spring or summer (June 15 – September 8).
Even though it’s winter, a full-body scan for ticks is necessary after a hike.
On a related note, the six-foot leash law is one reason dog sledding isn’t allowed in Acadia National Park.
Is Acadia REALLY Worth a Winter Visit?
Our mission at More Than Just Parks is to share the love of public lands but also not oversell or diminish any aspect of a park. The only motivation is to help YOU plan a trip and start conversations.
Boulder Beach offers a secluded spot on the coastline, but can be dangerous in winter when storms roll in. (Shutterstock/Cavan-Images)
Let’s go through the pros and cons of visiting Acadia in winter.
This film is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Acadia National Park during peak fall color.
Views on the Bar Harbor ferry include scenes like this of Winter Harbor Lighthouse. (Shutterstock/G Allen Penton)
Smaller Crowds: The busy summer months bring in around 760,000 people, with peak visitation in July or August. Looking back at the past five years of visitation data, December – March saw anywhere from 10,000 – 20,000 each *month. That means the crowds are 89%-98% less.
A Winter Dream: Acadia offers the fun of snow, like you’d get at Yosemite, but without accumulations by the foot. Then, add in the stunning ocean scenery, from Sand Beach to ragged shores with crashing waves. At the same time – dress for the cold. As they say in Maine, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.”
Variety: Instead of trails being EITHER skiing or hiking, you get carriage roads and hiking trails. If the park roads are closed, take the state roads and explore the coastal towns like Tremont and Southwest Harbor.
Cons of Winter in Acadia National Park
Pretty photos are nice, but this shows the reality of the kind of ice you might face at the summit of Cadillac Mountain in winter. (NPS Photo)
No Camping: While camping in bitter cold isn’t my thing, so many people in my group of friends are bummed you can’t camp at Acadia anymore. Without a nearby option, you have to drive at least an hour or two to find a campsite.
Limited Accommodations: Our favorite place to stay in Bar Harbor isn’t open during the off-season. You’ll find that a handful of great options are open, but prepare for more hunting and pecking to find the right spot.
Unpredictable Weather: This con goes for many parks, not just Acadia. If a nor’easter is approaching, the roads and trails could be pre-emptively closed, then closed during the storm, and then closed for days afterward to clean up. (Maybe offer to volunteer!)
I purposely left off the closure of roads to vehicles because the park’s footprint isn’t minimized that much – it’s just how you choose to get around. Snowmobiling is a game changer once you learn how to use the ride.
With the traffic in the summer, you will likely cover more ground on skis anyway.
February Winter Break: Visiting Acadia in February should be on your short list of things to do during the winter break week for New England schools.
WATCH: The Acadia Film in 4K
It is dedicated to George Dorr, who was instrumental in saving the land and founding the park. Journey with us as we explore this magnificent coastal wonderland in stunning fall color.
We’d sure appreciate it if you’d subscribe to our YouTube Channel or share it with your friends if you enjoyed the film.
Planning an Acadia Trip? We Can Help
Our team explored Acadia in every season and we’re not playing favorites. This guidance should get you started.
Ocean Path takes you to the Otter Cliffs on a winter hike in Acadia National Park. (Shutterstock/Scott Canning)
Two brothers who've spent their entire adult lives exploring America's public lands and fighting to protect them. What started as a film project has grown into one of the most active public lands grassroots networks in the country. 20,000+ people now stand with us.
