Nature photographer Joseph DiPalma-Fragetta captured a stunning winter sunset at Acadia National Park this week, where snow-covered granite cliffs and rugged coastal views offer a totally different experience from summer.
While Acadia draws millions of visitors annually, summer and fall months bring heavy crowds, congested trailheads and packed overlooks — especially around Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach and Jordan Pond.
By contrast, winter visitation to the park drops dramatically. Though exact numbers vary by year, past reports show that even record winter seasons account for only a fraction of the annual totals, meaning plenty of space for those who make the trip in the off-season.
Winter also provides an opportunity to enjoy activities and scenery that are hard to experience during peak season. Snow-covered trails make Acadia perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking.
Other feature highlights include coastal hikes, snowmobiling the park loop road and ice skating waterbodies like Eagle Lake.
Near Sand Beach, the Great Head Trail leads to an old teahouse overlooking the coast, offering scenic views with fewer visitors.
Winter in Acadia also brings practical benefits: easier parking and lower lodging costs. While some roads and visitor facilities are closed, prepared visitors can access trails and overlooks to experience Acadia in the off-season.