Acadia National Park In Fall: 13 Awesome Things To Do In 2024

Do you think like me? Acadia National Park in fall is the most wonderful thing we should try once in our lives. This would be a bold statement but I want to stick with it.

Acadia National Park has a special place in my heart and I have visited at least five times a year. Through that you also know how much I love it. Acadia is famous for its rugged mountains, wild coastline, and lush forests. I always felt like Acadia was a breathtaking wonderland.

Amidst the beautiful landscape, how about the leaves turning into a kaleidoscope of crimson, yellow and amber, creating a captivating spectacle. I bet it will leave an unforgettable feeling in your heart and you will, like me, love autumn at Acadia National Park even more.

In this guide from me and nationalparkshops.com, I’ll show you what’s great about Acadia National Park in the fall and the best things I’d recommend for you during this spectacular season. Are you ready? Start exploring with me!

Why should you go to Acadia National Park in the fall?

Instead ask why visit Acadia National Park in the fall? Why not visit Acadia National Park in the fall?

Although we all know that Acadia is a tourist destination open all year round, I think nothing can compare to the dramatic transformation of the park in the fall, especially in October. Come here on At this perfect time, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the warm, vibrant colors of fall foliage, contrasting beautifully with the evergreen trees, clear blue waters and rugged rocks on the shore. . It all fascinated me when I saw it with my own eyes. Trust me.

Best of all, in the fall, Acadia National Park will see fewer tourists than during the peak season. Therefore, prices, travel and food costs are also reduced. And temperatures also dropped to daily averages around the 50s and 60s (℉).

You can refer to the seasons at Acadia National Park through the article Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park.

When To Visit Acadia For Fall Foliage?

Although I must admit that Acadia National Park is beautiful in all seasons. But if I were to give you a suggestion, I would still say try going to Acadia National Park in the fall. The exact time could be October or it could be September or November depending on the unpredictable weather.

I want you to remember, the fall foliage in Acadia is truly amazing. And Acadia National Park plants will really begin to change with splashes of yellow and orange in October.

Although I said there will be fewer tourists in Acadia in the fall, if you go on the weekend, you may also encounter large crowds. But don’t worry, the breathtaking scenery will make this a worthwhile experience for you.

Besides that, I suggest that you plan your Acadia National Park road trip in advance. I always recommend doing this because it’s better if you really want to see the fall foliage right before the trees are bare. The yellow color of autumn will only last about 2 weeks. Another thing is, the times I mentioned are all just guesses. There are times when the leaves will fall quite quickly, but there are times when it lasts up to 3-4 weeks. Therefore, you need to plan carefully.

You can refer to the official website of the National Park: https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/news/what-to-expect-in-acadia-national-park-in-october-and-november.htm

Acadia National Park in October

As mentioned above, October is the best time to see the leaves turn amber and yellow. This is when Acadia’s temperatures begin to drop, and the days become shorter, leading to reduced chlorophyll production and change.

If you’re planning to visit Acadia National Park for a week or more in the fall, I recommend starting your trip in early October. Then visit Vermont’s Stowe, the White Mountains or the Adirondack Mountains.

Acadia National Park entrance fee in the Fall

From what I experienced, to enter Acadia National Park, you will need to purchase a pass at the entrance gate. A vehicle pass costs $30 and is valid for 7 days.

Alternatively, you can purchase the America The Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 but will give you unlimited admission to any US National Park for 1 year. This year’s pass is pretty cool if you’re someone who goes to America’s National Parks.

As a side note, if you plan to drive on Cadillac Summit Road, you will also need to reserve a separate entrance ticket for this road for $6.

15 Best Things To Do in Acadia National Park in the fall

Okay, we will enter the focus that I want to talk to you about through this article. Do you know when is the best time to visit Acadia National Park in the fall? Now I’ll talk about all the places to visit and things to do in Acadia National Park this time of year.

Hike Beehive Loop Trail

The Beehive Loop trail is by far one of the most popular and memorable hikes in Acadia National Park in the fall.

However, I recommend that this route is not for those with weak health or heart disease. Because this trail requires you to overcome giant rocks, climb metal ladders and walk on narrow ridges that will make your heart skip a beat. But if you’re someone who enjoys challenging trail hikes, this will be the trail for you.

As my friends and I climbed to the top of the mountain, we were amazed to enjoy panoramic views of Sand Beach, Newport Bay and the surrounding landscape from the summit. This is truly one of the most remarkable views I have ever experienced.

Rest assured that this is a one-way road, so when you reach the top of the mountain, you can go down by an easier route.

Walk on the Ocean Path

The Ocean Path is a coastal walk next to the Park Loop, estimated at 2 miles each way. If you want to see some of Acadia National Park’s main attractions in the fall but don’t want to always have to find parking, you can take this route.

