Experience autumn in Acadia: Your ultimate 3-day itinerary for a fall road trip

Visiting Acadia National Park was easily one of the best decisions I made in 2024. Nestled on the coast of Maine, Acadia is a perfect blend of rugged cliffs, serene lakes, forested trails, and panoramic ocean views. If you’re looking to plan your trip, I also wrote a full guide on everything you need to know—from park passes to top hikes to places to stay. You can check it out here.

But if you’re already set on going and just need help planning your days, this 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. Here’s how our trip looked!

A day-by-day travelogue of Acadia National Park

Day 1: Getting there & settling in

We started our road trip from New Jersey, and it took us about 9-10 hours to reach Bar Harbor. It was a long drive, but the fall foliage made the journey beautiful.

If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), just 10 miles away. Alternatively, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about 1.5 hours from Bar Harbor.

Where to Stay: Staying in Bar Harbor is ideal since it gives you quick access to the park. But if you can’t find availability like we couldn’t, staying in Ellsworth is a great backup. It’s about 30 minutes from the park and has plenty of budget-friendly options.

Day 2: Trails, cliffs & lighthouses

We started early and drove directly to the Sand Beach parking lot—it fills up super fast after 8 AM. If you don’t find a spot, try roadside parking along Park Loop Road where allowed.

Here’s what we covered:

• Sand Beach: A quick stroll and a few photos on the beach surrounded by pink granite cliffs.
• Beehive Trail: Just a short walk from Sand Beach. This 1.5-mile loop has iron rungs and exposed cliffs but offers incredible ocean views. It was thrilling and definitely one of the best parts of our trip.
• Thunder Hole: A 10-minute walk from Sand Beach. Visit during high tide for the signature thunderous boom (we didn’t catch it but the carved rock formation is still worth seeing).
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Drove to the other side of the island for a sunset viewpoint. There’s a small parking lot and often a wait—be patient! Don’t just view the lighthouse from the base; instead, walk left from the parking area to the rocky shoreline for that classic photo with the Atlantic Ocean in the backdrop.
• Echo Lake: We stopped here briefly en route to just relax and soak in the serenity and fall colors.

For food, we picked up clam chowder and lobster rolls at one of the many roadside shacks you’ll see around the island. Casual, fresh, and delicious.

Day 3: Sunrise, summit & shopping

If you’re lucky enough to snag a Cadillac Mountain sunrise reservation, you’ll want to start your day before 5 AM. We couldn’t get the sunrise slot but started our day at 9 AM instead.

• Breakfast at Cafe This Way: Opens at 7 AM and is a must-visit! It’s cozy with fast service. Highly recommend their crab cakes Benedict or buttermilk pancakes.
• Cadillac Mountain: The tallest point on the US East Coast. The summit offers a 270-degree view of the park, ocean, and islands. Even during the day, it’s breathtaking.
• Jordan Pond Trail + South Bubble Trail: We did the 3.3-mile Jordan Pond loop and then detoured onto the South Bubble Trail. This hike is moderate with a few iron rungs and ends with stunning views and the famous Balance Rock. There’s also an easier back-route to South Bubble for families with kids.
• Jordan Pond House: If you plan ahead, try dining here. It’s famous for popovers and tea. We skipped the long line and grabbed snacks from the nearby eatery.
• Bar Harbor Town: Spent the evening strolling the streets, grabbing souvenirs, and enjoying the quaint harbor vibe.
• Seal Cove Picnic Area: We ended our day here with a peaceful sunset away from the crowds.

Day 4: Heading home

After breakfast, we packed up and began the long drive back to New Jersey. Still dreaming of those trails and golden leaves.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own Acadia escape!
Whether you’re chasing adventure, soaking in coastal calm, or simply chasing fall colors like we did—Acadia National Park delivers magic in every season.

Did you find a favorite spot from this itinerary? Or have tips of your own from Acadia?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what you’re most excited to explore or what made your trip unforgettable.

Until then, happy trails and safe travels!