Acadia NP Panoramic Road Itinerary
Acadia NP Panoramic Road is a 176 km road trip that starts and ends in Ellsworth, United States. It is best experienced between April and October, when the weather is most mild and the views are most spectacular. This route takes you through the towns of Trenton, Bar Harbor, Otter Point, Seal Harbor, and Cadillac Mountain. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Coast. You'll also have the chance to explore the quaint shops, restaurants and attractions of all the towns.
The roads are mostly in good condition, but be aware that there are some curvy and narrow roads along the route, and that seasonal closures may occur due to weather conditions. This road trip is perfect for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. It provides a very high level of experience and memories, and is sure to be a highlight of your trip!
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number of days
176 km
route length
fair
budget
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low
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START
Ellsworth
Distance 176 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: modest
45.8 kWh
Airports
BGR
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Ellsworth is a great starting point for your road trip to Acadia National Park Panoramic Road. Located in the U.S. state of Maine, Ellsworth is the commercial, cultural and social center of Hancock County. The city is home to the Ellsworth Public Library, the Grand Theater and the Hancock County Courthouse. You can also find various specialty stores, antique shops, art galleries and restaurants in the downtown area.
If you are planning to rent a car to start your road trip, the closest international airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR) which is about 50 miles away from Ellsworth. There are car rental services available at the airport, allowing you to easily pick up your car and begin your journey.
Once you are in Ellsworth, be sure to check out the Waterfront Park, a great spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking and more. The park also offers spectacular views of Union River and is a great place to take in some of Maine's beautiful nature. For a bit of a cultural experience, visit the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where you can learn about the history and culture of the area.
Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, Ellsworth is the perfect place to start your Acadia National Park Panoramic Road trip.
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Ellsworth
- Trenton
Distance 15 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
4.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Ellsworth-Trenton road trip stage! This is one of the stops in a larger tour and you are in for an amazing experience. The total distance between the two cities is 9 miles and it will take you less than an hour to drive.
First, let’s start in Ellsworth. This city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and friendly people. Make sure to visit the historic Ellsworth Public Library, the Ellsworth Historical Society Museum, and the Ellsworth City Park.
Next up is Trenton. This charming city has a lot to offer, such as the Trenton-Maine Museum, the Mill Pond Park, and the Trenton Public Library. It is also home to the famous Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood Maine has to offer.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Trenton - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - CMS-media-panel
Trenton - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - CMS-media-panel
Trenton - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - CMS-media-panel
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2
Trenton
- Bar Harbor
Distance 18 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
5.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Trenton, United States to Bar Harbor in 11 miles and less than 1 hour of driving.
In Trenton, make sure to visit the Old Barracks Museum, where you can learn about the history of the American Revolution. You can also explore the New Jersey State House, and the Trenton Battle Monument, the oldest in New Jersey.
When you reach Bar Harbor, you can explore the Acadia National Park, where you can take a boat tour around the islands, hike on the trails, or take a scenic drive. You can also visit the Bar Harbor Whale Museum, the Abbe Museum, and the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Bar Harbor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - CMS-media-panel
Bar Harbor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - CMS-media-panel
Bar Harbor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - en.wikipedia.org
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3
Bar Harbor
- Otter Point
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: slow
2.6 kWh
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Embark on a 7mi journey from Bar Harbor to Otter Point and explore the stunning beauty of Maine along the way! The drive will take you less than an hour and you will be mesmerized by the winding roads and the scenic views. Make sure to keep your eyes open for some of the most remarkable sights of the area, such as the rocky shoreline, the rugged cliffs and the vibrant forests. There are plenty of opportunities to take some amazing pictures and to enjoy a peaceful stroll in nature. Don't forget to take a break and admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. And if you want to make the most of your journey, you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So don't wait any longer and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Otter Point - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Otter Point
- Seal Harbor
Distance 12 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
2.7 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Otter Point to Seal Harbor? This route is only 7 miles long and can be completed in less than an hour. As you drive along the winding roads, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the surrounding area. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife that might be out and about.
Once you’ve arrived in Seal Harbor, you’ll be able to explore the area and discover some of its hidden gems. From the quaint harbor to the stunning views of the nearby mountains, you’ll never run out of things to do. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops to explore, so you’ll never go hungry or bored.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. With so much to explore, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on this road trip.
Seal Harbor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - GoodFreePhotos
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5
Seal Harbor
- Cadillac Mountain
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: slow
6.7 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip from Seal Harbor to Cadillac Mountain? This 18-mile drive will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy the scenery along the way. Be sure to pay attention to the winding roads and narrow sections, as some parts of the route may be closed seasonally. You can also take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Acadia National Park.
