Parking in park Sat late Sept

Question

So while looking over our plans and hikes I have a worry on our first afternoon in the park. We fly in on Saturday Sept 27th to Bangor. We were planning on seeing a few things in Bangor before heading to the park, arriving sometime around 2pm.

My original plan was to park at the visitors center and take loop bus route, getting off at Thunder Hole and hiking Gorham Mnt Loop Trail of 2 miles. But if we miss the 2pm bus it appears the time we would have to see Thunder Hole and do the Gorham Mnt hike would shrink to possibly missing the last bus.

Obviously don't want to have to worry about rushing or being stranded, so is finding a parking spot really hard on a Saturday afternoon late fall? Somewhere near the trailhead?

Answer

It’s understandable to be concerned about parking, especially when you’re trying to maximize your time in Acadia National Park without feeling rushed. Late September is generally considered the tail end of the busy season in Acadia, so while it may be less crowded than peak summer months, there are still a fair number of visitors, particularly on Saturdays. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and some tips for parking during your visit:

Parking at the Visitor Center: The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is a great starting point for your park visit, and there are usually parking spots available. However, this is one of the more popular locations for visitors, and it can get crowded in the late morning and early afternoon. Since you're planning to arrive around 2pm, you might be able to find a spot more easily, but it's always good to be prepared for the possibility of a full lot.

Alternative Parking Options: If the Visitor Center parking lot is full or you miss the bus, there are several other parking areas near trailheads and popular spots like Thunder Hole and the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail. These lots can fill up during busy periods, but late September may give you a little more flexibility. Some options to consider:

Thunder Hole: There is a parking lot directly at Thunder Hole, though it is relatively small. It's one of the more popular spots in the park, so it can get busy, especially on weekends. If you’re planning on doing the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, parking here may be the most convenient.
Gorham Mountain Trailhead: If the Thunder Hole parking lot is full, you could also try parking at the Gorham Mountain Trailhead parking area. It’s located along the Park Loop Road and provides direct access to the trail.
Sand Beach Parking Lot: Another option is to park at the Sand Beach lot. It’s a bit further away from Thunder Hole, but it’s a larger parking area and can sometimes have available spots when others are full. From here, you can take the bus or walk to the trailheads.

Bus vs. Driving: Since you mentioned the loop bus, it’s a great way to explore Acadia if you don’t mind being on a schedule. However, if you miss the 2pm bus, you could always drive yourself to the Thunder Hole area and park at the nearby lot (if available). That would give you the flexibility to do the hike at your own pace without worrying about catching the bus back. If you’re planning to do the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, it’s only about a 10-minute walk from the Thunder Hole area to the trailhead, so parking there should work well.

Parking Tips:

Arrive a little earlier to increase your chances of finding parking, especially at popular spots like Thunder Hole.
Consider using the Island Explorer bus system if you're staying in Bar Harbor or nearby, as it can help reduce the stress of finding parking in busy areas.
If parking lots fill up, be patient and wait for a spot to open up, or explore other trailheads that may have more availability.
In the late fall, crowds tend to thin out, so parking may be easier than during peak summer months, but it’s still best to plan ahead.

In Conclusion: While parking can be a bit tricky at popular spots in Acadia, your timing of arriving around 2pm in late September should give you a better chance of finding parking than during the height of summer. If you're concerned about being rushed, driving directly to Thunder Hole or the Gorham Mountain Trailhead might be your best bet, giving you more control over your schedule. Just keep an eye on the parking lots, and be flexible with your plans if necessary!

Parking in park Sat late Sept

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