Top 16 things to do and attractions in Northeast Harbor

A friend and I took the Gorge Trail / Cadillac North trail and it took us 4.26 hours for a 5.4 mile hike. The gorge trail takes you to the Cadillac mountain summit. It is a serious hike that includes rock climbing. We then took the Cadillac trail north back down. We are 51/47 year old women. Be ready. It’s a work out. Have your knees ready. It is Beautful. All of it. Worth the hike. The reward is amazing.

The park is Awesome! We visited the 3rd week of October and it turned out great. The park was in peak season for Fall foliage. There was not heavy foot traffic on the trails. I would highly recommend Beehive Trail, Precipice Trail and Cadillac Mtn. There are many good trails to hike, those were just a few worth pointing out. For a change of Mountain scenery, take a ride to Schoodic Point for some awesome coastal views.

We actually ventured here at the end of the season, early November. Very little visitors but so beautiful. We saw the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain without making reservations and did many beautiful hikes on the beach and also Jordan Pond. Stargazing at Night at Sand Beach is a must. Lastly, Thunderhole after a storm, was also a sight to see. Great Park!!

We were there in late September when the leaves were first beginning to change. We drove about but some places were unavailable with the Government shutdown. The place was pretty and not long into the morning became pretty crowded. Most other people were respectful of space and the area but there are always a few exceptions. Took a few photos of things like the water and trees. Did not capture fall colors though.

This is a gorgeous park and still one of our favorites (2nd time visiting, 1st national park for us 14 years ago). We spent 4 days visiting the week after the 4th of July. And we still didn't have time for everything we wanted to do! The park loop road had some beautiful views. Jordan Pond had a moody feel when we walked those trails. The rock at South Bubble was fun to see and we got some great pictures of us with it, too. Popovers at Jordan Pond were delicious. We stopped by on a Tuesday night after the dinner rush and there were plenty of tables available and parking was easy. The hubby did Beehive himself. Great experience for him and the views were gorgeous. Definitely more challenging and not for everyone. We visited the Carroll Homestead and spent 1 day driving out to the Schoodic Peninsula. The visitor center there is beautiful and has some interesting history of its own. We walked a few trails on that side and drove that loop road - note that it's 1 way for much of it. I also recommend checking out their activities. We spent a few hrs one night on the beach with a ranger for a program watching the sun set. (Unfortunately no stars were out, but it was still cool.) So much to do in the park and mote outside too as well as lots of delicious food.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, YOU HAVE MY HEART!!! 🌊🏞️ We spent a few unforgettable days exploring this breathtaking park, and I'm still pinching myself to believe we got to experience such natural beauty! From the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, every moment was a feast for the senses. The hiking trails were incredible, with stunning views around every bend. We hiked the Cadillac Mountain summit, and the panorama from the top was simply breathtaking. The Park Loop Road was a scenic drive like no other, with stops at Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and more. And let's not forget the charming towns nearby, like Bar Harbor, with their quaint shops and delicious seafood! 🦞🍽️ Acadia, you've left an indelible mark on our hearts. We'll be back, and we'll bring our cameras, hiking boots, and sense of adventure! 🌟 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience. THANK YOU, ACADIA, FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE! 🌊💚

Acadia National Park is an absolute gem of the East Coast! From rugged coastal cliffs and peaceful forests to scenic mountain summits, the park offers a perfect mix of ocean and wilderness. The views from Cadillac Mountain, the waves at Thunder Hole, and the quiet beauty of Jordan Pond make every stop memorable. 🌲🌊⛰️ The Park Loop Road is an amazing drive with plenty of viewpoints and trailheads, and there are hikes for every skill level — from easy walks to challenging climbs. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical here. A vehicle reservation is required for Cadillac Mountain summit access, so plan ahead on Recreation.gov. Whether you hike, bike, or simply take in the views, Acadia’s natural beauty is truly unforgettable — one of America’s must-visit national parks! 🌅✨

A nice place for short hikes and picnic. Notice that it's pretty crowded and in high season you won't have parking 10am to 4pm . IMO nice but not wroth the hype

Beautiful lake with a nice hiking trail around the edge! The trail is pretty rocky on one side and these plank boardwalks on the other, so definitely wear hiking boots. The trail is pretty crowded and parking is a disaster, but the pond itself is lovely.