Once you arrive at Cadillac Mountain, you will be able to explore the highest peak on the East Coast and get a spectacular view of the surrounding area. There are numerous trails and picnic areas to explore, as well as a visitor's center that provides information about the area and its history.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Cadillac Mountain - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Cadillac Mountain
- Tremont
Distance 40 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
10.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Cadillac Mountain, US and ending in Tremont. The 25 mi drive will take you less than an hour and, as you drive, you will be able to admire the scenic road. During your journey, you may find some sections of the route closed seasonally, as well as winding and narrow roads. Take a break at Cadillac Mountain and enjoy the panoramic views, or at Schoodic Mountain and admire the beauty of the ocean. In Tremont, take a walk around the harbor and visit the local galleries. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Tremont - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wallpaperflare
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Tremont
- Ellsworth
Distance 51 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
13.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a road trip from Tremont to Ellsworth! This 32mi journey will take you less than an hour and will be the perfect opportunity to explore the best of both places.
In Tremont, visit the historic Tremont Opera House, built in 1891 and now a museum dedicated to the town's history. Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and rivers from the nearby Tremont Overlook.
When you reach Ellsworth, take a stroll around the charming downtown area. Visit the Ellsworth Public Library, the oldest library in Hancock County, and the Ellsworth Historical Museum, which houses artifacts from the town's past.
Don't forget to explore the Ellsworth Waterfront Park, located along the Union River. Here, you can enjoy the scenic views while fishing or kayaking.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Ellsworth
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Ellsworth is a vibrant city located in the US State of Maine. It marks the end of the Acadia National Park Panoramic Road, a stunning route that takes you through some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country.
The town of Ellsworth itself has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. The Grand Theatre regularly puts on plays and musicals and the Maine Lighthouse Museum is a must-see, exploring the history of the area's lighthouses and their keepers. For art lovers, the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts offers classes and workshops in everything from glassblowing to blacksmithing.
To experience the local wildlife, the nearby Downeast Salmon Federation offers guided tours of the Union River and its tributaries. Alternatively, the Union River Boat Company provides boat rides and fishing charters on the river.
If you're looking for a bite to eat, Ellsworth has a great selection of restaurants. The local favorite, the Downeast Lobster Pound, serves up quality seafood dishes in a casual atmosphere.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR). From there, it's a short drive to Ellsworth and the start of the Acadia National Park Panoramic Road.
So why not make Ellsworth the last stop on your next road trip? With so much to do and see, you won't be disappointed!
Acadia NP Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Ellsworth
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End:
Ellsworth
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Distance:
176 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Bangor International Airport (BGR)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a breathtaking 176 km journey through the heart of Maine's natural beauty with the Acadia National Park Panoramic Road Trip. Starting and ending in the gateway city of Ellsworth, Maine, USA, this route guides Roadtrippers through the diverse landscapes of Acadia National Park and the picturesque Atlantic Coast, punctuated by visits to historic towns like Trenton and the vibrant Bar Harbor.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Bar Harbor: This idyllic seaside town is filled with unique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants, offering a glimpse into the culture and charm of coastal Maine life.
- Cadillac Mountain: Standing as the tallest mountain on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Cadillac Mountain provides panoramic views, with the sunrise views being a sought-after spectacle as it's the first place to see the sunrise in the United States from October to March.
- Otter Point: Offers dramatic coastal views, with its craggy cliffs and tide pools, it's a photographer's and nature lover's paradise.
- Seal Harbor: A tranquil village with understated elegance, once home to the summer retreats of America's elite, it allows for serene exploration away from the crowds.
Best Time to Go:
The prime season for this Road Trip is between April to October when the weather is most agreeable, and the park's flora and fauna are vibrant. Autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage that adds an extra layer of allure to the park's landscapes.
Potential Risks:
- Winding and narrow Roads require attentive driving.
- Inclement weather, particularly in the off-season, can unexpectedly close Roads.
- Wildlife may cross Roads unexpectedly, requiring vigilance, especially during the crepuscular hours.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Acadia National Park is one of the top ten most-visited national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.
- The park's carriage Roads and stone bridges were financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and are acclaimed for their beautiful and seamless integration with the landscape.
- The park is home to over 1,500 plant species, and birdwatchers can spot more than 300 bird species, making it a biodiverse hotspot.
- The traditional custodians of the land, the Wabanaki people, have a presence in the park that dates back over 12,000 years.
A good choice for:
The Acadia National Park Panoramic Road Trip is not just a drive but a journey through time, nature, and culture. With its spectacular vistas, rich history, and inviting towns, this Road Trip promises to create enduring memories and offer an immersive experience into the heart of coastal Maine.
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