We are first time visitors to Maine and have just revamped our travel plans. We're staying in Camden. Question: on a summer weekday (late August), is it feasible to drive roundtrip from Camden to Acadia the same day? We could be on the road early morning. On a future trip, we would explore Acadia in depth. Appreciate all replies.

I think it will take you about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get there. I supoose you can decide if that will allow you wnough time to do what you want (if you are talking about Mt Desert Island)

A fair chunk of the drive will be slow-going and NOT scenic. Endless strip-mall type places along Route 3 until you acually get to MDI.

I really love Acadia, but I think you would see it at it's congested worst during a day-trip in August. Still not sure if I would say "no, don't do it", but think you should know what to expect.

Thanks for your replies. Our vacation is very late August; many schools are back in session.
A pity drive from Camden/MDI is not more scenic. Would you know if Loop Road is within striking distance (am looking at a few maps; Rt. 3 to Vistor Center is one-way. If driving from Camden, would we add more distance? Destination could be the "carriage roads").

I didn't mean to say that none of it is scenic, just to expect that parts of it aren't.

Part of the loop road is one-way, but I don't think any of Route 3 is? You seem to be implying that there is a choice in route. I don't think there is.

Are you thinking of renting bikes or hiking on the carriage roads?

elberko,
I thought your reply re: scenic drive was nothing more than kind!
Re: Route 3: you are absolutely correct....I was reading too quickly. Should we actually reach Acadia (and hopefully we will!), we will decide at that time whether or not to hike the carriage roads.
What I cannot determine: driving from Camden and after reaching MDI, is there a particular area which is closer, once we enter Acadia? (We're using Maine: An Exploer's Guide for trip planning.)

I think it probably doen't matter, just decide where you want to go, and head there.

The only thing you SHOULD do, which might be a problem, is driving the loop road once. If you get there early, and traffic seems light, do it first. Or, do it mid-late afternoon before you head back to Camden.

Lots of people "see" Acadia by doing the loop road once, then leave, so it can be congested during the middle of the day. I can't imagine a trip to Acadia without the views from the loop, though.