Heading to Acadia National Park? Know Before You Go

If you are heading to Acadia National Park this summer, there are some things that you should know before you go.

The Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton is Open

2026 will be the first full year that the center is open.

There's plenty of parking, and there are EV chargers if you have an electric vehicle. You can purchase your Acadia National Park Pass either from the kiosk outside or inside. There is an information booth, and then a separate area to receive information from an Acadia National Park Ranger. There's a Park Store and lots of chairs where you can wait for the Island Explorer in air-conditioned comfort.

You can click HERE to take a tour inside the Acadia Gateway Center

There Are New Fees

If you are a non-US Resident and over the age of 16,  there is a $100 per person surcharge to enter the Park. So if you are in a car and have 4 non-US residents, then the cost would be $435.00. The non-resident fee applies to anyone entering without an Annual or America the Beautiful pass and includes those entering as part of a commercial tour group or concessioner tour group.

2026 Fee-Free Days 

US Citizens and Residents do not have to pay entrance fees on the following days in 2026

• May 25 - Memorial Day
• June 14 - Flag Day
• July 3-5 - Independence Weekend
• August 25 - 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
• September 17 - Constitution Day
• October 27 - Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday
• November 11 - Veterans' Day

Smoking Marijuana is Illegal in Acadia National Park

Recreational and Medical marijuana is legal in the State of Maine, however it is illegal in Acadia National Park.

Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations

From May 20th through October 25th you'll need a reservation to drive up the Cadillac Summit Road to the top of Cadillac Mountain.  Reservations are $6.00 and allow you to enter the road within a 30-minute window. Reservations may be made HERE. Reservations may be made in advance, and tickets are released the day before and on the day of.

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Pets Are Welcome

You don't have to leave your furry friend at home, but all pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Remember to make sure you bring water for your dog if you are hiking, and to collect and dispose of all animal waste properly. Do not leave your pet unattended in cars or at campsites. And remember to check for ticks.

Take the Fare-Fee Island Explorer

Don't worry about finding a parking spot. The fare-free Island Explorer serves a great deal of Mount Desert Island. To see all the areas that the Island Explorer serves and the schedules, click HERE.

Thunder Hole

You won't want to miss Thunder Hole. In nice weather, you can hear the "thunder", and on days when the wind is blowing, or it is storming, you can get some unbelievable pictures when the waves will crash over the observation deck.

To learn more about Thunder Hole, click HERE.

Sand Beach

Sand Beach is beautiful, but the water can be shockingly cold even in the warmest months and on the hottest days!  To learn more about Sand Beach, click HERE.

Jordan Pond House 

A trip to Acadia National Park just isn't complete without a popover at Jordan Pond House. Parking can be a little difficult. You can choose to eat inside the restaurant or outdoors under umbrellas. When you eat outdoors, it's seat yourself, and you order at a pop-up popover and prosecco station, and then they'll call your name. It's definitely the way to go.

To learn more and to see their menu, click HERE.