Looking for a peaceful coastal gateway to Acadia? Visit Trenton, Maine! Located at the doorstep of Mount Desert Island, Trenton offers a relaxed, scenic setting with easy access to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Enjoy lobster shacks, ocean views, and small-town charm with fewer crowds.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Trenton is from late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings warm days, fresh seafood, and the full swing of coastal life. Fall offers colorful foliage and fewer tourists while maintaining mild weather and open attractions.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Trenton is located along Route 3, about 10 minutes from Mount Desert Island and 40 minutes from Ellsworth.
  • By Air: Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is located right in Trenton and offers seasonal flights from Boston.
  • By Bus: Limited regional bus services connect Trenton to Bar Harbor and Bangor; driving is the most flexible option.

Where to Stay

  • Acadia Sunrise Motel – Budget-friendly option with clean rooms and beautiful views of Frenchman Bay.
  • Open Hearth Inn – Cozy, family-run lodging with cottages, suites, and a vintage vibe near the airport.
  • Bar Harbor Campground – Affordable camping just over the bridge with scenic sites and Acadia access.

Top Attractions

  • Acadia National Park – Just minutes away, explore hiking trails, Cadillac Mountain, and the Park Loop Road.
  • Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound – Classic Maine seafood experience with fresh, steamed lobster right by the road.
  • Mount Desert Island – Visit charming villages like Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor nearby.
  • Seal Cove Auto Museum – Unique collection of vintage and brass-era automobiles just a short drive away.
  • Downeast Scenic Railroad – Take a vintage train ride from nearby Ellsworth through the Maine countryside.

⮕ Soar Above the Coastline with Scenic Flights of Acadia for Breathtaking Views

Soar Above the Coastline with Scenic Flights of Acadia for Breathtaking Views

© Scenic Flights of Acadia

  • What is Scenic Flights of Acadia?
    • Scenic Flights of Acadia offers visitors and locals the chance to observe a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Maine coastline and countryside.
  • Where do flights depart from?
    • Flights leave from Bar Harbor Airport.
  • When are flights available?
    • Flights are available from early May through October, weather permitting.
  • Who operates the flights?
    • A team of experienced and enthusiastic pilots are standing by to personalize an unforgettable tour just for you and your family.
  • How long has Scenic Flights of Acadia been in operation?
    • The company has been offering flights for many years, helping dozens of visitors enjoy a hallowed Maine vacation tradition.
  • Where is Scenic Flights of Acadia located?
    • Scenic Flights of Acadia, 1044 Bar Harbor Rd, Route 3, Trenton, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-6527

Where to Eat

  • Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound – One of the area’s most iconic stops for fresh Maine lobster and clams.
  • Gateway Lunt’s Lobster Pound – No-frills seafood shack with generous portions and picnic tables.
  • The Travelin Lobster – Locally loved lobster truck offering affordable, freshly prepared seafood favorites.

Local Events

  • Mount Desert Island Marathon (October) – One of the most scenic races in the U.S., passing near Trenton.
  • Acadia Night Sky Festival (September) – Celebrate the area's dark skies with stargazing and astronomy events.
  • Ellsworth Waterfront Concerts (Summer) – Enjoy live music and food trucks just a short drive from Trenton.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Trenton, Maine

  • Acadia National Park (15–25 min) – Hike granite peaks, bike carriage roads, or watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
  • Bar Harbor (25–30 min) – Stroll the charming downtown, enjoy local seafood, and hop on a harbor cruise or whale watch tour.
  • Mount Desert Island (15–30 min) – Explore scenic coastal villages, nature trails, and historic sites scattered across the island.
  • Ellsworth (10–15 min) – Shop local boutiques, visit art galleries, or catch a film at the historic Grand Theatre.
  • Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park (10–15 min) – Tour a 19th-century estate and explore beautifully maintained walking trails and gardens.
  • Wild Acadia Fun Park & Water Slides (5–10 min) – Zipline, play mini golf, or cool off on waterslides at this family-friendly adventure park in Trenton.
  • Hulls Cove Visitor Center (15–20 min) – Start your Acadia adventure here with maps, tips, and access to scenic park loop roads and trails.
  • Thompson Island Picnic Area (5–10 min) – Enjoy peaceful ocean views and a picnic on the causeway heading to Mount Desert Island.
  • Jordan Pond (25–30 min) – Walk the loop trail or enjoy popovers and tea at the famous Jordan Pond House in Acadia.
  • Lamoine State Park (20–25 min) – Camp, kayak, or fish in this quiet park offering peaceful views of Frenchman Bay.

FAQ

  • Where is Trenton, Maine located?
    • Trenton is a popular getaway destination located in Downeast Maine, at the gateway to Mount Desert Island and the Acadia National Park.
  • What makes Trenton a great family vacation spot?
    • The town has all the necessary ingredients for a fun family vacation, including the obligatory Maine lobster pounds, good shopping facilities (including factory outlets and a Balinese importer), and plenty of opportunities to get back to nature.
  • How can visitors get an aerial view of Trenton?
    • You can get a great overview of the area on a scenic flight with Scenic Flights of Acadia.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Trenton?
    • There is a public boat launch, picnic areas, scenic hiking trails, and excellent bird watching.
  • What can visitors see on a coastal boat tour in Trenton?
    • A scenic coastal boat tour will showcase the amazing coastline, lighthouses, and historic coastal homes.

Plan Your Trip