Where To Watch The Sunset In Acadia National Park
The largest national park on the east coast, Acadia National Park is a natural beauty hidden in the middle of lobster roll town, with a little bit of everything to offer for everybody. If you’re visiting this breathtaking place, you are most likely researching everything there is to know about the best views, including where to watch the sunset in Acadia National Park.
This was my first national park and the incredible experience left me with the thirst to continue to explore the rest of them! Although Acadia is known for its sunrise’s, Maines natural beauty allows for some gorgeous sunsets, too. Keep reading to find out all that I learned about where to watch the Sunset in Acadia National Park!
America has so much beauty to offer.
One of the first things that struck me about Acadia was the layout- it is the only place I had ever seen both mountains and shoreline in the same place.
This mix of coastline and mountain views makes this one of America’s most popular national parks and one of the most must see places in all of New England.
With some of the most breath-taking hikes (we went in the fall right as the leaves were starting to change!), such as the famous Beehvie Trail, the Jordan Pond Path Trail, and more – Acadia has something to offer for everyone.
If you’re up for an adventure, the Precipice Trail is a short, tough hike that features a steep climb, numerous climbs up and through metal rungs and ladders, and short walks around narrow ledges.
The challenge of the Precipice Trail awards you with some of the best views in the entire park.
Another option is the famous Beehvie trail. This trail is an easier version of the famous Precipice Trail, but still features sections of cliff walks and metal rungs to climb but with less elevation gain and less exposure. This is a good option if you are not quite sure if you can handle the Precipice Trail.
The Cadillac Summit Loop, and the Jordan Pond Path trail are great options for families – or those just wanting to stroll. Both will give you breathtaking views and the Acadia experience.
The absolute best thing to do in Acadia National Park, though – is catch incredible sunrises, and sunsets.
Let’s start with Sunrises!
1. Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the east coast of the United States.
At certain times of the year it is the first location in the U.S. to see the sunrise.
Literally, it is the spot that the sun first hits the whole country!
For this reason alone, watching a sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain is arguably the most popular place in Acadia.
Cadillac Mountain, sitting at 1,530 in elevation is the highest point on the entire North Atlantic coastline.
Due to its height and northeastern longitude, Cadillac mountain is very first place in the United States that the suns rays hit each morning.
This makes this both an extremely famous, and popular sunrise watching spot.
There are trails that lead up to the summit if you want to hike, but Cadillac Mountain Road makes the visit much easier and quicker. You can reach Cadillac Mountain Road from the northwest side of Park Loop Road. There are plenty of signs pointing you towards Cadillac Mountain, so it is pretty hard to miss.
The best way to catch this sunrise is to drive up Cadillac Summit Road, a winding, narrow 3.5-mile road. Gates to the park are open 24 hours a day, but Cadillac Summit Road is closed from December 1 through April 14, and whenever weather conditions require closure.
There is limited parking at the summit and parking spaces filled up quickly. Wake up early and plan accordingly!
2. Otter Point
Another amazing sunrise spot is Otter Point.
As Cadillac Mountain has grown in popularity, the National Park Service has tried to recommend alternative locations to watch a sunrise. Otter Point and the Otter Cliffs are one of the places that park rangers now frequently recommend.
Located along Park Loop Road near the Ocean Path, Otter Point is an easy drive and has ample parking for vehicles at sunrise. With more than 2 miles of roadway, there are plenty of places for people to spread out and find some solitude.
3. Thunder Hole
Just a few minutes away from Otter Point is Thunder Hole, another good spot along Park Loop Road to catch a sunrise.
Depending on the tide and wind conditions, you may also be treated to the unique sounds that give this area its name. When the tide is at the right level, the waves crashing into the rocks here create a deep, thunderous noise that can add some extra fun to a sunrise experience.
The Ocean Path leads in both directions from Thunder Hole.
Park in the available lot and hike a few yards to find a clear spot to wait for the morning to arrive.
Although the location of Acadia makes it better suited for catching a sunrise – there’s also some incredible sunset spots to check out while you’re there.
Sunrises are great, but sunsets are special. Wondering where to watch the sunset in Acadia National Park?
Here are the best spots!
1. Shoodic Peninsula, away from the hustle of the mainland
Schoodic Peninsula Schoodic Peninsula is an off-the-radar gem hidden in Acadia National Park with arguably some of the best ocean views in the entire state.
