Best Hikes in Acadia National Park for Families

My family visited Maine on our Northeast road trip last summer and explored 11 states in 11 days. One of our favorite places was Acadia National Park in the northeastern corner of Maine. Although we were only there for two days, we enjoyed hiking Acadia with kids and found plenty of things to do in Acadia National Park. I researched what to do in Acadia National Park and found that it is one of the best national park for kids. Here are my recommendations for family hiking in Acadia.

First of all, if you are planning a multi-day hiking trip, you should really consider printing or purchasing an Acadia National Park trail map. Acadia trail maps will be important in cases where reception is poor and you aren't totally sure about one of the Acadia trails.

My Favorite Kid Friendly Hikes in Acadia National Park

1. Ocean Path Trail

This has been one of our family's favorite hikes to date. Of all the Acadia National Park hiking trails, this one combines sweeping ocean views, rock scrambling, and a gentle path with little incline. To me, Ocean Path is one of the best hikes in Acadia because each side adventure you take from the main road leads you to a new ocean view scene. It is one of the best family friendly hikes in Acadia National Park because there is often some rock scrambling either down to the water or up to a viewpoint. My 9 and 7 year olds were very careful, yet enjoyed the climbing around the granite rocks. To read more specifics on this hike such as trail length, where to park and more pictures, click on my post: Ocean Path Trail with Kids.

2. Bubble Rock Trail

We also enjoyed the hike up to Bubble Rock Overlook. There are two ways to reach Bubble Rock (South Bubble Trail and North Bubble Trail). Both hiking routes are about 2 miles round trip and although there is a bit of an incline on the way up to the summit, it is one of the easy hikes in Acadia National Park where you are rewarded with some spectacular views. The hike begins in the forest and as you ascend, the landscape changes dramatically. This is definitely one of the best trails in Acadia National Park. To read more about the Bubble Rock Trail difficulty, parking and see more pictures, click on my post - Hiking Bubble Rock Trail with Kids.

3. Bar Island Crossing

This hike is different from the rest of the Acadia National Park trails because it starts off at the edge of downtown Bar Harbor Maine. Bar Island is considered part of Acadia National Park, yet the only way to get there is to walk across a sandbar during low tide. Most of the Acadia National Park maps have tide charts so that you can time your visit properly. Be careful timing this, as you can get stuck on Bar Island if you are not attentive. This short hike was one of our favorite things to do in Bar Harbor Maine and it was quite unique as well. To read more about the Bar Island sandbar on low tide, click on my post - Hiking Bar Island Trail.

Other Popular Acadia Hikes

Beehive Trail Acadia

Jordan Pond

A Guide to Acadia National Park Trails

What to do in Acadia National Park Besides Hike?

Wake up early to see the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain

Drive Park Loop Road

Acadia Carriage Rides

Other Great Hiking Trails in Maine

Baxter State Park

White Cap Mountain

Caribou Mountain

Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park

I recommend staying in the nearby town of Bar Harbor Maine. Although Acadia National Park encompasses most of Mount Desert Island, there are not too many "cities" nearby. Bar Harbor's proximity to Acadia National Park activities is the most convenient. We stayed at the Wonder View Inn (clean/simple accommodations, just off downtown and budget friendly). To check the rates of other places to stay click below:

Among the best places to stay in Acadia National Park are AirBnB rentals (click here for $40 off your first stay). Acadia National Park campgrounds are another option - check the NPS site for more details on obtaining a spot. Camping near Acadia National Park is also another option - check out this camping guide.

Best time to visit Acadia National Park

This is matter of personal preference, although the most popular time to visit Acadia is surely the summer. Fall is also quite popular due to the change of color in the trees, and is considered the best time to visit due to the summer crowds being gone. Spring can be rainy in Acadia, therefore if you plan to go, be sure to bring waterproof gear.

What to Pack on a National Parks Trip?

US National Parks Packing List

Best Travel Gear for Families

Overall, hiking Acadia National Park with kids should be high on your adventure list if you enjoy the outdoors. Although Acadia National Park is remote, the drive and the scenery are definitely worth it when visiting the Northeast. If you are driving up from Portland Maine to Acadia National Park, check out my post: Road Trip Portland to Bar Harbor.

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