2 days in Acadia National Park : Best things to do in Fall

Are you planning a Fall Road Trip in Maine and looking for things to do for 2 days in Acadia National Park in fall?

Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s rugged coastline, offers a breathtaking blend of lush forests and stunning ocean views. Whether you’re an outdoor lover or just looking for a quiet getaway, Acadia provides the perfect backdrop for your next trip.

If you only have 2 days in Acadia National Park, this guide will help you make the most of your short trip, covering must-see spots, the best hikes, and where to relax after a day of exploration.

Getting to Acadia National Park

To explore Acadia National Park in fall, the best way is to rent a car and drive to the area. If you’re flying, consider landing in Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – 10 miles from the park or Bangor International Airport – 46 miles about one hour drive. You can rent a car from either of these airports.

I’d recommend using RentalCars.com to compare prices from various car rental companies. They also have an awesome cancellation policy in case your plans change!

Where to Stay

To explore Acadia National Park fall foliage, I would suggest to book your stay near the beautiful coastal town of Bar Harbor. You will find all the facilities like gas station, groceries, cafe and good restaurants in Bar Harbor. There are plenty of hotels and B&B you can choose based on your preference.

Alternatively, you can camp at one of the several campgrounds in Acadia National Park and plan the campgrounds according to your itinerary. You can find more information about the campgrounds on the National Park website.

Best time to visit

Autumn and summer are the best times to visit Acadia National Park. We visited in the fall and highly recommend it. The vibrant autumn colors with the Atlantic Ocean in the background are absolutely stunning.

If you’re planning to visit Maine in the fall and you want to see the peak foliage, I recommend checking the Maine Fall foliage tracker for updates. Based on our observations from previous years, the foliage in Maine begins peaking in the north and then progresses south over a month. This means you can expect peak foliage in October, but the timing may vary by location in Maine.

During our New England fall foliage road trip, we visited Acadia National Park in the second week of October and were treated to stunning fall colors. Just a heads up that the timing of peak colors can vary from year to year, so it’s better to check fall tracker for updated information.

Essential things to pack for Acadia National Park

• Layered Clothing: Pack flannel shirts, sweaters, and jackets to stay comfortable in changing temperatures.
• Comfortable Footwear: Whether you’re hiking or exploring, make sure to wear supportive shoes.
• Rain Gear: Wear a waterproof jacket and boots for staying dry during fall showers.
• Cozy Blankets: Keep warm with a soft, comfy blanket for those crisp fall evenings.
• Sunscreen: Carry sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and road glare.
• Picnic Supplies: Bring a picnic blanket, utensils, and reusable containers for outdoor meals.
• Insulated Thermos: Keep your coffee or tea warm during scenic drives.
• Portable Phone Charger: Ensure your devices stay charged to capture beautiful fall moments.
• Offline Google Maps: Download routes you plan to take in case you drive outside a network zone.
• Entertainment: Bring audiobooks, playlists, or podcasts for long stretches of road.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Bring a reliable light source for evening stops or unexpected nighttime adventures.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by always bringing a water bottle on your adventures.
• Camera Gear: Don’t forget to carry your camera or phone to capture all the memories you are going to create. 
• Tripod: Bring a tripod to help you get the perfect photo in case there are no people around to assist you.
• Keep your Annual National Park pass handy, if you have one. Otherwise it cost $35 to enter the park and can be used for 7 days.

2 days in Acadia National Park Itinerary

We spend 2 days in Acadia National Park on our 10 day New England Fall Road Trip. If you prefer to travel at a more relaxed pace, focusing on just 1-2 activities per day, you may need to adjust the itinerary accordingly. Alternatively, you can choose to remove some items from the list and save them for a future trip.

While two days may not be enough to see it all, it’s definitely enough to make you fall in love with this incredible corner of Maine!

Day 1

Morning: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

Get an early start to your day and drive to Cadillac Mountain to witness the beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to arrive at least an hour before sunrise to snag a great spot, and don’t forget to bundle up with a warm jacket, as the morning air can be quite chilly.

If you’re visiting between early October and early March, you’ll be among the first in the United States to see the sunrise. Watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, casting golden hues over the surrounding landscape, is an unforgettable experience.

