United States, North America
Acadia in March
Mud season. Loop roads are still closed and carriage roads may be closed to protect the surfaces during the thaw.
The straight answer
March is a month to think twice about visiting Acadia. Mud season. Loop roads are still closed and carriage roads may be closed to protect the surfaces during the thaw.
- Weather
- Raw, highs near 41F (5C), mud and ice
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What March is like in Acadia
March is mud season, and it is one of the weakest months to visit. Highs are near 41F (5C), with raw wind, thawing mud and lingering ice. The loop roads are still closed to cars, and carriage roads may close to protect their surfaces during the thaw. Most businesses on the island are shut, so crowds and prices are low for a reason.
Most travelers should skip March. There is little to do that is better than in winter or summer, and conditions can be sloppy. If you want quiet with snow, choose January or February. For the real Acadia experience, with open roads, trails and restaurants, plan for September or early October.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Acadia this month.
Last winter sunrise from Cadillac
Through early March, Cadillac Mountain still catches the country's first sunrise, if you hike up.
Empty coastal walks
Short walks along the shore near Bar Harbor can be peaceful, with wild surf and no one around.
Off-season rates
The few open inns are cheap, useful if you are passing through Maine anyway.
What to pack for March
- Waterproof boots for mud and slush
- Traction devices for icy patches
- A warm, waterproof jacket
- A backup indoor plan for rainy days
Our timing tip
If you must visit in March, check which carriage roads are closed for the thaw and stick to paved or rocky shoreline walks.
Book Acadia for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in AcadiaOpens a hotel search for Acadia in March, 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 March. 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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Acadia?
March is a month to think twice about visiting Acadia. Mud season. Loop roads are still closed and carriage roads may be closed to protect the surfaces during the thaw.
What is the weather like in Acadia in March?
Raw, highs near 41F (5C), mud and ice.
Is Acadia crowded in March?
March 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 March
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