Where to Watch the Sunset While in Acadia National Park.
The truth is that you can watch the sunset while you’re on Mount Desert Island from so many places and sometimes the most beautiful view is just when you’re driving in the right direction.
But if you want some pretty landscape in your photos? We’ve got you.
BASS HARBOR HEAD LIGHT
I know! I know! We didn’t start with the Cadillac Mountain Summit, but that’s because everyone starts there.
Plus, we’re going alphabetically.
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station has a lighthouse—the only one on Mount Desert Island—and this lighthouse is in a perfect spot for your photos of the sunset if you scramble down to the rocks.
Park in the lot, head down the stairs, go to the bluff (things are steep) and you will reach an overlook. Turn toward the lighthouse. It’s amazing to watch the sun go down here.
Bring a flashlight or a headlamp on the way back to lot.
BEECH MOUNTAIN
When our daughter was little, Beech Mountain was one of her favorite hikes because it has the island’s only fire tower. You can see 360 degrees, pretty much. The view is also good on the ground.
Bring a flashlight or a headlamp on the way down.
CADILLAC SUMMIT
Cadillac Mountain, the adorable 1530-foot-tall mountain is a hot spot for the sunrise, but you can see the sunset in the direction of Eagle Lake if you look west. You may need a reservation depending on the time of year to drive up the 3.5 mile paved road.
Per the park:
“Visitors must have a park entrance pass to enter the park in addition to purchasing a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road. Park entrance passes are available at the park or online at Recreation.gov.
“Vehicle reservations cost $6. They are sold online in advance at Recreation.gov. They are not available for purchase at the park.”
HUNTER’S BEACH OVERLOOK
Right off the Park Loop Road is an adorable overlook that gives a stunning view of the sunset. You’ll see signs.
OTTER POINT
This is at the end of the Ocean Path. The sun’s setting rays make the granite glow. You can walk here from any of the parking areas along the stretch of the one-way portion of the Park Loop Road that begins at the Sand Beach Entrance Station.
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