Both Acadia and Zion National Parks offer unique natural beauty and a range of activities. Acadia is a better choice for visitors seeking pet-friendly hiking options and coastal scenery, while Zion is ideal for those interested in canyon landscapes and more challenging hikes. Consider the time of year and potential crowds when planning a visit to either park.
| Attribute | Acadia National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Park Size | 49,075 acres | 229 square miles |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible Island Explorer shuttle buses, accessible parking spaces and trails, Hulls Cove Visitor Center is accessible, 45 miles of even-surface carriage roads accessible to wheelchairs | Park visitor centers, Human History Museum, restrooms, shuttle buses, picnic areas, and Zion Lodge are accessible. Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk are accessible hikes. |
| Lodging | Lodging options available on Mount Desert Island. Camping available at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds. | Lodging available inside the park at the Zion Lodge. Developed campgrounds also available. |
| Crowd Levels | Crowded during peak season (June to September). | Most crowded from May through September. |
| Hiking Trails | Over 150 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Some trails have iron rungs and ladders. | Dozens of trails with varying difficulty, from easy paved trails to strenuous backpacking trips. Popular trails include Angels Landing and The Narrows. |
| Kid-Friendly Activities | Junior Ranger program. Easy trails like Ocean Path and Jordan Pond Path. Ranger-led programs for children. | Easy trails suitable for children, such as the Pa'rus Trail. Junior Ranger program available. |
| Natural Landmarks | Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Beehive Trail, Otter Cliff, Schoodic Point, Gorham Mountain Trail, and Bubble Rock. | Mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and Canyon Overlook Trail. |
| Pet-Friendly Policies | Pets allowed in many areas, including 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Pets must be leashed. Not allowed in public buildings, on Sand Beach and Echo Lake beaches during the summer, or on certain trails. | Pets are allowed on the Pa'rus Trail only, public roads, parking areas, developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge if properly restrained. Not permitted on shuttle buses, in public buildings, or on other trails. |
| Ranger Programs | Ranger-guided programs are offered in the summer and fall. Guided activities include walks, talks, boat cruises, and bicycle tours. | Ranger-led activities provide an in-depth look into the park's history, geology, and wildlife. These programs include guided hikes, night sky tours, and nature walks. |
| Seasonal Weather | Best time to visit is in the fall. Summer offers comfortable temperatures but with more crowds. Winter is the least crowded season, but many facilities are closed. | Best times to visit are during the spring and fall. Summer is hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Winter is cold and wet, with the possibility of snow. |
| Entrance Fees | 7-day vehicle pass: $35, Annual pass: $55, "America the Beautiful" annual pass: $80. | 7-day vehicle pass: $35, Motorcycle (7-day pass): $30, Individual (7-day pass): $20, Zion Annual Pass: $70, America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 |
| Wildlife Viewing | Common wildlife includes birds, whales, seals, deer, and black bears. Best times for wildlife viewing are early morning or late evening. | Home to a wide array of wildlife, including 68 mammal species. Common animals include mule deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Best times for wildlife viewing are during the spring and fall seasons. |