Best Books About Acadia National Park

Maybe you have an upcoming trip to Acadia National Park and want some practical information.  Or maybe you want to be inspired and read some fun stories about the park or learn its history?  Or maybe you are back from your trip and would like a memento of your trip or wish to keep your trip alive with some fun reading material.   

No matter your reason, if you’re looking for an Acadia National Park book, this reading guide is here to help you find the perfect one (or ones).  

No time right now to discover the Best Books About Acadia National Park?  Pin It and save it for later:

Two photos: a Lake surrounded by rocks, trees, and mountains; and a photo of a book, hat, red stripe cloth, and glasses on the grass field with the texts that say FASCINATING BOOKS ABOUT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK.
Four photos: an old bridge surrounded by trees and different plants; a girl holding a book; steps in the middle of the trees; and a lake surrounded by trees and rocks, with the text that says 12 BOOKS ABOUT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK You Will Want to Read.

Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full Disclosure for more information. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Acadia Book Top Picks

Ultimate Acadia: 50 Reasons to Visit Maine’s National Park (2016), Virginia M. Wright

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.


Death in Acadia: And Other Misadventures in Maine’s National Park (2019), Randi Minetor

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!


Historic Acadia National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures (2016), Catherine Schmitt

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.


Picture Books about Acadia National Park

Picture books or coffee table books are a great way to remember your trip (and supplement your own photos).  You can skip the three-hour wait to take the perfect sunset photo of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and enjoy these photos instead.

Acadia In Pictures: A Photographic Journey Through Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island (2022) Aaron Geraud 

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.


America’s National Parks: A Photographic Guide Through All 63 National Parks of the USA (2022) Aaron Lanni

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.


Acadia National Park Photobook: A Book That Travel Lovers Don’t Want To Miss! (2022) Ip Loft

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.


Books about Acadia National Park for Kids

Acadia National Park Activity Book: Puzzles, Mazes, Games, and More About Acadia National Park (2021), Little Bison Press

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!


Acadia Is Calling And I Must Go: Acadia National Park Travel Journal, Activity Book and Log Book (2022), Lovely Bear Press

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.


Good Night Acadia (2021), Adam Gamble

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 Guide Book Top Picks

AMC’s Outdoor Adventures: Acadia National Park: Your Guide to the Best Hiking, Biking, and Paddling (2017), Jerry Monkman & Marcy Monkman

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.


Moon Acadia National Park: Seaside Towns, Fall Foliage, Cycling & Paddling (2021), Hilary Nangle

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.


Lonely Planet Maine & Acadia National Park 1 (2019), Regis St Louis and Adam Karlin

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.


Are you traveling to Acadia National Park? Check out my Guide to Acadia National Park and get my Acadia Itinerary Planner to make your planning easy. 

If you are planning to visit Acadia National Park in spring, summer or fall, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-day itineraries for Acadia that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level and take all the stress out of planning your trip.  

Check out the four Acadia itinerary options

If you love reading about national parks, check out more books about national parks

Do you have another book about Acadia National Park that you recommend? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).  

If you like these books, save them to your Acadia National Park or Travel Books boards:

Four photos: an old bridge surrounded by trees and different plants; a girl holding a book; steps in the middle of the trees; and a lake surrounded by trees and rocks, with the text that says 12 BOOKS ABOUT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK You Will Want to Read.
Two photos: a Lake surrounded by rocks, trees, and mountains; and a photo of a book, hat, red stripe cloth, and glasses on the grass field with the texts that say FASCINATING BOOKS ABOUT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK.
WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS?

Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Acadia National Park? Read my Guide to Acadia National Park and Get an Itinerary for Acadia National Park
Are you looking for a place to stay near Acadia National Park? Find a vacation rental near Acadia National Park or Find a place to stay in Bar Harbor
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources

About the Reviewer

James Ian Yosemite

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 all of the main 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 Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…


Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.