Fall in Bar Harbor and Acadia: Your Questions, Answered!

1. When can I see the leaves change in Bar Harbor and Acadia? While we cannot predict when the leaves will change, (so many factors impact the season!) historically Maine foliage occurs in late September through the first two weeks of October, with peak foliage in Bar Harbor and Acadia occurring during the first few weeks of October. Want to keep updated on the latest? Check out Maine’s Fall Foliage Tracker, going live September 15!

2. Oh no, I’m not arriving until before/after those dates! Will I miss everything? We like to think of fall as it is: a season! Even if you miss the elusive “peak,” there is still so much beauty to witness. Think cool, crisp air, leaves crunching beneath your feet and more opportunities for solitude as the season progresses. Plus, there is much to do throughout September and October. Read on to get planning!

3. What is open in Bar Harbor in the fall? The majority of our shops, restaurants and lodging options welcome you through the end of October with plenty of autumnal cheer. After that, we still have numerous year-round options open to keep you fueled and rested. The peace and quiet make it the perfect respite.

4. What should I do in Bar Harbor in the fall? Explore, savor, stroll (and fly!). Bar Harbor’s coastal charm and zest for adventure make it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying all the natural beauty fall has to offer. Keep in mind that a business’s availability is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to give them a call.

• Go on a fall tour.
  • Scenic Flights of Acadia: what better way to see the glorious foliage than with a scenic flight tour that offers sweeping views of Mount Desert Island from above? Keep an eye out for coastal lighthouses, Cadillac Mountain and more.
  • Acadia Bike Tours: Whiz past the blazing colors on a tour led by national park service rangers. 21-speed comfort bikes (helmets included!) are designed for the recreational biker on this 2.5-hour, 6-mile tour.
  • Ghostly tours: From the historic and eerie to local hotspots, discover the haunted side of Bar Harbor. Red Cloak Tours is currently offering “TeleTours” that unearth the secrets and mystery of Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor Ghost Tours offers nightly, lantern-lit tours that will have you on the edge of your seat.

• Enjoy the flavors of fall.
  • Fresh brews: Sometimes the hoppy spice of a fresh brew is the perfect companion for a fall day. Find your frosty glass of choice at Fogtown Brewing (there are up to 18 options on-tap to try!) and enjoy house made eats (hello, hot pizza with local ingredients) and small plates. Atlantic Brewing also offers seasonal brews and locally sourced fare for a fantastic fall gathering.
  • Chowder cravings: What is sometimes discounted as an appetizer can really be a hearty meal on a crisp day. Try Stewman’s rustic clam chowder or lobster bisque, simmered to perfection with local ingredients and cream.
  • S’more lovers: The perfect end to a fall day, savor a s’mores at the Bar Harbor Inn Reading Room, which serves the gooey, melty delight in a sharable skillet for dessert.
• Stroll downtown.
  • Treat yourself to coffee and a sunrise: Start your day off right with a sunrise over Frenchman Bay, right in downtown Bar Harbor. The Shore Path and Town Pier are both great places to witness the spectacle (don’t forget to grab a coffee or breakfast to-go). 
  • Explore the shops: Get a head start on holiday shopping with a variety of locally made gifts, from art to sensational sweets.
  • Visit The Abbe Museum: Learn about the history of the Wabanaki Nations, the first settlers of Maine, and their present-day legacy. The first and only Smithsonian Affiliate in the state of Maine, it’s an engaging, yet reflective space that allows people to learn and appreciate Maine’s Native community.