Acadia National Park Fall Colors in Maine 2025

The Acadia National Park boasts a mix of hardwood trees and evergreens, satisfying the cravings of even the most dedicated leaf-peepers. The most beautiful thing is the contrast between the vivid fall colors and the backdrop of the dark green trees. Located on Maine's Mount Desert Island on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia National Park offers breathtaking views of fall foliage and the shoreline with scattered rocks and calm sounds of the waves.

Peak Fall Foliage Season in Acadia National Park

A wonderful palette of colors begins to appear throughout the park in late September. Yet the best time for fall foliage in Acadia National Park is during the first few weeks of October, sometimes spanning into late October, depending on the weather and climate. The temperatures generally range from 30 to 70 Fahrenheit (-1 to 21 Celcius). Sycamore and beech trees, oaks and maples all turn various shades of amber, golden and red during the cozy season.

Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park and it's no wonder, given the number of hiking trails and beautiful spots. The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop offers stunning visages of golden birches and emerald-green hemlock trees. The 1.5 mile (2.4 km) route begins at Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts and dives deeper into Great Meadow, with the road opening up to gorgeous vistas of Dorr Mountain. The Bubbles Nubble Loop stretches for 2.6 miles (4.2 km) and passes by South Bubble and Bubble Rock, great photo opportunities. You will also be able to witness the magnificent views of Eagle Lake, a 436-acre (176 ha) body of water, surrounded by evergreens and red maples.

Scenic Drive Park Loop Road

The best way to enjoy fall colors in this park would be to take a trip along the scenic park loop road. This 27-mile (43.5-km) drive, called Drive Park Loop Road, starts at the Hulls Cove Visitors Center and twists through some of the most beautiful areas of Acadia National Park. The drive offers breathtaking points of observation and panoramas. Also, be sure to step out of your car and explore the Carriage Roads—famous roadways featuring the best examples of broken stone roads in the USA. They offer the opportunity to see the fall foliage in Acadia National Park at its finest.

Cadillac Summit Road

Cadillac Summit Road is another beloved attraction of the park. The trip stretches for 3 miles to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest in the park, with an elevation of 1525 feet (465 m). Several pullouts are located along the way, where you can stop and enjoy the views during the fall foliage season. Cadillac Mountain is mainly known as being the place of the first sunrise in the USA from October 7 until March 6.

Hours

Visitors need to reserve a time slot for their vehicle from May 22nd until October 27th. Sunrise and daytime time slots, with allocated time differing between the seasons. You can witness the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain from 5 am until 6:30 am in September, from 5:30 am until 7 am October 1-15, and from 6 am until 7:30 am on October 16-27. For daytime visitors, the road is open from 7 am until 7 pm on September 1-15, from 7 am until 6:30 pm on September 16-30, from 7:30 am until 6 pm on October 1-15, and from 8 am until 5:30 pm on October 16-27.

Admission to the Park & Hours

An entrance pass is required to enter the park. The standard entrance pass costs $20 per person, $30 per motorcycle, and $35 per private vehicle. The annual park pass costs $70. Pass to the Cadillac Summit Road costs $6 per vehicle. The park operates year-round, but some facilities close in late October, November, or December.