There’s something cinematic about Bar Harbor in the fall. Mornings arrive wrapped in sea mist, the maples burn with color, and every breeze smells faintly of salt and pine. As Acadia National Park glows gold and crimson, this little harbor town becomes one of New England’s most magical autumn escapes.

Whether you’re chasing mountain views or lobster feasts by the sea, this six-day itinerary captures the best of Bar Harbor and Acadia — the hikes, drives, sunsets, and cozy corners that make fall in Maine unforgettable.

Day 1 – Arrive in Bar Harbor & Walk the Shore Path

Arrive in town just as the morning fog begins to lift off Frenchman Bay. Check into your stay — perhaps the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, glowing with mums and pumpkins, or a cozy B&B wrapped in fall foliage.

Ease into your trip with a stroll along the Bar Harbor Shore Path, a mile-long trail tracing the water’s edge with postcard-perfect views of the Porcupine Islands. Watch the sunlight break through clouds, lighting up the fiery treetops that frame the harbor.

Stop at Café This Way for a warm breakfast and local coffee before exploring the shops along Main Street. Browse coastal art galleries, pick up wild blueberry jam, and let the pace of small-town Maine sink in.

As evening falls, head to Stewman’s Lobster Pound for your first taste of the sea. Sit outdoors if it’s warm enough, crack open a lobster, and watch the sky turn rose-gold over the harbor.

Day 2 – Acadia’s Iconic Trails & Fall Views

Today is all about Acadia National Park. Start early — the park’s crisp mornings are pure magic.

Begin with a drive along the Park Loop Road, where every turn feels like a fall postcard. Stop at Sand Beach, where golden sand meets the Atlantic, then hike the Beehive Trail (a short, adventurous climb with ocean views) or opt for a gentler walk on the Ocean Path Trail to Thunder Hole.

For lunch, pack a picnic or stop at Jordan Pond House for popovers and tea overlooking Jordan Pond. The surrounding hills burst with color this time of year — a perfect lunch with a view.

In the afternoon, explore Bubble Rock Trail, one of Acadia’s classic hikes, then take the scenic Carriage Roads by bike or on foot. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., these tree-lined paths wind through stone bridges, lakes, and forests that shimmer in fall gold.

Return to Bar Harbor for dinner at Galyn’s, where local seafood meets candlelight coziness.

Day 3 – Cadillac Mountain & Acadia by Car

Rise early for the experience of a lifetime — sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise each morning in autumn. Bring a blanket, a thermos of coffee, and watch as the world glows pink and gold beneath you. (Reservations for sunrise parking are required, so plan ahead.)

Afterward, grab breakfast at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, then spend the day exploring more of Acadia by car. Detour to Otter Cliff, Seal Harbor, and Echo Lake for quieter moments and vibrant color reflections.

For an afternoon break, stop by Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, a local legend serving unique flavors like blueberry basil or sea salt caramel.

End the day at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse on the island’s southwest corner — one of Maine’s most photographed spots. Time your visit for sunset when the lighthouse glows against fiery skies and the rocky coastline turns gold.

Day 4 – The Tides of Bar Island & Local Hidden Gems

Start the morning with a walk across the Bar Island sandbar, accessible only at low tide. You’ll literally walk across the ocean floor to reach the small, forested island just offshore. The view back toward town, framed by fall foliage and church steeples, is unforgettable.

Spend the rest of the morning exploring local hidden gems — the Abbe Museum, dedicated to Wabanaki culture; the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History; or Village Green, where autumn leaves scatter across the grass.

Have lunch at Side Street Café, known for its lobster mac & cheese, and wander over to the Town Pier afterward to watch the fishing boats glide in.

In the evening, book a sunset sailing cruise or whale-watching tour. Wrapped in a blanket, you’ll watch seals, seabirds, and the coastline fade into twilight. It’s pure New England magic.

Day 5 – Eat, Sip, and Savor Coastal Maine

Fall in Maine isn’t just about the views — it’s about the flavors. Start your day at 2 Cats Café for hearty pancakes and Maine maple syrup before heading to the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound just outside town.

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Southwest Harbor or Northeast Harbor — quieter corners of Mount Desert Island with marinas, antique shops, and cozy cafés. Stop by Thurston’s Lobster Pound for lunch with ocean views, or grab a slice of wild blueberry pie from a roadside stand.

Return to Bar Harbor for a relaxed evening of tastings — the Atlantic Brewing Company offers fall ales and tours, while Bar Harbor Cellars has local wines in a rustic barn setting. Cap off your night with a stroll under the twinkle lights downtown and a steaming cup of hot cider from a local stand.

Day 6 – Slow Morning & Farewell to the Coast

Your last morning is for savoring the quiet. Walk down to the pier early to catch the boats in the mist, the water smooth as glass. Grab a takeaway breakfast from Morning Glory Bakery — the smell of cinnamon rolls and espresso mixing with the salty air.

If you have time, drive one last loop through Acadia’s foliage, perhaps stopping at Jordan Pond or Bubble Pond to see the reflections glowing in the still water.

Before leaving, take one final look at Frenchman Bay — the gulls circling, the crisp wind brushing your face — and promise yourself you’ll come back. Because everyone does.

Tips for Visiting Bar Harbor in the Fall

Timing: Mid-September through mid-October is peak foliage season.

Weather: Days are cool (50–60°F) and evenings chilly, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.

Reservations: Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain sunrise and some restaurants book up early.

Getting Around: Driving is easiest, but downtown Bar Harbor is walkable and the Island Explorer bus runs through much of Acadia.

Packing: Sturdy hiking shoes, warm sweaters, gloves, a hat, and your camera for that golden-hour light.

Bar Harbor in the fall is the kind of place that lingers long after you’ve left: the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the glow of a lighthouse at dusk, and the taste of buttered lobster beneath a canopy of red and gold.

When you go, slow down. Breathe it in. And let the coast remind you that even the smallest places can leave the biggest mark.