The Ocean Road will start at Sand Beach and head down to Otter Point and back to highlights like Thunder Hole, Boulder Beach and Otter Cliffs. Ocean Path is a trail with less elevation and challenge, making it perfect as a great alternative to some of the hikes in the park.

Visit Sand Beach

I think if you go to Acadia National Park, you absolutely cannot miss Sand Beach. This is one of the first major stops along the Park Loop Road. This beach is stunning, famous for its white sand and turquoise waters. While stopping here, I walked on the sand, hiked to Sand Beach Overlook and even jumped into the water for a swim because I couldn’t resist the beauty that Sand Beach has to offer, especially in the fall.

Cat Beach is also quite a unique attraction as it is one of the few cold water seashell beaches in the world. For the best views of Sand Beach, I recommend hiking the Beehive Loop Trail to the top, which will give you a direct view of this beautiful coastline.

To access Cat Beach, there is a small visitor parking lot with a short road connecting to it. There are also restrooms and water stations in the parking lot for visitors. So you don’t need to worry about coming here. Try enjoying Sand Beach when going to Acadia National Park in the fall!

Stop in Thunder Hole

You know what, as soon as I set foot in Thunder Hole, I thought it was an interesting creation of nature. Thunder Hole is located along the rocky shoreline of Acadia National Park on the east end of Mount Desert Island. Thunder Hole is a rocky cove with a small cave filled with water and air.

In the hours before high tide, you can hear a thunderous sound as incoming waves are pushed out with great force here. Don’t worry because if you don’t arrive in time to hear and witness this exciting event, just enjoy the view.

You’ll see Otter Cliffs on the right, Sand Beach and Great Head on the left and the Schoodic Peninsula in the distance. All the beautiful landscapes can be seen here. However, remember that this area can be dangerous. Avoid standing too close to the manhole, it can easily get wet and slippery.

Sightseeing at Schooner Head Overlook

Another great place to see the beautiful coastal views of Acadia National Park in the fall is Schooner Head Overlook. This scenic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the park’s rocky coastline, with the vibrant colors of the trees creating an excellent Acadia National Park in the fall view.

Why do I say that? As I looked out over the crashing waves and rugged cliffs, I was amazed to see the panorama surrounded by a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, with reds, oranges and yellows, contrasting strikingly with the the deep blue of the ocean.

Drive The Park Loop Road

If you don’t have much time or don’t like hiking, you can still enjoy the scenery of Acadia National Park from the comfort of your car. Acadia’s Park Loop is a 27-mile stretch of paved highway that takes you past some of the park’s exciting attractions.

Some of the most popular attractions along the Park Loop Road include:

• Sand beach
• Thunder hole
• Otter Cliff
• Jordan Lake
• Cadillac Mountain

Explore to the Top of Cadillac Mountain

At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast of the United States. This mountain is located within Acadia National Park and is a major attraction for most visitors to the park. You can access Cadillac Mountain via the 3.5-mile Cadillac Summit Road that goes straight to the summit.

A little tip I learned after going, to avoid overuse and overcrowding, you need to buy entry tickets for specific time slots to plan your visit accordingly. During the period from October to March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the US to watch the sunrise, so tickets to see the sunrise usually sell out the fastest.

30 percent of tickets are issued 90 days in advance. The remaining 70 percent of tickets are issued two days in advance, which is more suitable for those who don’t have an exact itinerary planned.

However, I think it’s quite difficult to predict anything accurately. Unfortunately during our visit, the trip up Cadillac Mountain turned into a complete bust. Thick fog began rolling in the previous afternoon and did not lift for the rest of the night. Therefore, in the morning we cannot welcome the sunrise here.

Take a walk Jordan Pond

I think Jordan Lake is one of the best places to visit in Acadia National Park in the fall, especially at sunset for photos.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also take the relatively easy 3.1-mile Jodan Pond Trail and loop around the lakeshore.

The trail is mostly flat so it’s a great activity for families with children. If you want to extend your hike, you can also connect it to other trails and viewpoints like South Bubble and North Bubble.

After your hike, you can head to the historic Jordan Pond House restaurant to enjoy some tea and snacks, which have been served here since 1893.

Hike to Bubble Rock Overlooks

If you’re looking for an amazingly challenging but little-known trail, then I’d suggest you consider hiking Bubble Rocks. This trail leads to two separate viewpoints called South Bubble and North Bubble that overlook Jordan Pond from above.

Bubbles Trail is 2.6 miles long and has about 500 feet of elevation gain. If you’re short on time, you can also walk to one of the viewpoints and skip the other. I like the South Bubble viewpoint best because it has an unobstructed view of the lake.

North Bubble is at a higher elevation and has many trees that obscure the view. However, it’s still quite an amazing sight if you’re fit enough to climb both!

Explore in the Town of Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a small but charming city town, near the entrance to Acadia National Park. This is where you can find most hotels near Acadia National Park, private rentals, eateries, bars, souvenir shops, and other fun spots.