Easy hike for the whole family! Highly recommend getting there early in the morning during the fall season due to the popularity and the flat hike. Beautiful all around.

We went really early and it was quiet nice walk. Got busy after an hr but still ok. By the time we left, it was terribly busy. So suggest going early like 7-7:30 am for the trail, finish that and then go to the restaurant - upstairs they have the grab and go section for food with nice upper deck outdoor seating. Also has a gift shop - slightly overpriced because same stuff can be purchased in bar harbour town for a lot cheaper.

Beautiful and peaceful trail around the pond with stunning views of the lake. Easy walk with a mix of boardwalks and dirt paths, but there’s a fork where you can veer off for some fun rock scrambling and climb to the top for amazing views. Totally worth it if you’re up for a bit more adventure!

Beautiful place to stop if you get hungry or for a good flat hike for any age. Food is great and service is great. But kids and folks any age will love the hike around the pond. So beautiful, so quiet and peaceful. You can view Twin Peaks and also take a detour to Bubble Rock if you want. If you are doing Park Loop drive and need a stop. This is a good place. So plan accordingly.

We stopped here in the evening of our 1st day when the crowds were gone and we had rhe trail mostly to ourselves. It was very cloudy and cooler temps, but I loved seeing it like this. We didn't walk the whole trail, but did see a good amount of it. The gift store at the teahouse was still open and we also stopped in there. Lots of lovely souvenirs and an overall fun place to look around. This is a great place for all ages to explore; the trail is mostly flat and accessible from the parking area. Definitely recommend stopping by early morning or after dinner when the crowds are gone for the day.

On my last day in the area before hitting the road, I decided to stop by Asticou Azalea Garden. It was a quiet Tuesday morning, and I was one of the few visitors to the garden. The helpful staff provided me with a map and suggested that I make a donation to visit the garden, which I happily did. I thoroughly enjoyed walking the paths which were delicately raked and taking in the beauty of the garden. I appreciated all of the various sitting areas where I could quietly ponder and reflect, especially the one overlooking the sand garden. If you find yourself near Acadia national park and are looking to do something a little different, I would highly recommend checking this place out.

Beautiful Japanese-style gardens. Very well curated and maintained. Fun to see with all of the of fall colors. Not very big so it doesn’t take long to talk through it all. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person, which helps cover the costs to maintain it. Really enjoyed this! But I also enjoy seeing trees, plants, flowers, and nicely manicured gardens and landscapes.

A secret garden? No. But certainly a classic one. The Azaleas… wow! Breathtaking. This Japanese influenced design and garden was stunning. It was well taken care of, and should be continuously upheld. They requested donations at the entrance, albeit was a free experience. We donated so that its integrity could be maintained and the garden beauty upheld. While it is next to the Acadia National Park. We were actually able to enjoy this garden more than we were the park that day. Mid July brought out many enthusiasts of this areas outdoors. Thankfully this garden was there and we were able to have some peace away from how busy it was every where else. Personally I’d have liked to sit and read in this garden and take in the scent of the Azaleas as they linger through the air.

This garden is really a gem. I have been to Kyoto, Japan. It felt like I was transported back there for a little while! I loved every serene moment I spent there (except for the one where I accidentally dropped my car keys in the lily pond while crossing the stepping stones... 🥴 Fortunately a very nice man with a cane happened by and scooped them out nearly with the hook end.) I highly recommend these gardens!

Pleasant stroll around the Japanese style gardens. Not huge but well maintained. Very peaceful and wasn't crowed even on a Saturday in season. Hats off to the person who perfectly rakes all the ridges into the walking path and sand garden.

As a person who spent 2 years in Japan I was so happy when discovered this place. You should definitely visit it, it's so close to the imperial gardens found in Japan. The variety of plants is impressive, I also love the layout of the garden a lot - so authentic. What impressed me so much is that it's so clean and neat despite the entrance being free. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed my visit. Please, consider donating when visiting, they deserve it for sure.

