Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful and exciting areas to explore. If you’re thinking about hiking, camping, and swimming, then Acadia National Park is the perfect place for those activities!
Acadia National Park is one of the greatest places on earth to photograph. The reason for this is easy enough to understand — the mix of landscapes and photographic opportunities found within the park is unrivaled. There are plenty of images of Acadia in magazines and print around, not to mention the eye-popping images that you find on stock photography sites and blogs. That’s why in this blog we wanted to put together a list of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park.
Best gear to photograph Acadia National Park
The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity. A wide-angle lens. 14-24mm or something similar. A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.
If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. A tripod is also highly recommended to capture those epic sunsets and night shots.
Best Photography Spots Acadia National Park
1. Boulder Beach
Sunrise on Boulder Beach in Acadia National Park Maine. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Boulder Beach is one of Acadia’s hidden gems. The beach is encircled by huge boulders and gravel, creating a peculiar landscape rife with adventure. You’ll stumble across tide pools full of sea creatures, including sea anemones, crabs, starfish, and other marine life. Boulder Beach rewards your efforts with a serene scene that looks as amazing from afar as it does up close. The best time to visit is at low tide when you can explore the rocks or walk out to the small islands.
2. Hadlock Pond
Upper Hadlock Pond in Maine s Acadia National Park. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Hadlock Pond is one of the best places to photograph in Acadia National Park. It is also a favorite area for water sports enthusiasts. This reasonably small body of water lies within the town boundaries of Bar Harbor and serves as an overflow pond used by Camp Jewell, which is located just across the road. The road going around the pond makes an excellent nature trail, with views of Black Brook, open fields, and the woods to each side. There are several trails that lead down onto the pond. One path heads down to an island between two sections where large trees grow along the shoreline and you can cross over on a fallen trunk in order to get to the other side. Great place for photographers!
3. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Sunset over Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Acadia National Park Maine. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and recognizable lighthouses in Maine. The photo opportunities here are endless as there are many different angles and vantage points that you can photograph. You can find this lighthouse on Mount Desert Island, along the coastline of Acadia National Park. Light is a beautiful spot to view the sunrise. If you’re lucky, you might catch it at just the right angle to have a rainbow appear in your photo!
4. Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond in Maine s Acadia National Park. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond is one of the most beautiful and scenic spots in Acadia National Park. It is a popular spot for a family picnic or to take in the sunset. The pond itself is a wonderful subject to photograph when there are no clouds or fog in the sky. The water is crystal clear, and there are plenty of places to walk around and explore. A short trail leads from Jordan Pond to the top of Beech Mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of other lakes and mountains. If you are looking for the best places to photograph in Acadia, we recommend Jordan Pond!
Best Photography Spots Acadia National Park
5. Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park Maine USA at high tide. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Thunder Hole is one of those places that you have to experience at least once on your trip to Acadia National Park. The name Thunder Hole is given to this place because it sounds like thunder when the waves crash into it, The force of the water creates a loud and impressive sound that is amplified by a cave-like opening in the rock face. This series of natural rock pools are located on the Western Shore Trail along Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, Maine.
6. Cadillac Mountain
Acadia national park sunrise on Cadillac mountain.Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Cadillac Mountain is one of the best photographic spots to capture sunrise and sunset views of Mount Desert Island. Enjoy 360-degree views from atop Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll find unobstructed views that stretch from Cranberry Isles to Mount Desert Island at sunrise and sunset.
The very best time to see Cadillac Mountain is at first light. With the sun behind you, you’ll see the fog rising off the ocean, a magical transformation that will make your heart sing. Located right at the entrance to Acadia National Park, this peak is a must-see!
7. Little Hunters Beach
View into the Atlantic Ocean off Little Hunters beach. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Little Hunters Beach is one of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park. It’s home to a rocky coastline and the Atlantic Ocean, which provide great opportunities for shooting beautiful sunset photos and sunrises. The views from this beach on Mount Desert Island are simply spectacular! This beach offers year-round activities such as hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and more.