With over 2,000 acres of rugged, rocky scenery and dense forest to explore, as well as incredible ocean views, it’s hard to believe that this area is so overlooked. But as the only part of Acadia located on the mainland, Schoodic is easy for the average park visitor to miss.
Finding this hidden gem was my favorite part of my trip here!
This quiet haven really takes on new magic as the sun begins to set.
Getting to Schoodic is easy, but will take some extra effort. If you’re coming from Mount Desert Island, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Peninsula. Or, the Schoodic Ferry runs every few hours during the on-season.
With over 2,000 acres of rugged, rocky scenery and dense forest to explore, as well as incredible ocean views, it’s hard to believe that this area is so overlooked.
Catch the sun set right over the water while listening to the waves thunder onto the rocks – it is a dream come true!
2. Bass Harbor Lighthouse, the most popular place to watch the sunset in Acadia.
This is arguably one of the most famous spots in Acadia (if not on the whole east coast), and the famous shot that everyone wants to get is the shot of the sunset here.
The best views of the lighthouse are accessibly via the stairway down to the jagged rocks, which you can get to right from the Lighthouse Parking Lot. Or, you can hang back and get a nice view up a little higher.
There is a short path between the trees to the left that would lead you closer to the sunset and lighthouse views if you are unable to climb the stairs for some reason, have small children you don’t want too close to the cliffs or just wanting to stay on the safe side.
Just look for where all of the tons of photographers have set up their stations (it’s that popular!)
Built in 1858 out of brick and with a stone foundation Bass Harbor lighthouse is standing on the cliff side on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island and marking the entrance to the Town of Bass Harbor, Maine.
Nothing can really prepare you for this classic New England landscape, with the giant lighthouse sitting on a high, rocky coast bluff lit up by the setting sun with all different shades of yellow, orange and red. It is one of the most picturesque settings you have ever seen.
No wonder why Bass Harbor is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States!
3. Eagle Lake
Although you might not actually see the yellow circle setting from the Lake, you’ll definitely see all of the beautiful colors unfold over the water.
Abundant parking and easy access and footing make this a good spot for all ages and abilities.
The boat ramp opens up the ability for a peaceful sunset on the water, without dealing with waves, tides and ocean currents. Though very busy during the day, it’ll be quieter come sundown and there are plenty of ways to get a bit of privacy if you need!
Some tips I gathered from chasing the sun throughout Acadia:
- Plan Ahead.
Decide ahead of time where you plan go for the sunrise/sunset. Figure out how long it will take you to arrive at the destination, find a parking spot, and give yourself time to settle in.
- Check sunrise/ sunset schedules.
I literally google “sunrise time” and “sunset time” every single time I’m on vacation… every day.
- Check the weather.
It goes without saying that weather at National Parks are unpredictable. You don’t want to wake up at the crack of dawn when the view will be obstructed by fog, so make sure you’re checking and go on the perfect day!
Where To Stay When Visiting Acadia:
Here’s a list of the best hotels in town!
Truly a beautiful hotel, the exterior blends into the charming vibes of the cute town on Frenchman’s Bay. From a heated pool out back to the welcoming porch for gazing at the flowers and surrounding excitement in the front, the hotel has a completely relaxing nature. Breakfast is complimentary and features hot items, fruit, coffee and even prepackaged gluten-free blueberry muffins and bagels!
2. Bluenose Inn
The Bluenose Inn is a Bar Harbor favorite and has been forever! With an indoor pool and hot tub for colder days, and an outdoor pool with water views for summer days- this hotel is a great choice year round. A pianist in the commons area is a pleasant treat as you relax with a tea or coffee, as are the basic breakfast items which you can grab on the go when getting an early start hiking in Acadia.
Bar Harbor Inn and Spa is undoubtedly eye-catching and sits snug against the water’s edge of Frenchman’s Bay. Simply stunning classic decor embodies the age-old lovability of the downtown area, and the place is enormous thanks to seamless additions over the years. Classic rooms with water views have homey touches and at times, two levels, so it feels like your in a little townhome. Breakfast is complimentary, but great restaurants are right across the street. A beautiful path wraps around the front of the inn and is breathtaking at sunrise or sunset.
Explore Bar Harbor
The popular town of Bar Harbor makes for an excellent landing spot to explore the Acadia region. This town gets crowded as many hikers gather both before and after they explore the park to explore the many restaurants and bars this town has to offer.
Don’t leave without having an authentic main lobster- or two!
