United States, North America
Acadia in April
Park Loop Road reopens around mid month, but many businesses are still closed and the landscape is brown and muddy.
The straight answer
April is a month to think twice about visiting Acadia. Park Loop Road reopens around mid month, but many businesses are still closed and the landscape is brown and muddy.
- Weather
- Cool and damp, highs near 51F (11C)
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What April is like in Acadia
April is cool and damp, with highs near 51F (11C). The Park Loop Road reopens to cars around mid month, which helps, but many businesses are still closed and the landscape is brown and muddy before spring green arrives. Crowds and prices are very low, and the park feels like it is waiting for the season to start.
April is another month most people should skip. The drive is open again, but trails are wet, towns are quiet and the scenery is at its plainest. If you are set on spring, wait for late May or June, when Bar Harbor reopens and the island greens up. The best months are September and early October.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Acadia this month.
The loop road reopens
Once the Park Loop Road opens around mid April, you can drive past Sand Beach and Otter Cliff with almost no traffic.
Surf at Thunder Hole
Spring swells can make Thunder Hole boom, especially near mid to high tide, with plenty of room at the railing.
Quiet Schoodic
The Schoodic Peninsula is calm and wild in spring, with waves crashing on the granite.
What to pack for April
- A rain jacket and waterproof boots
- Warm layers for chilly, windy days
- Extra socks for muddy trails
- A tide chart for Thunder Hole
Our timing tip
Plan your trip for after mid April, when the loop road reopens, and check which restaurants are open before you arrive.
Book Acadia for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in AcadiaOpens a hotel search for Acadia in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in AcadiaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in AcadiaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Acadia for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Acadia
Cadillac Mountain sunrise
A vehicle reservation is required to drive the summit road from late May to late October. Or hike up in the dark on the North or South Ridge trails.
Park Loop Road
A 27-mile scenic drive past Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. Closed to cars from December 1 to mid April.
Jordan Pond and Jordan Pond House
Walk the shoreline loop, then have popovers on the lawn, a tradition since the late 1800s. The restaurant is seasonal.
Carriage roads
Rent bikes in Bar Harbor or walk from Jordan Pond. Some routes close during spring thaw to prevent damage.
Beehive and Precipice trails
Iron-rung cliff climbs for confident hikers. Precipice often closes in spring and summer for nesting peregrine falcons.
Schoodic Peninsula
The park's quieter mainland section, an hour's drive from Bar Harbor, with a loop road and wave-battered granite.
Beat the crowds
- Take the free Island Explorer bus in season instead of hunting for parking at Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, or trailheads.
- Book Cadillac Summit Road reservations as soon as they are released for your dates; sunrise slots go first.
- Explore the Quiet Side around Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor, or the Schoodic Peninsula, when Bar Harbor is crowded.
- Visit midweek in late September for crisp weather, open businesses, and far fewer people than the October foliage weekends.
Know before you go
- Most of the Park Loop Road and the Cadillac Summit Road close to vehicles from December 1 to April 14; short sections stay open for winter access.
- A vehicle reservation is required to drive the Cadillac Summit Road from late May to late October. Reservations are sold online, not at the park.
- Bar Harbor and the island's restaurants, shops, and inns are largely seasonal, with many opening in May and closing after Columbus Day in October.
- The Island Explorer free bus system runs seasonally, typically from late June into mid October. Check the current schedule.
Acadia in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Acadia?
April is a month to think twice about visiting Acadia. Park Loop Road reopens around mid month, but many businesses are still closed and the landscape is brown and muddy.
What is the weather like in Acadia in April?
Cool and damp, highs near 51F (11C).
Is Acadia crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Acadia; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Acadia.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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