Best Books About Acadia National Park

If you’re looking for a reason to visit Acadia, then look no further than this book.  Of course, chances are you’ve already decided to go – in which case this book is crammed full of things to do and see on your trip.

From the most popular destinations to hidden gems, insider tips to background information, this book is a handy when planning your trip, as a reference while you’re away, and a lovely way to remember the highlights of your vacation when you’re back home.

Satisfy your ghoulish instinct for disaster – other people’s, that is.  And perhaps learn some things not to do as you use stories of actual deaths that occurred in the national park as cautionary tales. Hopefully, they won’t scare you away!

Acadia National Park and the surrounding area has a fascinating history.  Many of the famous landmarks in the park are named after famous people from its past.  This book tells their stories, so when you visit places like Otter Cliffs and Pulpit Rock, you will know how they got their name.  It really brings the park to life. 

If you’re interested in history, this is a great book – and because it tells history through stories, it’s a pretty easy read.

Crammed full of beautiful photos, this book makes the perfect souvenir – for yourself or a loved one who has visited Acadia.  There are stunning photos of all of the highlights of the national park, as well as other locations around Mount Desert Island and nearby Bar Harbor.

This doesn’t just feature Acadia National Park, but instead has breathtaking photos of all 63 national parks in the United States.  Of course, Acadia is there, but if you want to whet your appetite for more parks’ adventures, then this book is not to be missed. 

In addition to the photos, it includes a short summary of each national park, with their main features, ecology and history.

Another book filled with beautiful photos of Acadia National Park.  This book is smaller than most picture books – and it only comes in a paperback version – so it’s easier to take with you or to flick through than larger coffee table books. If you’re looking for a smaller, portable book of Acadia photos, then this one’s for you.

If you are traveling to Acadia National Park with kids (ages 7-12), then you will definitely want to take this activity book with you.  It is crammed full of games, puzzles, and other activities that will keep kids highly engaged throughout their trip.  Adults may be tempted to do some of the activities themselves!

Another great Acadia activity book (for ages 6 – 11), this has lots of fun facts, so your kids will learn about everything they are seeing and doing along the way.  Of course, there are also plenty of activities to keep them busy and having a great time throughout the park. Plus, there are places for kids to record what they see and do, so it makes a great journal of their trip.

If your kids are younger, this picture book (suitable for up to age 3) is a perfect way to introduce them to Acadia National Park and to keep their adventures alive after their trip.  It features many of the park’s highlights, introducing them to young kids in a really accessible way through easy words and beautiful images.

Acadia National Park is an adventure-lover’s paradise.  If that’s you, then this book will help you get the most out of your trip.  It includes details of the top hiking trails, great places to bicycle, and where to find the best places for kayaking or canoeing.  With dozens of trails, miles of carriage roads, and seemingly endless shorelines, having the top spots broken down with maps, tips and details is super helpful. 

It also includes spots for Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and running.

This comprehensive guidebook also includes information on activities, but there are also travel tips, where and when to see the fall foliage, and myriads of other travel details.  It also covers Bar Harbor and other nearby towns.  The Moon guidebook focuses exclusively on the national park and the surrounding area, so there is nothing irrelevant included.

If you’re including Acadia National Park as part of a longer trip that also takes in the rest of Maine, then the Lonely Planet is your best bet.  There’s a large section on Acadia, but it also covers the other coastal towns and inland areas in the state.  Lonely Planet is a reliable guidebook that gives a good overview and basic travel information.

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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