Acadia National Park In The Fall (+ Bar Harbor Maine)

If you’re planning a visit to Acadia National Park in the fall then you’re in for a treat! While Acadia is a special place to visit during the summer and winter, I think it’s even more beautiful in the fall when the leaves are exploding in color.

In This Article:

• Where to find Acadia National Park peak fall colors
• Itinerary for visiting Acadia National Park in the fall (September & October)
• Best fall hikes in Acadia
• Important dates and reservation requirements
• Tips & Packing List

Disclaimer: This article features some affiliate links. I only endorse things I’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you purchase anything I mention using my referral links from Amazon, REI or other retailers I may receive a small commission. However, there is never extra cost to you. You can read more here. Thank you for your support.

Some photos in this article are in collaboration with Dani Campbell – a friend and fellow van lifer!

Guide To Visiting Acadia National Park In The Fall

Visiting Acadia in the fall is a magical experience. The air is crisp, the leaves are exploding with reds, oranges and yellows and the weather is perfect for hiking.

This also means that September and October in Acadia can be really busy times. Be prepared for some crowds (especially on weekends) and plan to make hotel reservations several months in advance so you can get the best deals and avoid sold out hotels.

TIP: Use the NPS crowd forecasting tool to see how busy the park is expected to be during your trip dates.

Best Time To See Acadia National Park Fall Colors

The best time to see Acadia National Park fall colors is in October. More specifically, mid-October which is historically when peak foliage in Acadia happens.

Regardless of which specific dates you pick, Acadia is the best National Park to visit in October and you will have stunning fall colors throughout the entire month!

TIP: Keep an eye on this foliage predictor to see when the best fall foliage in Acadia National Park is predicted to occur this year! (The site is updated every Wednesday during the fall)

How To Get To Acadia National Park In The Fall

The best way to get to Acadia National Park is to fly to Boston (Logan airport) and rent a vehicle.

TIP: I recommend booking your rental car with Discover Cars. They search across the major rental companies to find the best rate and let you cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup, so you can grab a good rate now without stressing if your plans change.

The drive from Boston to Bar Harbor Maine is 5 hours and takes you through several fantastic coastal towns that are worth seeing if you have time. Camden is my favorite.

Alternatively, you can fly into Portland, Maine which is only 3 hours to Acadia. However, flights into Portland tend to be about twice as expensive as flights to Boston.

While it’s also possible to fly into Bar Harbor or Bangor, these airports tend to be even more expensive with fewer scheduled flights.

Chances are you’ll need to add a layover to your flight itinerary to reach them, which means more travel time sitting in an airport and potential flight delays. In my experience, it’s better to book direct flights when possible and drive a little farther.

Where To Stay In Acadia In October

Acadia National Park has a funky layout (similar to Indiana Dunes National Park or Cuyahoga Valley) because the park is not one contiguous piece of land owned by the National Park Service.

Instead, it looks more like swiss cheese with lots of private land sprinkled across the park boundaries.

That means that even though there are technically no hotels in Acadia National Park, you can still find very convenient hotels in the center of Acadia National Park located on private land.

Even better, there are tons of vacation rentals in Acadia which are both affordable and convenient (almost unheard of for National Parks!)

Acadia National Park also has 4 campgrounds. However, unless you’re experienced with winter camping and lots of warm gear I wouldn’t recommend camping in Acadia National Park in the fall because nighttime lows very chilly (in the 40°F’s.)

NOTE: Campgrounds in Acadia National Park close for the winter season by late October. Specific dates vary by year.

Best Hotels In Bar Harbor In The Fall

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in Bar Harbor it is better to stay downtown so you can walk everywhere and don’t have to worry about traffic or parking (trust me, the parking can be almost impossible during late afternoon and dinner time hours!)

There are also several incredible vacation rentals in Bar Harbor that offer tons of space, water views, and the Nantucket vibe without the price tag (because its October in Acadia, otherwise they’d be big money.)

Best Spots For Acadia National Park Fall Foliage (For Non-Hikers)

Not interested in hiking? No problem! This list includes Acadia National Park fall foliage spots that you can drive to (but I also have recommendations for hikes in the next section below if that’s your preference!)

1. Watch Sunrise From Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is a great place to see fall colors in Acadia National Park because it’s the location of the first sunrise in the US.

Sunrise in Acadia National Park ranges from 4:45 am to 6:15 am, depending on the season. Sunrise in Acadia National Park in October is closer to 6:15 am (which means you can sleep in a little longer!)

From the summit, you’ll overlook Mount Desert Island and have 360 degree views of the colorful landscape and ocean below.

There is also a short (0.5 mile), mostly flat, and completely paved loop around the top of Cadillac Mountain you can walk and lots of quiet areas and boulders to find a quiet place to rest and get away from the crowds.

