As a travel enthusiast, I am always looking for interesting destinations. I prefer to plan and experience the trip myself rather than relying on someone else’s arrangements. Therefore, if you are an inexperienced independent traveler, you can search for my shares.
I recently had the opportunity to travel from NYC to Acadia National Park (Which I absolutely love) and I have to say it was an incredible journey. I experienced a complete trip, stopping by a number of interesting destinations along the drive. If you also have a travel plan like me, congratulations, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to share with you everything I had to say about exploring Acadia National Park from New York. I promise I won’t disappoint you. So, let’s explore the details with me and nationalparkshops.com!
Contents
How far is New York to Acadia National Park?
When planning a trip from NYC to Acadia National Park, one of the first questions that comes to mind is the distance. The journey spans approximately 489 miles (or 787 kilometers) by road, which can take around 8 to 9 hours of driving time without any stops. However, this distance can vary slightly depending on the route you choose and traffic conditions.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its stunning coastal views, rocky beaches, and diverse wildlife. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, making it a great getaway with outstanding things to do in Acadia from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
How to get from NYC to Acadia National Park?
You have several options when planning a journey from New York to Acadia National Park. To fully enjoy the scenic beauty that the trip has to offer, I suggest opting for either the Coastal Route or the Mountain Route.
The quicker of the two routes will require approximately 8 hours of driving time and covers a total distance of 480 miles. On the other hand, if you choose the alternative route that traverses the picturesque mountains of Vermont, be prepared for a longer journey, which will take around 11 hours and 15 minutes to complete and will stretch over 600 miles.
The Coastal Route
If you choose to follow The Coastal Route from NYC to Acadia National Park, you’ll start in New York and head north on Interstate 95, passing through New Rochelle and Port Chester while traveling along the coast toward New Haven. If you want to get around town, take CT-15 through Hamden and Wallingford before continuing north on I-91.
Once in Hartford, which can serve as an early overnight stop, continue on I-84 inland, passing through several towns until you reach Union. From this point, you can take a short detour to explore Natchaug State Forest or take the interstate and go through Nipmuck State Forest.
At Sturbridge, transfer to I-90 East, followed by I-290 into Worcester, Massachusetts, where you can spend some time sightseeing. Continue along I-290 to Marlborough, where you can divert to Boston; otherwise, proceed to I-495.
Stay on this route as you move through Haverhill, located just south of Salem. As you approach Amesbury, merge onto I-95, passing through Seabrook, Hampton and North Hampton while still following the coast.
This section offers the chance to admire Maine’s rugged, breathtaking coastline, characterized by beautiful beaches and historic seaside villages, and the chance to see whales.
Continue north on I-95 until you reach Old Orchard Beach, where the road converges with I-195, then I-295 through Scarborough, leading to the popular areas of Portland and Cape Elizabeth near. If time allows, take some time to enjoy this lovely part of Maine.
Take I-295 north and back to the mainland, passing through Fairfield, Pittsfield and Newport. Just before reaching Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, exit the interstate and follow US-1A east through Ellsworth and Trenton until you reach your destination, Acadia National Park.
The Mountain Route
For those who choose to follow The Mountain Route for mountain views, it guides you out of NYC to Acadia National Park by taking Interstate 87 north. Initially follow the Hudson River before exiting onto Route 102 to join the Taconic State Parkway, adjacent to Fahnestock State Park.
Head further north past Salt Point and consider stopping at Mount Washington State Forest to visit, then travel along NY-295 and US-20 before joining MA-43 and US-7. As you continue north, you’ll encounter spectacular mountains and forests, including the Taconic Ridge State Forest, before entering Vermont.
Continuing on US-7 north, you’ll pass through towns such as Bennington, Arlington, and Sunderland. Be sure to take a break at the Blue Mountain National Forest to enjoy its beautiful scenery.
Take VT-11, near Emerald Lake State Park and Bromley Mountain Ski Area. The road will take you through Peru, Londonderry and Chester, where you will transfer to VT-103 and drive through Chester Town Forest and into Rockingham.
Take I-91 north along the Connecticut River. Notable stops along this route include Hawks Mountain Wildlife Management Area and Mt Ascutney State Park.
Continue on the interstate until Barnet, where you’ll switch to I-93 south before joining US-302 east, passing Littleton and the picturesque White Mountain National Forest as well as Mount Washington and Wildcat Mountain.
This road will eventually take you into Maine, where you’ll continue east before joining ME-11 past Long Lake and following I-95 north. This next segment follows the Coastal Route, taking you on US-1A south toward Acadia National Park.
