Acadia National Park vs Shenandoah National Park
The East Coast's two premier national parks offer different flavors of eastern wilderness. Acadia combines rugged Atlantic coastline with granite peaks in Maine, while Shenandoah stretches along Virginia's Blue Ridge with rolling mountains and the famous Skyline Drive.
Maine
1919
49,052 acres
4.1 million
$35/vehicle
0 - 1,530 ft
High (summer/fall)
Virginia
1935
199,224 acres
1.6 million
$30/vehicle
600 - 4,051 ft
Moderate
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Acadia National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | September-October for foliage, June-August for activities | October for foliage, April-May for wildflowers |
| Top Highlights | Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole | Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls |
| Main Activities | Hiking, Biking carriage roads, Tide pooling | Scenic driving, Hiking, Waterfall viewing |
| Crowd Level | High (summer/fall) | Moderate |
| Entry Fee | $35/vehicle | $30/vehicle |
| Nearest Airport | Bangor (BGR) - 45 miles | Washington Dulles (IAD) - 75 miles |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Ocean and mountain combo
- + Charming Bar Harbor town
- + First sunrise in US
- + Excellent popovers
Cons
- - Very crowded in summer
- - Reservation for Cadillac sunrise
- - Cold ocean water
- - Fog common
Pros
- + Close to DC (75 miles)
- + 500+ miles of trails
- + Excellent fall colors
- + Historic lodges
Cons
- - Can be hazy in summer
- - No ocean views
- - Bears require food storage
- - Some trails crowded
Best For
Acadia National Park is Best For:
Shenandoah National Park is Best For:
Acadia offers more variety with its ocean-meets-mountain landscape. Shenandoah is more accessible and arguably better for fall foliage driving. Both are excellent leaf-peeping destinations.
Choose Acadia National Park if...
Choose Acadia if you want coastal scenery, enjoy kayaking and tide pools, or want to catch the first sunrise in the United States from Cadillac Mountain.
Choose Shenandoah National Park if...
Choose Shenandoah if you're visiting DC, want a classic Appalachian experience, or prefer a 105-mile scenic drive through Blue Ridge Mountain splendor.
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