Capturing the Beauty of Acadia National Park in Pastel Paintings Inspired by Winter Hikes

Acadia National Park offers a unique blend of rugged coastline, dense forests, and granite peaks that captivate visitors year-round. Experiencing the park in December reveals a quieter, more introspective side of this natural treasure. Inspired by a winter hike, I created a series of pastel paintings that reflect the park’s serene beauty and stark contrasts during the colder months. This post displays a few of my Acadia-inspired pastel paintings, explores what makes Acadia so compelling, highlights key features of the park, and suggests several hikes that nature lovers can enjoy, especially in winter.

"Stairway to Thunder Hole," 18x24 pastel.

What Makes Acadia National Park Special

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Its appeal comes from a combination of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural history. The park covers over 49,000 acres and includes mountains, forests, lakes, and more than 40 miles of rugged coastline.

Dramatic Coastal Scenery

The park’s coastline is a defining feature. Granite cliffs rise sharply from the Atlantic Ocean, creating dramatic views and opportunities for photography and painting. In winter, the contrast between the icy blue ocean, snow-dusted rocks, and bare trees creates a striking palette that lends itself well to pastel art.

"Slippery When Wet," 9x12 pastel

Mountain Peaks and Forests

Acadia’s highest point, Cadillac Mountain, offers panoramic views of the island and ocean. The mountain is famous for being one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. The park’s forests, dominated by spruce, fir, and pine, provide a peaceful setting for winter hikes. Snow muffles the sounds of wildlife and footsteps, enhancing the sense of solitude.

Rich Wildlife and Plant Life

Even in winter, Acadia supports a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds like the black-capped chickadee. The park’s plant life adapts to the cold, with evergreens standing out against the snow and bare branches creating intricate patterns.

Winter Hiking at Acadia National Park

Winter transforms Acadia into a quiet, reflective place. Trails are less crowded, and the snow adds a fresh dimension to the landscape. Here are four hikes that showcase the park’s winter beauty and offer inspiration for artists and nature lovers alike.

1. Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail

This trail leads to the highest point on the East Coast at 1,530 feet. The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding. In winter, the summit offers sweeping views of snow-covered islands and the Atlantic Ocean. The crisp air and clear skies often make for stunning sunrises and sunsets, perfect for capturing in pastel.

• Distance: 3.5 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Panoramic views, sunrise opportunities, granite ledges

  
  

2. Jordan Pond Path

A relatively easy and flat trail, the Jordan Pond Path circles a clear, glacial lake surrounded by forested hills. In winter, the frozen pond and snow-covered trees create a peaceful scene. The path is ideal for a quiet walk or sketching stops.

• Distance: 3.3 miles loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Frozen pond views, forest scenery, reflections on ice

  
  

3. Ocean Path Trail

This trail follows the rocky coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Point. The path offers close-up views of waves crashing against cliffs and sea stacks. Winter brings a dramatic mood with icy spray and snow on the rocks, making it a compelling subject for pastel paintings.

• Distance: 4 miles one way

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Coastal views, sea stacks, tide pools

"Acadia Mist," 9x12 pastel

4. Beehive Trail (Winter Caution)

The Beehive Trail is a steep, challenging climb with iron rungs and ladders. It is popular in warmer months but requires caution in winter due to ice. For experienced hikers with proper gear, it offers thrilling views and a chance to see the park’s rugged terrain up close.

• Distance: 1.4 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Difficult

• Highlights: Steep climbs, panoramic views, granite cliffs

  
  

Bringing Acadia’s Winter Landscape to Life in Pastel

Pastel painting is well suited to capturing the soft light and subtle color shifts of a winter landscape. The medium allows for blending and layering, which can mimic the textures of snow, ice, and rock. When painting scenes from Acadia, I focus on:

• The contrast between warm and cool tones, such as the warm browns of tree trunks against the cool blues of snow shadows

• The texture of granite cliffs and rocky shores

• The delicate patterns of bare branches and evergreen needles

• The changing sky colors during sunrise and sunset

  
  

Using photos and sketches from winter hikes helps preserve the details and atmosphere of the park. The quiet, reflective mood of a December hike inspires a more restrained and thoughtful approach to color and composition.

Tips for Hiking and Painting Acadia in Winter

• Dress in layers and wear waterproof boots with good traction

• Carry trekking poles for stability on icy trails

• Bring a sketchbook and compact pastel set for quick studies on location

• Check weather and trail conditions before heading out

• Respect park rules and stay on marked trails to protect fragile winter ecosystems

"Surf's Up at Acadia National Park," 10x13 pastel.

Final Thoughts on Acadia’s Winter Charm

Acadia National Park in winter offers a rare chance to see a beloved landscape in a new light. The quiet trails, frosted trees, and icy coastline create scenes full of contrast and calm. For artists, especially those working with pastels, the park provides endless inspiration. Whether you hike to a summit or stroll along the shore, Acadia’s winter beauty invites you to slow down, observe closely, and capture the moment.

If you plan to visit, prepare for cold weather and changing conditions, but know that the reward is a peaceful, stunning environment that few get to experience in winter. Use your time there to connect with nature and let the landscape guide your creativity.

Visit my shop for available paintings of Acadia and many other National and State Parks.