Great little secret gardens! The gardens are free but suggest a $10 donation. They have a map for when you enter. It’s not super large but was nice quiet well put together garden. Lots of places to sit and relax. Our favorite moment was getting to watch the hummingbirds.

This was a nice little stop we made on a rainy day. This was recommended on an online thread and had marked it down. Very interesting little museum displaying the remarkable work of Wendell Gilley, a local artist known for his intricate bird wood carvings. Only $10 per person, quick little stop but definitely worth the visit!

A very sweet little museum dedicated to Wendell Gilley - an extremely talented wood sculptor. His birds are spectacular, and his story is great. I really enjoyed my time here. There was also a special exhibit of textile art that was equally enchanting. I get the feeling that the museum is different each time you visit. ❤️🐦🦆🦉🐦‍⬛🦅

Even though this museum is small, my visit was one of the most delightful museum experiences of my life. So much love and care went into the art and it's curation! Visiting here is a must for lovers of birds, nature, art, and craftsmanship.

Loved this place, I didn’t really know anything at all about wooden bird carvings but I learned a lot in an hour. Definitely worth an hour of your time. If you like birds, this is fascinating and beautiful.

Very enjoyable visit. The curator was most helpful to orient us to the museum’s content and origin. Local wood carvers were present and shared the process of carving.

Tiny, quirky local museum dedicated to one man's passion for carving birds. How good could it possibly be? It's *lovely*, and well worth a stop for an hour or two. There's also regular classes which are excellent, and a small specialized library.

Great museum—amazing pieces, friendly staff, lots of events. I guess if you don’t like birds (crazy) then maybe skip it

After hiking all afternoon — finishing with a beautiful 3.7-mile loop around Jordan Pond — we were ready to refuel and had zero desire to drive back into town. With mild skepticism, we decided to try the Jordan Pond House right there in the park… and we were pleasantly surprised! They seated us right away (despite the dinner rush) by a window overlooking the lake — the kind of view that makes you instantly forget your sore legs. Our server, a friendly and funny student from Eastern Europe working for the summer, was a highlight: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enjoyable to talk with. We shared the Spinach Bacon Blue Cheese Salad, New England Baked Haddock with mashed potatoes and veggies, Lobster Stew, and of course, the famous Popover Sundae. Everything was excellent — my husband ranked their stew (bisque) in his top two of the entire trip, and the Popover Sundae? Pure indulgence, the kind that makes you consider hiking another 3 miles just to justify it. My Lavender Honey Bee gin cocktail was so good I happily ordered a second round. Ending our hike at Jordan Pond House turned out to be a perfect choice — beautiful trail, great meal, sunset views, and happy bellies.

We decided on a walk around Jordan Pond after a dinner in town when the crowds were gone for the day and parking was easier. I hadn't made reservations for lunch or dinner here knowing we were here at the busiest time of year, but I was interested in seeing the restaurant. We had reservations for sunset on Cadillac Mountain and decided to stop in for dessert before we headed up. Dimitar was our very kind and warm server and the other staff were also friendly and warm. The restaurant was quiet at this point after the dinner rush and we were able to appreciate rhe history of the place while waiting for our dessert. The popover sundae we had heard so much about was delicious- big enough that I am glad we decided to split one, though. Definitely recommend saving room for dessert or coming here for just this, as we did. On our next trip to Acadia I would love to have lunch outside. Highly recommend stopping here for the history, service, and food. And the gift shop! Lots of great stuff there, too.

Came here for dinner and it was delicious. We shared some lobster bisque, clam chowder, lobster Mac and cheese and lobster roll. Everything was really good. The drinks were really good too. We sat outside and the view was amazing. We were served by Lucky who did a great job of making us feel good. Whilst the food is expensive, we thought that it made up for itself and the service was great. In particular you cannot miss the popovers. They are amazing and taste great with butter and jam.

We wanted to stop here while in Acadia, and we thought it would be neat. We weren't sure about the popovers, they seemed like a novelty. After dining here, I realized that you cannot skip this, and popovers are amazing. The regular popovers are light and fluffy and go well with the strawberry jam and butter. The chicken pot pie was one of the best I've ever had, and slapping it in a popover instead of crust was inspired. For drinks, we went with the herbal blueberry iced tea and the blueberry lemonade, of course. Both were delightful. We sat in the restaurant around 11 am on the Friday before Labor Day, and only had a 15 minute wait. Don't try to go at peak times, aim for just before or after.