Just remember, you’ll need to reserve a spot to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset. Reservations can be made on the National Park Service website.

After soaking in the sunrise, head to Jordan’s Restaurant in Bar Harbor for breakfast. Their delicious menu offers everything and our favorite was blueberry pancakes – Absolutely amazing!.

Afternoon: Beehive Trail Hike

Next , hike up the Hike Beehive Loop, one of Acadia’s most challenging and exhilarating trails. This 1.4-mile round-trip hike includes iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges, making it suitable only for hikers who are comfortable with heights. Your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit. Totally worth it!

If you prefer a less intense route, I would suggest doing Beehive summit via the Bowl trail.

Evening: Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light

For Sunset visit to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Arrive an hour before sunset to find a great viewing spot along the rocks. Trust me, watching the sun set behind the horizon, casting a warm glow over the rocky coast, is the ultimate way to end your day.

Keep in mind that the parking lot at the lighthouse is small, so it can be challenging to find a spot during sunset, especially on weekends.

Day 2

Morning: Park Loop Road & Sand Beach

Next morning after breakfast in Bar Harbor, drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road, a scenic drive that showcases Acadia’s best fall foliage drive. The road takes you through forests, along the coastline, and past several must-see landmarks with fall colors both the side of the road. Here are the few places you must make a stop while driving –

Sand Beach: A small but beautiful beach nestled between granite mountains and rocky shores. It’s a great spot for a relax walk or to dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean.

Thunder Hole: A natural rock inlet where waves crash with a thunderous boom. Time your visit for mid-tide to experience the full effect.

Otter Cliffs: One of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands in North America, offering stunning views of the ocean.

Late Morning: Jordan Pond & Bubble Rock Trail

Head to Jordan Pond for a scenic picnic. You can pack your food or grab something from the Jordan Pond House restaurant, famous for its popovers and tea. Enjoy your meal with a view of the pond and the surrounding mountains, including the iconic North and South Bubble hills.

After quick snack, take a leisurely hike around the Jordan Pond Path, a 3.3-mile loop that offers scenic views of the pond and the Bubbles. The path is relatively flat and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of Acadia. Another hike I would recommend is Bubble Rock, a 1.5-mile round trip.

Afternoon: Schoodic Peninsula

Then, drive to the Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland. The drive from Bar Harbor takes about an hour, offering a scenic route through small towns and coastal landscapes. This part of Acadia is much less crowded and offers rugged, undeveloped coastline views

Best thing to do here is to drive The Schoodic Loop Road and stop at Schoodic point to admire the stunning views Atlantic Coastline.

Evening: Bar Harbor Exploration

Head back to Bar Harbor and spend your evening exploring this charming coastal town with a amazing arts scene, unique shops, and plenty of dining options. Take a stroll along the Shore Path, a picturesque walk along the waterfront that offers beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.

There are several dining option here, we had dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound where we ordered Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll. Loved it!

Best Hikes to do

• Beehive Loop – 1.4 miles round trip (dangerous)
• Ocean Path Trail – 4.4 miles round trip (easy)
• Bubbles Nubble Loop – 2.6 miles round trip (moderate)
• Jordan Pond Path –  3.3 mile loop (easy)
• Gorham Mountain Loop – 3.5 mile round trip

FAQs

Is October a good month to visit Acadia National Park?

Absolutely! October is a fantastic month to visit Acadia National Park. The weather is amazing during this time of year, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see stunning fall foliage.

How many days do you need for Acadia National Park?

3-4 days are good enough to do most of the things. However, if you want to visit Isle au Haut area I would add an extra day.

Is 2 days enough for Acadia National Park?

Two days may not be enough to see everything, but it’s certainly enough to fall in love with this spectacular corner of Maine.

Which season is the best time of year to visit Acadia National Park in Maine?

Summer and Autumn are the best time to visit Acadia National Park in Maine.

Final Thoughts

Spending 2 days in Acadia National Park is an amazing adventure that blends excitement, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. From catching the first sunrise on Cadillac Mountain to taking on thrilling hikes like the Beehive Trail, your quick getaway will be full of unforgettable experiences.

I hope this blog helps you to plan your Acadia National Park trip. Let us know in the comments if have any questions. Happy to answer! or if you find our blog useful. Happy to know!

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