For a great experience here, wander around Main Street and admire all the great shops, top-rated restaurants, and beautiful architecture. Or take some time out of your day to relax in one of the quaint parks like Village Green and Agamont Park.

There’s plenty of food and drink to enjoy in downtown Bar Harbor. You can refer to the article for details best places to visit in Acadia National Park.

See the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

One of the beautiful places that I think you should visit if you have time to visit Acadia National Park is the Historic Lighthouse. This landmark is located on jagged cliffs among lush trees in Bass Harbor. Located 56 feet above the water, this lighthouse marks the entrance to Bass Harbor and was built in 1858. It’s a great spot for photos and offers stunning views of the coast.

Don’t forget to walk around the lighthouse to learn more about the light station and see the lights and the 4,000-pound fog bell up close. You can also take the stairs down to the cliff and sit on one of the rocks to watch the beautiful sunset.

Take in the views from Otter Cliff

Otter Cliffs is a great viewpoint overlooking the coast and includes interesting granite rocks. This may be an interesting suggestion for you when visiting Acadia National Park in the fall.

If you can’t get a sunrise ticket at Cadillac Mountain, this is a great alternative location to watch the sunrise as it has unobstructed views of the ocean. This is also a famous place for climbing sea cliffs.

Otter Cliff Overlook’s parking lot is small but not as inviting as some other highlights at Acadia National Park. After parking, you can descend to Otter Cliffs right next to the parking lot or continue on the forest path to the second viewpoint.

Bike along the Carriage Roads

If you want to enjoy the fresh autumn air, why not explore the park by bicycle? The Carriage Road in Acadia National Park was built by horseman John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 1900s, using crushed stone to pave them.

Stretching 45 miles, these trails wind through the center of the park, meeting at various intersections marked by wooden wayposts. I recommend renting an e-bike or bringing your own bike. And remember, don’t go over 20 miles per hour, and always give way to pedestrians and horses.

Where to stay in Acadia National Park in the Fall

Regarding accommodation, you can only camp at Acadia National Park instead of a hotel. Because there are no hotels in Acadia. For those coming for a long weekend, hotels in nearby cities will be the perfect choice for you when visiting Acadia National Park in the fall.

Staying In Bar Harbor

Accommodation options in Bar Harbor may be more expensive but I think it offers a unique and charming experience that is worth it. The town is known for its picturesque streets lined with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and historic buildings. Staying in Bar Harbor allows you to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy the convenience of being just a short distance from Acadia National Park.

Would you know? Waking up in Bar Harbor means you can quickly get to the park’s hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views without having to travel far.

In addition to charm and convenience, staying in Bar Harbor also gives you easy access to a variety of dining options, from fresh seafood restaurants to cozy lobster shacks. After a day of outdoor adventure in Acadia National Park in the fall, you can return to Bar Harbor to relax and enjoy delicious food.

Outside of Bar Harbor

Accommodations located outside of Bar Harbor, such as in neighboring towns or villages, often offer more affordable options than those in the main tourist centers. While staying outside of Bar Harbor can save you some money on lodging, it’s important to note that you’ll likely have to drive a little further to get to park entrances and attractions famous.

However, many visitors find that scenic drives through the surrounding areas add to their overall experience of Acadia National Park. Additionally, staying outside of the main town can provide a quieter and more peaceful environment to relax in after a day exploring the park.

So deciding where to stay in Acadia National Park depends on your budget, preferences, and priorities. Consider your options carefully because I’ve found that whether you choose to stay in Bar Harbor for convenience or opt for more affordable accommodations outside of town, you’re sure to enjoy the natural beauty nature and the outdoor adventures that parks offer.

Please refer to the hotel locations in Acadia that I have compiled in this article: “The 10 Best Places To Stay Near Acadia National Park” to make the right choice for you.

Tips for visiting Acadia National Park in the Fall

I know even though fall isn’t peak season at Acadia National Park, be prepared for crowds anyway and I think it’s totally worth it.

Coupled with nice weather and crowds, this is probably the time you should book all your plans in advance. You’ll want to make reservations at hotels and restaurants in advance to ensure you get the best options for both.

I expect to have some on a rainy fall trip, so plan accordingly. Fall begins to bring more rainy days than summer. In fact, the weather across New England in the fall is very different. Some years I had warm, sunny days for most of the trip, and other years it was cold and rainy. It’s best to check the weather forecast a few days before departure and then pack accordingly.

Another special thing to note is to have an offline map ready. I lose cell service a lot in Acadia.

And the last of my tips for visiting Acadia National Park in the fall is to always respect private property and never put yourself or others at risk to get the perfect photo. If there isn’t a safe place to pull off the side of the road to take photos, it’s not worth it. And of course, obey all private property signs and use common sense. Don’t park in the driveway to get a good photo.

Conclusion

Now you’re a seasoned expert on all the best things about visiting Acadia National Park in the fall. Are you ready to plan a getaway under the perfect golden foliage?

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