Where is Acadia Scenic Loop, Bar Harbor, Maine?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Acadia Scenic Loop is located in Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA.It lies between Bar Harbor and the mountains of Acadia National Park, situated along the coast of Maine, and is famous for its ocean views, forested trails, and access to park landmarks.

Acadia Scenic Loop Location Map, Bar Harbor, Maine

Where is Acadia Scenic Loop Located in Bar Harbor, Maine
About Map: The map showing location of Acadia Scenic Loop in the Bar Harbor, Maine in the United States.

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Top Attractions Along Acadia Scenic Loop

  • Cadillac Mountain – Highest peak in Acadia, offering sunrise views over the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sand Beach – Beautiful sandy beach nestled between rocky cliffs and clear waters.
  • Thunder Hole – Natural rock formation where waves crash dramatically, creating thunderous sounds.
  • Jordan Pond – Scenic lake with walking trails and views of the Bubbles mountains.
  • Otter Cliff – Rugged coastal cliffs perfect for photography and ocean vistas.
  • Carriage Roads – Historic stone roads ideal for walking, biking, and enjoying scenic landscapes.
  • Park Loop Trail – Hiking trail providing access to multiple viewpoints and coastal scenery.

Acadia Scenic Loop Facts

Official NameAcadia Scenic Loop (Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park)
LocationMount Desert Island, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Latitude & Longitude (approx. center)≈ 44.35° N, 68.22° W
Total Route Length~27 miles (≈ 43 km)
Opened / CompletedConstructed between 1921 and 1958
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (as part of Acadia National Park)
RegionCoastal Maine — Atlantic coastline, mountains, forests & lakes on Mount Desert Island
Main Roads / Route DetailsPark Loop Road — mostly one‑way clockwise direction after initial miles; connects to Cadillac Mountain Road for summit access
Thematic ConceptCoastline cliffs & ocean views, Sand beaches, Forested mountains & lakes, Mixed landscapes — sea, forest, mountain & pond
Sections / Areas CoveredSieur de Monts / nature‑center & wild gardens – Sand Beach / ocean‑shore – Thunder Hole & Otter Cliffs / rugged coastline – Jordan Pond & inland ponds/lakes – Cadillac Mountain summit & inland forest/mountain scenery
Famous Views / HighlightsRocky Atlantic coastline & cliffs – Sand Beach – Thunder Hole (waves crashing in a narrow gorge) – Otter Cliff & Otter Cove – Jordan Pond & “Bubble” mountains – Cadillac Mountain summit sunrise/sunset & panoramic views – forested lakes & walking trails
Typical Drive DurationWithout stops ~1 hour; with detours, viewpoints and exploring: 3–4 hours (or more) recommended
Best Time to VisitLate Spring through Fall (spring to autumn) for full access; summer for beaches & coastal views; fall also offers autumn foliage; some coastal/mountain sections remain accessible off‑season — check closures in winter
Entry / Access Fee TypePark Entrance Pass required (valid for vehicles / visitors) — drives along the loop require the standard park pass
Transportation / AccessBy car — Park Loop Road via entrance near Hulls Cove Visitor Center; parking areas & trailheads along road; also optional use of free shuttle (in summer) instead of driving
Complementary Trails & ActivitiesAccess to hiking trails, historic carriage‑roads (for biking / walking), lake & pond strolls, coastal walks, boat/kayak on lakes, photography & nature‑viewing, wildlife & bird watching
Notes / Seasonal & Safety InfoRoad may close in winter except limited sections (coast & some access roads); summer months can get very crowded (parking & traffic) — use shuttle or arrive early; mix of coastal cliffs, slick granite rock & forest trails — bring suitable shoes, water & weather‑appropriate gear
Official / Visitor Information Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/acad/

Distances from Acadia Scenic Loop to Nearby Landmarks

  • Cadillac Mountain Summit – 14 km (8.5 mi)
  • Sand Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Thunder Hole – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Otter Cliff – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Jordan Pond – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Bubble Rock – 19 km (12 mi)
  • Park Loop Road Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Schoodic Peninsula – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Bar Harbor Downtown – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Sieur de Monts Spring – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Ocean Path Trail – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Hulls Cove Visitor Center – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Great Head Trail – 9 km (5.5 mi)
  • Wildwood Stables – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Acadia National Park Nature Center – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Seawall Picnic Area – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Carriage Roads Trailheads – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Somes Sound – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Eagle Lake – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Thunder Hole Overlook – 7 km (4.3 mi)