In order to drive up Cadillac Mountain during summer and fall in Acadia, you must have an advanced vehicle reservation.

There are two categories of vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain: sunrise reservations and daytime reservations.

Since there are more hours in the daytime than there are for sunrise, daytime tickets are much easier to get. It’s a good backup option if you can’t get sunrise reservations for Cadillac Mountain.

NOTE: Vehicles over 21 feet long are not allowed on the road up to Cadillac Mountain. Unfortunately, that means no RVs (but most campervans are ok).

2. Drive Park Loop Road In Acadia

Park Loop Road is the scenic drive around Mount Desert Island (the primary section of Acadia National Park). It’s a 27-mile loop with access points to popular areas like Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.

TIP: Acadia National Park has a free shuttle (the Island Explorer) which is a great way to get around so you don’t have to fight for parking. It has reduced hours in September and October, and stops running my mid-October. The schedule varies so the best way to stay up to date is to check the website or pick up a printed schedule at the visitors center.

There are sections along Park Loop Road that are one-way, so knowing how to stack your itinerary will save you from having to circle all the way around the loop just to go backward one or two stops.

This is what I did, and the order I recommend driving Park Loop Road:

Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center

My first stop in any National Park is the visitors center because you can pick up paper maps, speak to rangers and get up-to-date park information such as scheduled ranger programs (one of my favorite things!), trail closures and wildlife information.

I also make a point to get a stamp in my National Parks Passport book for each new park I visit!

Hulls Cove Visitor Center has a huge parking lot (the biggest one I’ve seen in Acadia), so it’s a great spot for park-and-ride to catch the shuttle into the park or downtown Bar Harbor.

Head To Sieur De Monts Nature Center Next

It’s a quick drive from Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Sieur De Monts. You’ll start out on the two-way section of Park Loop Road before picking up the one-way section of the loop (runs from about 12 o’clock to 7 o’clock if you’re looking at the map.)

Plan to spend about half an hour here. There’s a small nature center with some educational displays, and a fenced in garden you can walk through that displays the variety of ecosystems you’ll find in the park.

From Sieur De Monts you can get off the one-way loop road and take Rt 3 into Bar Harbor for lunch (or join a foodie walking tour of Bar Harbor for a sampling of all the best eats!).

The next chance to exit Park Loop Road is just before the fee station near Schooner Head Overlook (10 min drive) and Otter Cove (20 min drive).

NOTE: If you’re planning to hike Precipice Trail, trailhead parking is located before your next stop; Sand Beach.

Picnic Lunch At Sand Beach

If you haven’t popped up into Bar Harbor after Sieur de Monts for lunch, I highly recommend bringing a picnic lunch with you so you can enjoy Sand Beach for a while.

Sand Beach is one of the most popular spots to visit in Acadia National Park, and it has a huge parking lot (plus additional parking along the road). During the summer it’s constantly full, but by October in Acadia it’s much easier to find a spot.

From the parking lot it’s a short walk (paved) to the beach. There are also bathrooms, private changing rooms, and water refill stations here.

TIP: Across the street is the trailhead for Beehive Hike (my favorite hike in Acadia National Park!) It’s a hard 1.5 mile hike that requires scrambling and climbing ladders, and takes around an hour and a half.

Continue Along The One-Way Section Of Park Loop Road To Thunder Hole And Otter Point

After Sand Beach, there are a few stops along Park Loop Road that are worth spending a few minutes at!

The first is Thunder Hole, which is one of my favorite stops in Acadia National Park! I read several reviews from people who thought it was underwhelming but I thought it was neat!

Thunder Hole is a narrow inlet along the coast formed by rock erosion. Ocean waves force water into this narrow opening, and as the water slaps against the rock it makes a boom (or thunder) sound!

Visiting Thunder Hole 1- or 2-hours before high tide is supposed to produce the best thunder sounds, but you can still hear it throughout the rest of the day too!

I had to stick around for a few minutes until the right wave set came along, and then I could hear it (and it’s such a low vibration sound you can feel it, too!) You might need to wait 5-10 minutes to hear something, but it’s worth it.

Next, head to Otter Cliff, a cool rocky staircase along the water.

It’s just under a mile (one-way) between Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. You can drive, or walk along Ocean Path to get there.

Ocean Path is a (mostly) flat path that hugs the coastline and offers some really beautiful views. To the east you’ll have deep blue water to the horizon, and to the west you’ll see the bright contrasting colors Acadia National Park fall is famous for!

TIP: If you only want to hike one-way you can park at Thunder Hole, catch the Island Explorer shuttle to Otter Cliff, and then walk back. You must do it in this order because the shuttle is one-way here. If you do it in reverse you’ll spend about an hour on the bus going all the way around the loop.

3. Eat Popovers At Jordan Pond House

Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant in Acadia National Park, and it’s surprisingly good! I didn’t have high hopes for our dinner reservations (I had seen a few sub-par reviews), but my meal was great and I really liked the popovers with jam!