Hands down the BEST popovers and strawberry jam! Popover Pot Pie was also AMAZING! I got this half turkey sandwich on rye w lentil soup. It was flavorful and delicious. The sandwich didn't come toasted which I was expecting but it was actually good soft and more cold as is. So no complaints there. I recommend getting the thousand island on the side which was very tasty! Actually it was kinda nice to have a cold turkey sandwich with a warm flavorful bursting lentil soup. Highly recommend. I would go back in a heartbeat! Please please make a reservation!! I made mine months ago and SO glad I did! One of the first people to be seated at 11am when they open! Also don't be alarmed with the huge line!! If you have a res, move yourself over to the left and you will be seated!! The line is for folks who are trying to "walk in" without a res. The service and quality of food really was spectacular! We would've sat outside bc of the gorgeous weather and view but opted out since there were lots of bees. There is also a gift shop here that is worth checking out. The prices are high so be warned. I thought the prices at the restaurant was reasonable. Two popovers for $10. I am going to check out their new popover cocktail bar hopefully tomorrow! This is first come first serve, no reservations but if all you want are popovers this is a good option! Thank you for the lovely experience! Will be back!

Parking was difficult but I’m glad we were patient and found a place to park, so we could enjoy the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. The place was packed but our wait to be seated was only 20-minutes. We were able to take an amazing selfie from the upper observation deck. I particularly enjoyed the Jordan Pond House lobster stew and warm popovers.

The popover pot pie was good, menu said there were potatoes in it, there were not. By far the best clam chowder I’ve had. The clams were not chewy at all. The lobster stew was so good. All was very hot with great flavor. Had the popover sundae with blueberry ice cream. We both highly recommend this. It was very good. We did have a 35 minute wait but it was worth it. The service wasn’t great, but they were busy. The atmosphere and view more than made up for any issues. Overall we would definitely go back.

Enjoyed our visit here with our homeschooling family. They loved the art wall, where you add your art.

Well worth the visit. Great mix of exhibits, history, and film, as well as activities and books for kids

Dim cloudy afternoon, dense fog covering the harbor below, occasionally light sprinkles of rain, a wonderful garden appears as we exit the woods after a brief climb along a gentle rising path of stone stairs, rocks, natural gravel and moss covered soil. Traditional raised beds and natural plantings, a nice water feature and some zen moments. The one photo is a thought for my own garden. You'll see more while visiting Mt Desert Island of Acadia National Park in Maine.

We parked at the bottom and did the hike. The views were absolutely amazing and well worth the hike!! I highly recommend doing the hike to gardens!!

A must-see stop for garden lovers. Created in the early 1900s and maintained through various efforts, truly an amazing hidden gem tucked into the hillside overlooking Northeast Harbor. The library, when open, is also amazing.

A unique and beautiful property that has a historic lodge to explore. The flower gardens are beautiful and there were butterflies enjoying the blossoms even in late September. The wooded areas are peaceful to walk through. There is a boardwalk entrance for wheelchair access. Definitely worth visiting

A beautiful garden, and clearly very lovingly maintained. Peaceful, serene, colourful. Well worth the effort to carve out the time to pay this little gem a visit. Probably the best compliment I give these gardens is that I felt as though I was back in the Lake District (UK). Should be a must for all visitors to MDI.

garden #10 07AUG2025. summer lodge and formal garden on top of steep slope above northeast harbor. the "border gardens" are fabulous. granite steps up the hill have an ancient middle-earth vibe. clear view of harbor from pavilion part way up hill. A-Scale: 4. there's really just one garden, but it's quite large. with a pavilion on the uphill end and frog pond 400' (120m) away at the other end. B- Art: 5. the border gardens are spectacular, a shock of color and texture, some plants towering over my head, all buzzing with bees. broad grassy path along the beds. C- Unique Specimens/Collections: 4. the border gardens are expertly composed and maintained. D- labels/information: 5. all well labelled. composite score= 4.5

This was such a beautiful garden! We spent a good bit of time here just admiring and taking pictures of all of the flowers. There were several spots to sit and relax. The weather was perfect for being in nature. We also did the free tour of the house. We came back again another day and brought my grandmother since we realized on our first visit that the garden was pretty handicap accessible!

