Roots & Ridgeways

Peak leaf-ogling season is almost among us. If you’re looking for a dreamy spot to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors of the Northeast, Acadia National Park should be your first stop.

Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine—the second largest island on the eastern seaboard. Leaf peeping season starts in late September and peaks in mid-October. Many of the restaurants and stores begin closing up for the winter season at the end of October, so check their hours before booking your trip.

The east side of the island consists of Acadia National Park and the quaint town of Bar Harbor, and the west side of the island consists of Mt. Desert, Tremont, and Southwest Harbor. (Note: The east side of the island is considerably busier than the west side.)

There are numerous hotels, rentals, and campgrounds located on the island, but make sure to book in advance if you’re planning your visit during peak season (mid-October).

I had the opportunity to visit Acadia National Park in October 13-15th of 2024, during peak foliage season. I had a great trip and have a few suggestions on how to maximize a your visit to the island.

Where I Stayed

When researching hotels and rentals, I try to prioritize affordability and cleanliness. For this particular trip, I opted for an Airbnb, which is not the most affordable option. There are definitely cheaper hotels in the area. However, there are perks having the entire place to yourself.

My husband and I spent two nights at the Bear Paw Cabin in Sullivan Maine, which is a 45 minute drive to Acadia and Bar Harbor. We opted not to stay on the island due to elevated pricing.

This rental is a “Guest Favorite” with 4.98 stars and 49 reviews. For two nights, we paid $398 including taxes and the cleaning fee (prices subject to change).

The cabin is a one bed/one bath and can fit four guests. The rental comes with a kitchenette, spacious yard, fire pit, and wifi. The starry sky and privacy were well worth the price. (Note: Use Apple Maps for the address. Google Maps was incorrect).

Where I Ate

Union River Lobster Pot

Located in Ellsworth on the scenic Union River, the Union River Lobster Pot offers iconic Northeastern dishes, including hot boiled lobsters, mussels, chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams, and their famous blueberry pie. There are large vats outside the entrance where they boil the lobsters.

The restaurant is seasonally open from June to mid-October. We accidentally dined on their closing night, October 14th, and they were offering discounts on some meals. Check their hours before going. (Note: They do not take reservations and there will most likely be a waitlist).

Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn

Located on the Southwest half of Mount Desert Island, Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn is the quintessential Northeastern coastal pub with its shaker siding and bright red trim. The tavern sits right off of a fishing dock with gorgeous waterfront views. The traffic consists of mostly locals. I highly suggest their crab cakes.

Route 66

Route 66 is a locally-owned 1950s themed diner, famous for the yellow taxi cab above the entrance. The restaurant sits in an alleyway in between the Rock & Art Shop and Cottage Street Pub. They serve everything from burgers to seafood to tacos. My husband and I had great service and loved the vintage decor.

Visiting Acadia National Park

Entrance Pass

Park passes are required for entrance into the park. A private vehicle pass costs $35 and lasts for seven days (prices subject to change). I highly suggest ordering your pass in advance here. Be prepared for heavy traffic at the entrance stations during peak season.

Hiking

There are two trails I would highly recommend: the Ocean Path and the Jordan Pond Loop. For a complete list of hikes, visit here.

The Ocean Path is an oceanside walking path spanning from Sand Beach to Otter Point—roughly 2.2 miles one-way. The path contains famous attractions like Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliff.

The Ocean Path runs parallel to Park Loop Road, so you will see cars and traffic. While the trail is crowded, there are countless pathways sprouting off of the Ocean Path that lead to stunning views of the ocean. Visitors are allowed to climb on the rocks for photos or to enjoy the solitude.

Parking for the Ocean Path during peak season is a free-for-all. Most cars parked on the right shoulder of Park Loop Road. Keep driving until you find an open parking spot. There is also a parking lot with restrooms by Sand Beach.

Jordan Pond is a must-see when visiting Acadia National Park. This 3.3 mile trail loops around a crystal clear pond—home to loons and beavers. The morning that I hiked the trail, it was rainy with low traffic. I highly suggest going early to beat the crowds.

The loop is more of a hiking trail than a walking path. The elevation gain is low but there are several scrambling parts and mud. A section of the loop is wooden planks. Dress accordingly.

The parking lot for the trailhead is shared with the famous Jordan Pond House—a historical restaurant and gift shop. From 11:00 am – 4:00pm, parking at Jordan Pond House is extremely limited. For overflow, there is a satellite lot and shoulder parking along the road.

*All photos below of Jordan Pond Loop are unedited and taken on my iPhone*

Visiting Bar Harbor

If you have time, I recommend squeezing in a trip to the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor.

We visited during a rainy day so that cut down on the traffic. Street parking is available throughout the town.

There are dozens of adorable shops near Main Street. (Note: Store hours may shorten in October). Below are a few must-sees:

Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shops

The Rock and Art Shop

The Rock and Art Shop in downtown Bar Habor is a dream come true for all nature lovers and collectors. The main floor of the shop consists of minerals, gems, trinkets, and artwork. The upper level, known as the “Cabinet of Curiosities”, has an impressive display of fossils, shells, and oddities—most of which are for sale.

Cool As A Moose

Looking for Maine souvenirs and gifts? Cool As A Moose has a wide selection of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Maine apparel with their own distinct designs. Out of all of the souvenir shops, I liked their selection the best.

Honorable Mentions

Bar Harbor Shore Path

Created in 1880, the Shore Path is a oceanside walking path that begins in Agamont Park on Main Street. The paved/gravel path is 1.5 miles long. If you’re wanting some fresh air and free fun, I highly recommend taking a stroll. (Note: The path is closed during winter).

Big Chicken Barn Books & Antiques

I hope you embrace this opportunity to experience the great outdoors of the Northeast.

Let’s get back to our roots!

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