From Jordan Pond House you can catch a glimpse of Jordan Pond, surrounded by the vibrant fall colors in Acadia National Park! If the forecast is favorable, I recommend booking a reservation for their lawn seating (that’s what we did because outdoor seating at Jordan Pond House is dog-friendly!)

4. Kayak On Eagle Lake

If the weather is nice, I recommend catching Acadia National Park fall colors from the water!

Eagle Lake is the best spot to paddle around on the water in Acadia. It has a boat ramp, and it’s right next to Bar Harbor (convenient if you’re renting a kayak.)

If you prefer a guided tour, check out this half day sea kayak excursion with a local guide.

NOTE: Eagle Lake functions as a reservoir for drinking water so swimming and paddle boarding are not allowed.

5. Bike Acadia’s Carriage Roads

Acadia has 45 miles of historic carriage roads which are open to the public for biking, horseback riding and hiking.

Originally, the carriage roads were built as a gift from John D. Rockefeller who wanted a motor-free way to enjoy Acadia National Park.

Between 1913 and 1940 he had the carriage roads built, ensuring they visually worked with the land and not against it, and that they highlighted the most scenic views in the park.

Today the roads are still maintained and accessible to park visitors. I think the best way to explore these roads is by renting an e-bike and packing a picnic lunch!

If you rent your bike here, pick-up and drop-off to Hulls Cove Visitor Center is included for free. You’ll get a fully charged up e-bike from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm (and a charge lasts for more than 35 miles!)

NOTE: The links above are approved e-bikes that fit Acadia National Parks regulations for carriage roads. Do not book fat tire bikes, or e-bikes above class 1 as they are not permitted in the National Park. (If you’re curious, class 1 e-bikes only ‘engage’ when you are pedaling – when you’re working, they’re working)

TIP: Prefer a little more structure? Book a guided e-bike tour and let someone else do the navigating!

Best Hikes For Fall Colors In Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park has some really cool hikes, especially if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. Several of these hikes include short sections with iron rung ladders or steps carved into the granite mountainside.

If you want something a bit more tame, there are hikes along the coastline, lakeshores and a few less intense mountain summits too!

Summits offer great views of Acadia National Park fall foliage, but you can also get great views from below the treetops. There’s a hike for every interest and ability in Acadia!

1. Jesup and Hemlock Loop

Jesup & Hemlock Loop is a perfect hike for all abilities and it’s also one of the best hikes for Acadia National Park fall colors!

The trail leads through a forested area near Sieur de Monts Nature Center on Mount Desert. It’s mostly flat and just over a mile and a half in total.

Most of this hike is along a raised boardwalk. It’s really beautiful when it’s covered in red fall leaves.

READ MORE: Hiking Gear Guide For Beginners (what you actually need, and where to find it for less)

2. Beehive Loop Trail

Don’t let the short mileage fool you – this trail is considered one of the hardest hikes in Acadia National Park! It’s also one of my favorite!

Even though it’s only 1.5 miles total, the first half mile will take you at least 30-minutes because it’s almost entirely uphill (and vertical in several places).

There are a lot of rock scrambles and many ladder sections to reach the Beehive, not to mention very narrow cliff sections that are only wide enough for one person.

In many ways, this hike reminds me of Angels Landing in Zion National Park. Luckily, no permit is required to hike Beehive in Acadia National Park, though.

If you are scared of heights, have vertigo, or limited upper body mobility you may want to skip this one. I was surprised how much upper body strength was required for pulling myself up some of the scrambles.

NOTE: This hike is one-way only along the ladder section up to the Beehive. Past the Beehive the trail becomes two-way again, so if you want to see Beehive without the ladder section come up and return along the backend of the path (starting clockwise if you’re following the AllTrails map)

3. Jordan Pond Path

Jordan Pond Path is an easy loop trail around the lake with some really stunning views of the fall colors in Acadia! There are a few narrow sections on raised wooden planks.

By fall in Acadia National Park it should be fairly dry, but there’s a small chance you’ll find mud on this hike.

There are two large parking lots at the trailhead, but if you’re visiting Acadia National Park in October during a weekend anticipate a crowd. Everyone comes here to see the colors change and it makes parking a bit chaotic.

Instead, I recommend taking the Island Explorer shuttle (purple and orange lines both stop here.)

TIP: Book a dinner reservation at Jordan Pond House restaurant for after this hike and be sure to get their famous popovers!

4. Bubbles Nubble Loop

Bubbles Nubble Loop is a great way to catch Acadia National Park fall foliage with views of Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, Pemetic and Sargent Mountains, and the Cranberry Isles.

It crosses Jordan Pond Path, so you can make it a longer loop for closer to 7 miles total.