8. Sand Beach Overlook
Sand Beach at Acadia National Park Maine. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Sand Beach Overlook is a beautiful place to capture the sunrise and sunset. Located at Acadia National Park, Sand Beach overlooks a large beach surrounded by rocky ledges. It’s the perfect spot for photographers to escape the crowds and enjoy some solitude with nature. This area is a popular picnic site year-round and is especially popular on sunny days in the summer months when families spread out their blankets on the large open lawn overlooking Sand Beach.
9. Bubble Rock
A Glacial Erratic Boulder Called Bubble Rock Is Precariously Perched Upon A Mountain In Acadia National Park Maine United States. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
Bubble Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mount Desert Island, Maine. Its unique cone shape and low-hanging rock make it a popular place for hikers to rest and enjoy views of Otter Cove, Sand Beach, and Jordan Pond.
Bubble Rock is a unique feature in Acadia National Park. It’s a large boulder whose top looks similar to an ice cream cone, with the “cone” being the large crack that runs through the center of it. The rock sits atop a small hillside off the main trail and should not be hard to locate once you are near its location. The name “Bubble Rock” comes from the bubbling sound that can be heard when water falls into this depression in the rock.
Best Photography Spots Acadia National Park
10. Otter Cliff
Sunset Otter cliff in Maine USA. Best photography spots Acadia National Park
One of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park is Otter Cliff, which meanders through a deep ravine flanked by a scenic rocky coastline. The cliffs at Otter Cliff are home to many species of birds and small animals. For the more adventurous souls, there are a number of hiking trails including the Otter Cliffs Trail and the Low Tide Trail at Great Head that offers access to spectacular views.
11. Arcadia National Park Inner Lake
Arcadia National Park is a small lake inside the park with a view of the ocean in the background. The best photography spotsAcadia National Park
One of the best photography spots at Acadia National Park. This scenic location is Interior Lake, where one can enjoy the view of Mount Desert Island. Arcadia National Park is located in the easternmost part of Maine. It features stunning landscapes, including lakes and coastal areas. This park is one of the most popular among outdoor photographers, who come here especially to capture its scenic beauty in photos.
12. Somesville Bridge
In Somesville a white footbridge spans a creek amongst the vibrant foliage. Best photography spots Acadia in National Park
Somesville Bridge is a classic Acadia National Park location, and one of the best photography spots in the area. The bridge is located at the North end of the village and connects Somesville to Ocean Drive. It’s a favorite spot for local photographers, who know that shots looking up or down the covered bridge create interesting compositions. The bridge spans Somes Sound and offers an excellent vantage point to get an up-close look at the barren granite rocks called basaltic pillow lava which form the southern end of Isle au Haut on Mount Desert Island.
13. Bear Lighthouse
Bear Island Lighthouse in Maine is seen against a golden orange sky. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
The Bear Lighthouse is one of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park. The lighthouse can be accessed by boat or by ice foot trail. While it may not be accessible every day, if you make the trek it will be well worth it. It is one of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park, where you can photograph some incredible views of the rocks and mountains along with the lighthouse itself.
14. Jesup Path
Acadia wooden boardwalk along Jesup Trail with crimson foliage on the ground. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Parks Jesup Trail is an elevated wooden path with stunning autumn hues. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
Jesup Path is one of the Best photography spots in Acadia National Park. It’s a sweet little path through woods and open spaces that are perfect for capturing wide-angle shots of the ocean with mountains in the distance.
Hiking the Jesup Path is one of the best ways to experience this park. The path leads visitors through a variety of landscapes, including coastal forests and marshes, upland rock ledges, and even craggy cliffs that are perfect for spotting ospreys. Hikers should be sure to check out the waterfalls near the trail’s end.
