As the end of September approaches, a wave of vibrant reds and golden yellows drape over New England. One of the best places to experience the Northeast’s magnificent fall foliage is in Acadia National Park. Located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Maine’s spectacular park offers a mix of dramatic coastlines, towering granite peaks, and verdant forests. 

In Autumn, the park’s awe-inspiring scenery becomes even more mystifying- making it the perfect time to embark on a New England road trip. Rent your Escape Camper Van in New York, and then follow our guide to experiencing the magic of Acadia National Park’s fall colors!

Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park for Fall Colors

While the best time to embark on a Northeast fall foliage trip varies each year, the end of September through the first week of October is usually when the leaves throughout Acadia National Park begin to change. To catch the spellbinding reds and oranges at their peak, mid-October is generally considered to be the best time to visit Acadia and its surrounding areas. 

For the most up to date information on when the peak is expected, keep an eye on Maine’s fall foliage prediction map as you plan your trip.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Acadia National Park

Although every inch of Acadia is breathtaking, these are a few of the park’s must-visit overlooks and hikes to check out for optimal leaf peeping: 

Cadillac Mountain

As the highest point on the Eastern seaboard of the United States, Cadillac Mountain is renowned for its unparalleled sunrises. Even if you’re not an early riser, it’s worth driving up to the summit to take in the striking panoramic views of the park. Because of its ideal vantage point, the towering mountain is also one of the best places to admire sweeping views of Acadia’s vibrant fall foliage. 

It’s important to note that a vehicle reservation is required to reach Cadillac Mountain, and these aren’t always easy to obtain. Book your spot well in advance, especially if you’re hoping to catch the sunrise. 

Park Loop Road

Park Loop Road’s 27-mile scenic drive is one of the best ways to see several of the park’s most enchanting viewpoints in a short amount of time. During the fall, the picturesque road serves as a gateway to some of the park’s most impressive foliage. As you drive, be sure to stop by Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Sieur de Monts. 

Bubbles Nubble Loop Hike

This 2.6-mile trail is one of the best fall hikes in Acadia, leading to the tops of North Bubble, South Bubble, and Conner Nubble. Traverse through a lush, forested path before arriving at phenomenal viewpoints over Eagle Lake, Sargent Mountains, and the Cranberry Isles. During the fall foliage peak, the panoramic vista is transformed by golden orange hues and is truly a spectacular sight.

Jordan Pond

Take in the captivating colors of Acadia from the water with a scenic boat ride along Jordan Pond. This enchanting lake is flanked by imposing mountains and stunning geological landmarks- all of which become even more breathtaking when drenched in fall colors. Rent a canoe or kayak in Bar Harbor and then get ready for the most picturesque paddle ride imaginable! 

Beehive Loop

The 1.4-mile Beehive Loop trail is considered to be one of Acadia’s more challenging hikes. The steep path requires traversing up granite staircases, iron rungs and ladders, and plenty of exposed cliffs. However, the trek is well worth the effort, especially in October! From the summit, enjoy striking views over Acadia, as well as the Gulf of Maine.

Keep in mind, this strenuous hike ascends up a 450-foot exposed cliff, so it’s not for the faint of heart. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to choose a different trail for your autumn adventure.

Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop

This easy boardwalk trail consists of a 1.5-mile hike through a gorgeous forest of looming white birch trees. While this route is especially verdant in the summer, during the fall the path welcomes a kaleidoscope of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. This trail is an especially great option if you want to experience Acadia National Park’s fall colors without enduring a strenuous hike.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage Outside of Acadia National Park

While the star of the show may be Acadia National Park, there are also numerous spots in the surrounding areas that are brimming with impressive fall foliage! To make the most of your time in Maine, be sure to visit these nearby sites as well:

Blue Hill Mountain

Located along the stunning Blue Hill Peninsula, a trek to the summit of Blue Hill Mountain will reward hikers with sweeping views over Maine’s stunning coastline. During the fall, take in a wonderfully colorful view across Acadia, Camden Hills, and the entire Blue Hill Peninsula. The top of the mountain can be reached by 7 different trails of varying intensity- all of which offer incredible leaf peeping opportunities.

Bar Harbor

Situated along Frenchman Bay on Mount Desert Island, the waterfront town of Bar Harbor is another great place to soak in all the fall feels. Grab a hot cup of tea from one of the many charming cafes in town, and then enjoy the crisp autumn air as you wander down the town’s vibrantly colored, tree-lined streets. 

Frenchman Bay

While you’re exploring Bar Harbor’s awe-inspiring foliage, why not take in the sights from the water? Rent a kayak or sign up for a boat tour to experience the area’s picturesque scenery from Frenchman Bay. Enveloped by the brilliantly colored hills of Acadia, Frenchman Bay’s tranquil waters provide one of the most peaceful ways to experience Maine’s striking fall colors.

Other Things to do in Acadia National Park

Regardless of the season, Acadia National Park offers endless activities for outdoor adventurers. In addition to leaf peeping, be sure to check out the rest of the park’s top attractions!