Beautiful hike up to gardens!! Highly recommend!! The staff, at the gardens, were extremely friendly and top notch!!

How To Gain Thuya Enlightenment------- --------- Do not drive to this garden! --------- Boat in across the harbor to the Asticou dock, if you have not yet found your own boat take the green launch "Harbor Welcome" from the Northeast Harbor dock, President Jackson can help you aboard. At the Asticou Dock stop in the shelter there and meditate on the waters below. Should the tide be high and waters deep step up onto the rail and dive into the salty coolness. You have completed the first level. Walk up the path and cross the cursed highway, as you cross promise to own only a sailboat, a bicycle, and a Prius. You have completed the second level. Follow the gravel trail leading upwards. Take the first left, "memorial trail", and walk up to the Joseph H. Curtis memorial. Give thanks for Brother Joseph's foresight in preserving this place. You have completed the third level. Climb upwards to the Stone House. You know what to do here... you have completed the fourth level. Climb ever Higher to the wood house, stop and enjoy the view. You have completed the fifth level. Use pranayama breath to calm your heart and mind as you climb to the "Lookout", here you must avoid the wood gazebo, instead walk the cliff to reveal the glory below peeking through the pine tops. You have completed the sixth level. Now climb into Thuya garden, bow deeply to the Goddess as you pass through the carved cedar gates and donate, (no, not just a Lincoln, at least a Hamilton is required but not requested of you). You have completed the seventh level. Welcome to Heaven On Earth (if you are a bee), otherwise please enjoy the plants, and promise yourself, if you ever get enough money by selling inferior CCP products to buy an infinitely ridiculous 383 ft power yacht with a 32 ft tender powered by 4 computer controlled Yamaha outboards you will immediately donate said funds to your local land trust after purchasing a Cape Dory Typhoon for you and your's enjoyment. Did you skip a level? Perhaps you failed to pay tribute to Brother Curtis, or did you not perform the rite at the Stone House? If that is the case you must leave Thuya by the back gate, leave the lands & gardens, the power & privilege, and follow the Eliot Mt. trail into the post-Covid chaos of America's National Parks.

Asticou Terraces, located in Northeast Harbor, Maine, is a hidden gem that blends natural beauty with thoughtfully crafted design. Part of the Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve, these terraced gardens and walking paths offer visitors a peaceful escape, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Acadia’s more tranquil side. The terraces provide a gradual climb up the hillside, with stone steps and pathways that are carefully integrated into the landscape, offering lovely vantage points of the harbor below. The walk through the terraces is a feast for the senses. You’ll pass through a series of landscaped areas filled with a variety of native and ornamental plants, flowering shrubs, and moss-covered rocks. In spring and summer, blooms bring vibrant colors, while autumn transforms the surroundings into a warm palette of reds, oranges, and golds. Benches along the way encourage you to pause, reflect, and take in the serene atmosphere. One of the highlights is the connection from the terraces up to Thuya Garden, another beautifully maintained space that features lush flower beds and formal garden layouts. This transition from the more rugged, natural terraces to the structured elegance of Thuya makes for a memorable experience. Photographers and artists will find endless inspiration here, thanks to the combination of ocean views, natural textures, and seasonal color changes.

Stunning.

A must for avid gardeners

This place was beautiful! Def a don’t miss place. It overlooks Northeast Harbor

It's the VIEW!!!

What a fantastic find! Beautifully landscaped! Wonderful view of the lake with picnic tables, benches and they even have a swing set. We loved it! Definitely stop in for a quick stroll and give a donation.

Visited in early October not expecting to see many butterflies but was pleasantly surprised! The grounds were beautiful and even late in the season, we were lucky to see some butterflies. The park was easy to get to and had a small sized parking lot. Great place to stop and visit!