Half of this trail is up along the ridge line where you’ll get the best views, but also a bit of elevation gain. The final portion follows the carriage road, which is a nice way to cool down.

Also, Bubbles Nubble is just fun to say.

5. Precipice Loop

Precipice Loop is one of the best hikes for fall foliage in Acadia National Park. It has great views of the fall colors on land as well as the ocean… but the best part about visiting Acadia in fall is that this trail is open!

Precipice Loop is usually closed in the summer due to falcon nesting so fall in Acadia is one of the few times it’s accessible to visitors. A majority of visitors (ones that come during the busy summer months) never get to experience this hike.

NOTE: This trail has several ladder and rung sections.

6. Cadillac Mountain

In addition to driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, you could also opt to hike up. There are two trails that take you to the summit; North Ridge and South Ridge.

North Ridge is more popular simply because it’s shorter (by about 3 miles), but both trails have about the same elevation gain which means this trail is a bit steeper.

North Ridge also has very limited parking, so come super early (like 2 hours before sunrise) or after 3 pm in the afternoon. Or take the park shuttle.

You can also hike up the South Ridge Trail (7 miles), which has ample parking along the street. The trailhead is just outside of Blackwoods Campgrounds which makes it easier to get to if you’re camping in Acadia National Park!

Additional Hikes for Fall Colors In Acadia National Park

• Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop (3.2 miles, 1,100 feet) – A steep climb up iron rung ladders and granite steps carved into the mountain side, but the views from the top will reward you with fantastic fall colors in Acadia!

• Jordan Cliffs Hike (5.1 miles, 1,600 feet) – This trail is typically closed in the summer so only visitors to Acadia National Park in the fall and winter will be able to enjoy it. There are two summits so there’s double the fall foliage views. Be prepared for rock scrambles, iron rungs and steep slopes. It gets slippery when wet so avoid this Acadia hike if it’s raining.

Acadia Reservations & Permit Info

Entrance to Acadia National Park is $35 per vehicle (good for up to 7 days), or free if you have the America The Beautiful annual park pass.

TIP: If you’ll be visiting more than 2 National Parks in a 12 month period the America The Beautiful park pass will save you money. Many parks have an express line that allows pass holders to skip the long entrance lines, too! I buy one every year! (you only need one per vehicle)

All visitors must pay the park entrance regardless of any other permits or reservations they hold.

In addition to the park entry fee, you may also need to obtain these additional reservations:

Cadillac Mountain Reservations

Driving up to Cadillac Mountain between May and October requires a reservation.
Reservations are released 90 days in advance, and again 2 days in advance.
You must book your reservation on the recreation.gov website.
Each vehicle costs $6 and can purchase one reservation per week.

Campgrounds In Acadia National Park

There are 4 campgrounds in Acadia National Park. I stayed at Blackwoods Campground and personally think it’s the best (good location, great camp sites!)

All sites require advanced reservations which are available 60 days in advance.
Campgrounds close for the season by mid October in Acadia National Park.

Acadia In The Fall Packing List

Given the weather can be highly variable in Acadia National Park in October, I recommend packing layers, waterproof gear, and a few hiking essentials.

Here’s a practical packing list for visiting Acadia National Park in the fall:

Tips For Visiting Acadia National Park In The Fall

While October in Acadia National Park is far less crowded than the busy season (June – September), traffic can still be congested – especially on the weekends. These are the tips I used to avoid crowds and my favorite travel apps for limited service areas.

🚌 The best way to get around Acadia National Park is with the free Island Explorer bus system. This also means you don’t need to battle for parking at popular trailheads!

🚗 Have more time? Extend your trip with a 7 day New England road trip through Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire!

📶 There is limited cell service in Acadia. While you might be able to catch LTE service here and there (which allows you to call/text), it’s unlikely you’ll have strong enough data to load maps or check email reliably. I had moments of 5g service but never when I actually needed it 😂

🗺️ I recommend downloading an Offline Map of the area on the Google Maps app before you arrive. This stores the map, driving directions, store hours, etc onto your phone so no data is needed to use it.

🥾 I also recommend using AllTrails+ (which is the paid version, around $3/month) so you can download hiking trail information to your phone before you lose signal.

I love AllTrails+, especially because with downloaded maps I get alerts if I wander off the trail (which is surprisingly easy to do in some areas.) Trail alerts use GPS, which is satellite based data so it’ll work even if you don’t have cell signal!

Planning A Trip To Acadia National Park In Fall

That’s a wrap on this article! Check out these other articles for more planning tips for your trip to Acadia National Park in the fall:

• 3 Day Boston To Maine Road Trip – Kennebunkport, Portland & Bar Harbor Itinerary
• 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary (From Boston)
• Are Dogs Allowed In Acadia National Park? + Dog Friendly Hikes And Hotels
• COLORFUL New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary + Map (3, 5 & 7 Days)