Maine’s spectacular waterfalls halt to an icy standstill come winter, and intrepid travelers can try their hand at scaling them using crampons and ice tools during guided tours that cater to varying skill levels. Full-day tours at Acadia National Park dive deeper into the world of climbing with lessons in rope skills such as knots, belaying, and rappelling. Before long you’ll be able to identify different types of vertical ice formations, like cauliflower, candlestick, and chandelier.

The Precipice Trail is one of the most challenging and visually stunning hikes in Acadia National Park. During this hike, you’ll traverse exposed slabs along rock cliffs protected by cables anchored in the rocks, enjoying airy views over the National Park all along the way! Some sections of the route even require hikers to clamber up metal ladder rungs anchored in the rock, almost via ferrata-style.

Comprised of a cluster of islands along the jagged Maine coast and a section of mainland on the Schoodic Peninsula, Acadia National Park has a variety of landscapes including granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes, and ocean shoreline. More than two dozen mountains rise above the rocky shore, including Cadillac Mountain, which at 1,530 feet is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Popular activities include hiking, biking, camping, and taking in views of the coastlines and lakes.

Declared a national park in 1919 under the name of Lafayette, Acadia National Park, as its been known since 1929, is a stunning area located in Maine. The first national park east of the Mississippi River, the land, which was donated by people who wanted to see it protected, features rugged coastline and 47,000 acres (19,000ha) of verdant forests, lakes and mountains plus flora and fauna.

Make a leaf-peeping trip to Maine’s Acadia National Park and follow the 27-mile Park Loop Road to take in some of the park’s most popular areas, such as Jordan Pond and Sand Beach. Enjoy panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain, especially lovely at sunset. One of the main ways to navigate around the park, the road can get crowded at times, so make sure you’re aware of parked cars and cyclists you may encounter on your drive.

One of the best places to view the Milky Way is Acadia National Park. Make your way to the summit of Cadillac Mountain to gaze at the night sky. Vehicle access to the summit is subject to night closures, but reservations aren't needed to hike or bike there. Pack something comfortable to sit/lie on, flashlights, or bike lights (ideally with a red-light function). If visiting during the winter season, check the park’s website for possible road closures.

While inland Maine is known for long, hard winters, temperatures on the coast are generally milder, making Acadia National Park a great destination for those looking for a little reprieve. But don’t get us wrong, there’s still snow here in winter — and plenty of opportunity to get out and play after the fall leaf-peeping crowds have subsided. Top winter activities include ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, scenic driving, and photography.