Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park Photography

As we close the distance to Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, the scent of pine and saltwater fills our car, a familiar reminder of all the times we’ve ventured here before. With each visit, we discover new secrets hidden within the lush landscape, making it one of our favorite places for photography. Majestic mountains tower above us, their peaks kissed by wispy clouds and bathed in golden sunlight. The crystal-clear waters of Jordan Pond reflect this breathtaking scenery with every ripple and wave, inviting us to photograph Mother Gaia’s beauty.

TOURS

PRIVATE JET PHOTO TOURS

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We Run a Tour to the Park

JORDAN POND PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

We could go on and on about the breathtaking views, the magnificent colors, the dynamic shapes, and more. But why listen to us when you can see it all for yourself through our articles? Our jaw-dropping photos are proof enough of the beauty this park holds. It’s no secret that Acadia National Park is one of the most incredible destinations in the USA. Add this park to your bucket list. And if you want to make it a luxurious experience, consider taking a private jet! Join Extra Eyes Photo Tours and explore this park’s hidden gems with our expert guides. Learn more at www.extraeyesphototours.com. VIEW ALL OF THE ACADIA ARTICLE— LINKS AT THE BOTTOM.

If you want to head to another northern area, read about our journey from Acadia National Park, Maine, to Fundy Trail, Canada—an incredible journey.

OPTIMAL TIME TO VISIT JORAN POND

We don’t recommend going during winter, as roads may be closed. Our preferred seasons are Spring and Fall, when there are fewer crowds. We also suggest visiting on a midweek to avoid larger crowds.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH JORDAN POND

You can set aside a minimum of two full days to explore every nook and cranny of this expansive park and its surrounding areas. From the sprawling forests to the winding paths that lead to hidden beauty, there is much to discover in this nature haven.

WHEN TO GO

The only time not to go is when they close the road down due to winter conditions. Check with the park before you go. Fall is ideal.

WHAT GEAR TO BRING

We suggest bringing a robust and versatile camera setup. Essential items include a DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses, a sturdy tripod for long exposures, and multiple memory cards.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING

Hiking boots, bug spray, hats in summer, gloves, and a scarf during colder months are essential for a comfortable experience. Remember, this is Maine. It gets pretty chilly at night. A good-quality backpack that can handle your gear and personal necessities will help in your long treks.

Remember to bring water and some high-energy snacks to keep yourself fueled while exploring the vast park. There is a restaurant at Jordan Pond that you can plan to shoot around lunch or dinner time.

A field guide or map of the park could also help navigate between the popular spots and hidden gems this locaion offers. Lastly, bring binoculars for bird watching or observing far-off wildlife.

WHAT ELSE TO PHOTOGRAPH

Link to all the pages for these locations.

ROCK BEACH
THUNDER HOLE
BASS HARBOUR LIGHTHOUSE
LITTLE HUNTERS BEACH

Rock Beach is a favorite spot for the Milky Way. Also, remember the Bass Harbor Lighthouse for sunset and the Milky Way.

SEE ALL OF OUR MAINE HOT SPOTS TO VIEW INDIVIDUAL LOCATIONS.

DIFFICULTY

A lot of the park is easily accessible. Rock Beach has a set of stairs that make it difficult to get down to the beach. The Bass Harbor Lighthouse is challenging to shoot. There are slippery rocks and off-trail rocks to climb down to get to a spot to create a good shot. You can view it from a distance without climbing down, but you won’t get a good shot or be able to see the icon view.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT JORDAN POND

This trip may bring encounters with creatures such as foxes, white-tailed deer, and an occasional eagle. Don’t look for moose here. They are on the other side of the state.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?

As one of the top ten most visited national parks and sees its fair share of visitors, particularly during the summer when the weather is at its finest. We like Spring and Fall to avoid the crowds, and there are more ways to avoid the crush of people. Opt for early mornings or late afternoons, when most visitors are eating breakfast or dinner. Also, consider exploring some of the less-trodden paths. Even though they might not lead you to the most popular attractions, they can offer you a peaceful area, letting you bask in the serene beauty of the frequented corners.

MILKY WAY

This is one of the best places to photograph the Milky Way. The sky here is incredibly dark, and the Milky Way shines brilliantly overhead at certain times during certain months. Be sure to see our Milky Way Photography Page to learn when the Milky Way is visible.

NEARBY PHOTOGRAPHY

If this wasn’t enough, you can take advantage of the rare opportunity to photograph puffins up close near Cutler, Maine. The largest puffin colony on the East Coast is not far north of the park. Book your summer tours as early as March. They fill up fast!

HOW TO GET TO THERE

BY CAR: To reach Mount Desert Island from the south, follow I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, and then take Route 3 east to Ellsworth. Another option is to continue on I-95 north towards Bangor, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. From there, continue on Route 3 until reaching Mount Desert Island.

BY AIR: Travelers can take direct flights to Mount Desert Island from Boston’s Airport, which is only 10 miles away from the Hancock County Airport. National airlines are available for those flying into Bangor International Airport, just an hour from the island. Car rental services are offered at both airports for convenience.

WHERE TO STAY

There are numerous options throughout the park. We will be featuring Hotels, Motels and Cabins here. Please email us to advertise for only $129.00 for the entire year!! You can scroll down for information on where to stay.

AREA INFORMATION

Entrance Fees: All park visitors are required to pay an entrance fee upon entry May–October. Passes are non-transferable. Credit cards are accepted at all fee collection areas.

Private Vehicle: $25 valid for 7 days
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants.

Motorcycle: $20 valid for 7 days
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle.

Per Person: $12 valid for 7 days
Admits one individual with no car.

Hulls Cove Visitor Center:
April 15 – October 31, open daily
April, May, June, September, and October: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
July & August: 8 am – 6 pm

Seasonal Closings:

Park Loop Road:
Closed annually December 1 – April 14. Road opening may be delayed on years of heavy snow and ice. Two short sections remain open year-round.

Unpaved Roads:
Closed November 15 – May 15.

CAMPING

Schoodic Woods Campground

Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor. It will open from September to Columbus Day in 2015. After this season, it will be open from late May until Columbus Day. The entire campground will be on a first-come, first-served basis this year.

Fee (per site, per night): $22 walk-in tent sites, $30 drive-up tent/small RV, $36 RV with electric-only sites, $40 RV with electric and water. Discounts are available for Senior and Access (Permanent Disability) pass holders.

Reservations for Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds
Reservations for individual sites are handled by the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), not the park. By Phone
877-444-6777
877-833-6777 (TTY)
518-885-3639 (International)
888-448-1474 (Customer Service)

Online
www.recreation.gov

RESTAURANTS

The Jordan Pond House Restaurant is inside the park. This is where we stop to eat.

Address: Park Loop Rd, Seal Harbor, ME 04675

Phone:(207) 276-3316

Perry’s Lobster Shack:
1076 Newbury Neck Road
Surry, ME
207-667-1955 – This is where you go to do sunset pictures and enjoy your incredibly fresh lobster dinner.

Perry’s is run by Perry and his wife, Beverly. The lobster shack is on the side of Newbury Neck Road, with stairs leading to the town beach. Perry’s menu is simple, with fresh lobster, mussels, and corn on the cob.

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