15. Rocky Main Coast
Rocky Maine coast pink granite rocks in Acadia national park. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
The rocky coast of Acadia National Park is home to a variety of pink granite rocks and other natural features. The Maine coast is known for its rocky shores, as well as its beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife. Maine’s natural beauty is at its most stunning in Acadia National Park. This rocky coastline and the awe-inspiring granite boulders are the perfect backdrops for a romantic headshot or couple’s session!
Best Photography Spots Acadia National Park
16. Schoodic Head
Schoodic head sunset low angle. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
Schoodic is one of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park. Bayside trails, lighthouses, and scenic views along the coast are perfect for capturing nature’s splendor. A coastal highway with great views connects you to Bar Harbor, Mt. Desert Island, and Acadia’s heart. Popular with photographers, Schoodic is accessible only by boat or plane. For those who make the long journey, they’ll find this Mount Desert Island park to be an ideal setting for a picnic, hike, and some serious photo shooting.
17. Hadlock Falls
Hadlock Falls is the highest in Acadia National Park. Best Photography spots in Grand Teton National Park
One of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park, Hadlock Falls is a beautiful attraction with numerous vantage points. When you visit this majestic waterfall, plan your timing wisely so that you can capture it at sunset. The falls’ reflections naturally take on a golden-red coloring as the sun moves lower in the sky. Take a hike up the mountain to see this beautiful waterfall. This trail takes you through woods and along Hadlock Brook as it makes its way downhill. Before reaching the falls, you get to walk along a bridge that crosses over part of the stream below. When you get to the falls, look up and admire the cascading water for a few minutes before heading back down again on the same path that brought you there. This year-round waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in Acadia and is sure to leave you speechless!
18. The Seacoast
The Seacoast In The Rain. The best Photography spots in Arcadia National Park. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
The Seacoast is one of the best photography spots in Acadia National Park. This rocky shoreline juts out from Jordan Pond and offers stunning views of Mount Desert Island. It’s a great place to stop for a casual walk over the rocks or spend some time enjoying a picnic lunch. It’s in Maine, so there’s a chance you’ll catch some fog or wind, but the ocean views are incredible and worth braving the elements for.
19. Blue Hill Overlook
View of Blue Hill Overlook in Acadia National Park Maine. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
Blue Hill Overlook is one of Acadia National Park best photography spots. You’ll be in awe as you take in the stunning views from atop this granite-topped mountain and see miles of the coastline below. If you’re up for it, hike down the mountain on a little used trail or stay put and enjoy the view from Blue Hill Overlook’s picnic tables. Visit early in the morning before the tourists arrive to avoid crowds on this popular spot!
20. Gorham Mountain Trail
Otter cliffs and Acadia National Park from the top of Gorham Mountain Maine. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
The Gorham Mountain Trail takes you through a variety of mixed forests and wildflowers, past mountain streams, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. There are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains as you hike.
The Gorham Mountain trail is an 11-mile hike that starts at Sand Beach and ends at the top of the mountain with a view of Frenchman Bay, Great Head, and Saddleback Mountain. The trail is mostly open and offers some stunning views along the way.
21. Wild Gardens of Acadia
The Wild Gardens of Acadia at the Sieur de Monts area of Acadia National Park features plants and trees indigenous. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park
The Wild Gardens of Acadia are conveniently located next to the Jesup Path, making it a short excursion. It also features a sizable parking lot. More than 300 different plant species make up the gardens, which are a reflection of Mount Desert Island’s surroundings.
Wild Gardens of Acadia features the park’s wilder and less-visited areas, including secluded outlooks that overlook ponds, bogs, cliffs, and rocky coastline. Wild Gardens of Acadia will lead you through Acadia’s diverse terrain, from grassy balds to rocky coasts, from blueberry barrens to spruce forests galore.
These are the top 21 Best photography spots in Acadia National Park and the ultimate place to explore, learn and express your passion. Be sure not to miss any of these best photography spots in Acadia National Park when you’re in the area.
Which of Acadia National Park’s many attractions do you enjoy the most?
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