Road Trip Destinations From NYC
If you decide to take a road trip from NYC to Acadia National Park, I recommend some great destinations to consider along the way that will help make your trip great.
New York City, NY
What better way to start your journey to the best places to visit in Acadia National Park than to enjoy yourself right in the vibrant heart of New York City. Before you hit the road, take some time to explore iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. Don’t forget to visit iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the State of Liberty before continuing on to the next location.
Greenwich and Henry Whitfield State Museum in CT
Starting from NYC, you can take a drive along the shoreline to Greenwich Point Park, where you can wander through sandy trails that offer stunning views of New York City over Long Island Sound. If you have some spare time, there are beaches, swimming spots, and coastal parks where you can unwind and appreciate the lovely landscape.
About an hour’s drive away, on your route to Acadia, you can visit Connecticut’s oldest stone structure – the Henry Whitfield House, which was constructed in 1639.
Nipmuck State Forest in Union
When traveling from NYC to Acadia National Park, you have the fantastic option of taking a more picturesque route that allows you to soak in the breathtaking autumn foliage, particularly if your visit coincides with the fall season in Acadia. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience nature’s vibrant colors during this time of year.
As part of your journey, you might consider driving through Nipmuck State Forest, which is conveniently located on your way to Massachusetts. This expansive forest covers an impressive area of 9,000 acres and offers a diverse range of hiking trails, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned hikers and casual walkers alike. The park is not only known for its extensive network of trails but also for its stunning natural landscapes that showcase the beauty of the outdoors, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable experiences during your travels.
Cape Cod
As you progress on your adventure, a visit to Cape Cod is essential. This beautiful destination offers sandy shores, delicious lobster rolls, and an atmosphere of relaxation that is hard to beat. Rather than heading inland toward the state forest, keep your route along the picturesque coastline leading to the Cape Cod peninsula. During your drive, you will pass by charming historic towns such as Jamestown and Newport, which are rich in history and culture.
Make sure to take a scenic journey along Route 6A, following Cape Cod Bay, as it will lead you to Provincetown, located at the northern tip of the peninsula. Although the distance from one end to the other is only 25 miles, you’ll discover that there are countless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment along the way, allowing you to spend several days indulging in the stunning beaches and various attractions scattered throughout the area. After you’ve enjoyed your time in Cape Cod, remember to circle back before rejoining Highway 1 through Boston.
Boston, Maine
Of course, Boston will definitely be a stop you shouldn’t miss if traveling from NYC to Acadia National Park. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and is famous for its rich history. Don’t miss the Freedom Trail – a 2.5-mile trail that includes 16 nation-shaping historic sites like the Paul Revere House and the US warship Constitution from 1797. Immerse yourself in history at the Museum and the Boston Tea Party Train to see firsthand how this event changed the course of American history. Raise a beer in honor of one of the Founders at Samuel Adams Brewery & Taproom. If you don’t plan to stop in Boston, take Interstate 495 to avoid traffic.
Salem
Located just half an hour away from Boston, traffic permitting, Salem is a notable destination where you can explore the notorious location of the witch trials that took place in 1692. This charming city can be conveniently included in your travel itinerary as you journey from NYC to Acadia National Park. You can leisurely wander through its historic streets and immerse yourself in the atmosphere or opt for a guided tour that delves into both the rich history and the eerie legends surrounding Salem.
Salem offers a wide variety of activities that cater to both those seeking thrills and those preferring a more subdued experience. You can participate in ghost tours that delve into the haunted past of the area, visit witch museums that provide insight into the cultural significance of the trials, or embark on walking tours that showcase locations featured in Disney’s famous film “Hocus Pocus.” Additionally, you can enjoy relaxing cruises along the scenic Salem Sound beach.
Portland
As you get closer to Maine, Portland is a vibrant coastal city worth exploring. Known for its craft breweries and delicious seafood, Portland is also home to the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse. Therefore, this is definitely a place that I want to emphasize to you not to miss. If you have a lot of time, I think you should spend 1 night in this city before going to Acadia National Park. It cannot be described in words, but Portland offers a very new and special experience.
Ways to get from NYC to Acadia National Park
Although this article is sharing how to explore the journey from NYC to Acadia National Park by road, I will also suggest ways to get from New York to Acadia by air or bus. Normally, to get to Acadia we have 3 popular ways of traveling, namely:
NYC to Acadia National Park by Car
Traveling by car remains one of the most favored methods to go from NYC to Acadia National Park. The trip typically lasts around 8 to 9 hours, allowing you ample opportunity to take breaks and explore several points of interest along the route. The picturesque coastal drive is especially delightful in the summer and autumn seasons.