Don't miss this little garden. The bees and butterflies are beautiful. A naturalist on-site gave me advice for my own yard. Butterflies are fascinating. Check it out!

We went on a Sunday afternoon in late August. Saw some monarchs, and the flowers were in full bloom and beautiful.

Complete hidden gem on the west side of the island. We bought dinner to go every day for a week and ate it here all by ourselves among the flowers and birds.

A really lovely little pollinator garden with a beautiful view of the water in the rear. We visited in early August and it was at its peak, with bees and butterflies happily flitting from blossom to blossom everywhere. Very worth a stop.

Gorgeous park with quite a few butterflies! You have to look closely as you drive south, the sign and park are both small and not super visible from the road. Wife and I had the place to ourselves for at least a half hour, this is a little gem in a “less traveled” part of Desert Island

Beautiful garden and you can donate but don't have to. I would encourage anyone to though, to keep it beautiful and going! It's worth the stop if you're here. 😍🤩

Great place to walk. So peaceful and well cared for gardeners and volunteers. I recommend to go there and learn more about plants, flowers and this kind of Japanese art.

This was a real surprise. We read about these gardens online, but we weren’t prepared for how wonderful they are. They’re extensive and beautifully maintained. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. If you’re in the Acadia area and you enjoy botanical gardens gardens, this is well worth the visit.

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful! Pristine gardens. My only suggestion would be a few more benches and perhaps a pic I. Table or two where you could eat and enjoy the space. I realize that would mean more costs to keep it clean and this place is free! Please do put a donation in the box though, this garden must take such a lot of work and blessed many:)

How blessing to live in such a beautiful and peaceful place! Not only we have the ocean, mountians, light houses, lobsters and mooses, but we have gardens too! I had Asticou all by myself today. The colors and the light were just perfect! I can't decide what pictures I should post so I put them all. Hope you all enjoy the colors of fall foliage this year. Maine is amazing place!

The Asticou Azalea Garden is a lovely, Japanese-inspired peace and relaxation garden featuring a Japanese sand garden, a calm pond, several running water features, stepping stones, short trails, and scenic views. Although this is right next to the street, it's a wonderful place to feel like you're transported somewhere else. There is a $5 suggested donation for access, and you can either spent 5 minutes here if you want to see the sights, or much longer if you want to sit and relax. This garden is much smaller than its sister Thuya Garden.

Asticou Azalea Garden is a truly delightful hidden gem in the Acadia National Park area. The paths are grounds are well maintained and at sunset, the garden is not very busy. Overall, this is a great place to take photos, meditate, or just go for a nice quiet walk.

One of the most interesting and exciting galleries in Maine. Artist in gallery sharing experiences of wildlife and art.

I would have loved to be able to visit the inside, but it was stil nice to stop by.

A must see if you can get an appointment. Yourcenar, one of the great French writers lived there with her partner, Grace Frick. Read Joan Howard's book on their fascinating lives.

Highly recommend the magical place the two extraordinary ladies created. Spend some time in the garden roght before, or right after your visit. You won't regret it!

Great writer's home

Excellent place to view a life.

Not worth the time

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful moment to see the house where Marguerite wrote peacefully in her home, close to the ocean in a quiet neighborhood. Peaceful place where his garden offered him calm and inspiration (Original) Très beau moment que de voir la demeure où Marguerite écrivait paisiblement ds sa demeure, proche de l'océan ds un quartier tranquille. Lieu paisible où son jardin lui offrait le calme et l'inspiration

We loved the art work in this studio and the owner was so kind. Purchased unique artwork that I will cherish and enjoy.

3 generations of my family have bought artwork of the store owner and her daughter who have created wonderful images of Mount Desert Island, Maine. are a summer home here are filled with all the art work almost exclusively from this gallery. My family and I always Treasure every item we have purchased from this wonderful family. Bill and Marjorie Grace

Absolutely beautiful work by Gail and her mother!

Very friendly people and beautiful things!! Thanks so much

Such a cute shop with a friendly shopkeeper. They have a great selection of artisan stuff. We usually struggle looking for locally made ornaments that we like but have tons of options here!

Shopkeeper had a poor attitude. I would save your money and spend it elsewhere.