Sand Beach

Engulfed by the dramatic cliffs of Acadia’s coastline, the idyllic Sand Beach is the largest and most popular beach in the park. While you won’t be able to swim here in the fall, this gorgeous seaside enclave is still well worth visiting during the off-season. Enjoy a peaceful morning watching the powerful waves of the Atlantic crash into the shoreline, or opt for one of the many trails that surround this pristine, sandy nook.

Thunder Hole

Located just off Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole is one of Acadia’s most notable landmarks. As ocean waves roll into this rocky inlet, a thunder-like sound erupts while water splashes as high as 40 feet above ground! For the most impressive experience, aim to arrive halfway between low tide and high tide.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse 

Located inside Acadia, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is famous for its otherworldly sunsets. Perched along a rocky coastline, the postcard-worthy structure offers the quintessential New England experience. Access the lighthouse via a short hike, and keep in mind that the area gets quite crowded for sunset so try to arrive a bit early.

Explore Bar Harbor

In addition to checking out the fall foliage in Bar Harbor, it’s worth spending time exploring the many shops, restaurants, and activities in town. Enjoy a scrumptious lobster dinner, embark on a spooky ghost tour, or spend some time learning about the Wabanaki people at the Abbe Museum.

Carriage Roads

Acadia features over 45 miles of scenic carriage roads, originally built for visitors to explore the park by horse-drawn carriage. These well-paved paths weave through the park’s incredible scenery, passing by several ponds, overlooks, and key landmarks. Because the carriage roads are inaccessible to motor vehicles, they’re extremely popular among cyclists. Opt to rent a bike in Bar Harbor or simply take a scenic walk along one of these charming, car-free passageways. 

Campgrounds near Acadia National Park

In addition to three camper van-friendly campgrounds within Acadia, there are also several well developed sites in the surrounding areas. Most of the campgrounds close for the season in mid-October, often just after the foliage peak has ended. If you’re struggling to find available campgrounds for your visit, be sure to check out any dispersed, or free, campsites nearby.

Blackwoods Campground: Open from May until October 21st, Acadia National Park’s most popular campground is only a ten minute drive from Bar Harbor. In addition to a very convenient location and stunning scenery, the spacious site features running water, fire rings, grills, and a dump station. Reservations are mandatory and can be made up to two months before your stay.

Seawall Campground: This scenic campground is also located inside Acadia, along the west side of Mount Desert Island. The site operates from May until mid-October and reservations can be made up to two months ahead of time. In addition to being walking distance from Maine’s stunning coastline, the site also features potable water, a dump station, and flush toilets. 

Schoodic Woods Campground: This tranquil site is the only campground located on the mainland area of the park, about one hour away from Bar Harbor. Because of its location, this tends to be the quietest of the three park campgrounds. Amenities include grills, flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. The site operates from mid-May until mid-October and reservations must be made in advance. 

Acadia Seashore Camping: Located outside of the park, this lakefront campground operates from early May until mid-October and reservations can be made via their website. In addition to lake access, the serene site features a convenient camp store, hot showers, laundry facilities, and kayak rentals.

Hadley’s Point Campground: Only a few minutes away from Acadia National Park, this convenient campground features full hook ups, a swimming pool, hot showers, and a laundry facility. This site runs from mid-May through mid-October and while reservations are not mandatory, they are highly encouraged.

Essential Pit Stops on your way from New York to Acadia National Park

The drive from Escape Camper Vans’ New York hub to Acadia National Park is about 8 hours, but luckily there’s plenty to see along the way! From charming cities to coastal getaways, choose one of these classic New England gems to break up your East Coast road trip:

Portland, Maine

Located just 3 hours south of Acadia National Park, the coastal city of Portland, Maine is a must-visit when passing through the state! Explore an historic lighthouse, kayak along Peaks Island, or shop for souvenirs in the Old Port. The charming capital of Maine makes for a perfect overnight stop if you need to break up the trip between Acadia and New York. 

Boston

Situated midway between New York and Acadia, Boston is an ideal city to rest for the night on your way to the park. While charming any time of year, the cobblestone streets and quaint parks throughout the city become even more idyllic in the fall. Spend the day exploring the many landmarks along the historic Freedom Trail, enjoy an immersive American History lesson at one of the city’s many museums, or take in the view from the idyllic Boston Harbor.

Cape Cod

Although Cape Cod may be one of New England’s most popular summer destinations, an autumn visit allows you to experience the charming peninsula in a whole new light. On a crisp fall day, you’ll have the beach all to yourself. Take a brisk walk along the water, explore the quaint shops in Provincetown, and visit some of the area’s most popular raw bars without having to worry about reservations!

Ready to Experience Acadia National Park’s Fall Colors?

From captivating overlooks to jaw-dropping hikes, you can’t go wrong with a fall trip to Acadia National Park. So strap on your hiking boots, pack your coziest sweaters, and get ready to immerse yourself in a colorful wonderland as you embark on the ultimate New England fall road trip. Without a doubt, seeing Acadia National Park’s fall colors is the best way to celebrate the change of season!