Taking a road trip to reach Acadia National Park is a highly sought-after option among travelers. On average, the drive spans between 8 and 9 hours, providing travelers with the chance to pause and discover various attractions en route. Additionally, the beautiful coastal highway offers a particularly pleasant experience during the warmer months of summer and the colorful fall season.
NYC to Acadia National Park by Air
Air travel is undoubtedly the quickest mode of transportation available. If you’re planning a trip, you have the option to board a flight from either LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City, both of which offer services to Bangor International Airport (BGR).
Once you arrive in Bangor, you have a couple of choices for continuing your journey to Acadia National Park, which is located roughly an hour away by car. You can opt to take a bus service or, if you prefer more flexibility, you might consider renting a vehicle. When you factor in all aspects of the journey, such as layovers and transfers, the entire travel experience will typically take around six to seven hours in total.
NYC to Acadia National Park by Bus
If you would rather not take the wheel, multiple bus companies provide services connecting NYC to Acadia National Park. The travel experience generally requires making transfers in both Boston and Bangor, with the entire trip usually taking around 14 to 15 hours in total. This method is frequently considered the most budget-friendly option available, with ticket prices varying between $45 and $160.
5-Day trip Itinerary to Acadia National Park from New York
If you’re planning a longer trip, here’s a suggested 5-day itinerary to make the most of your visit to Acadia National Park:
Day 1: New York City to Boston
- Depart NYC in the morning.
- Stop for lunch in Providence, Rhode Island.
- Arrive in Boston by the evening.
- Explore the city and enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 2: Boston to Portland
- Spend the morning visiting Boston’s historic sites.
- Depart for Portland after lunch.
- Enjoy an afternoon exploring the Old Port district and visiting the Portland Head Lighthouse.
- Overnight in Portland.
Day 3: Portland to Acadia National Park
- Depart for Acadia National Park in the morning.
- Stop at scenic overlooks and local attractions along the way.
- Arrive at Acadia National Park by afternoon.
- Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a sunset view from Cadillac Mountain.
Day 4: Explore Acadia National Park
- Spend the day hiking and exploring the park.
- Visit popular spots like Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
- Return to your accommodation for the night.
Day 5: Acadia National Park to NYC
- Depart Acadia in the morning.
- Stop for lunch in Boston or Salem.
- Arrive back in New York City by evening.
FAQs about NYC to Acadia National Park
What is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?
The best time to visit Acadia National Park largely depends on what you are looking for in your experience. Generally, September through early October is considered the optimal time for visiting. During this period, the summer crowds have dissipated, and the weather is still pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
If you’re interested in experiencing the stunning fall foliage, plan your visit for mid-October, when the park’s trees display vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow.
For those who prefer warmer weather and a lively atmosphere, July and August are peak months. However, be prepared for larger crowds and busier trails during this time. Conversely, if you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider visiting in late April to early May or November, when the park is less crowded but still beautiful.
Do I need an entrance pass for Acadia National Park?
Yes, you do need an entrance pass to visit Acadia National Park. The park requires all vehicles to display a valid entrance pass clearly visible through the windshield. The cost of the entrance pass ranges from $20 to $35, depending on the type of vehicle and the duration of your stay.
The standard vehicle pass is valid for seven days and admits all occupants in a private, non-commercial vehicle. If you plan to visit multiple times in a year, consider purchasing the Acadia Annual Pass, which costs $70 and is valid for one year. Additionally, if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you do not need to purchase a separate entrance pass, as it covers entrance fees at national parks.
Are there accommodations near Acadia National Park?
Yes, there are numerous places to stay near Acadia National Park, particularly in the nearby town of Bar Harbor. This charming town offers a wide range of lodging options, including hotels near Acadia, inns, motels and vacation rentals, cabins.
These accommodations provide convenient access to the park and often feature amenities like free Wi-Fi, breakfast options, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Additionally, many hotels are located within a short drive or even walking distance from the park entrance, making it easy to explore Acadia National Park during your stay.
Conclusion
It’s an understatement to say the trip from NYC to Acadia National Park is an unforgettable adventure. With stunning natural beauty, charming towns and rich history, this itinerary is a must for any travel enthusiast. Whether you prefer the Coastal Route or the Mountain Route, be sure to take your time, enjoy the scenery and soak up the unique atmosphere of each destination. Happy trip!
