Acadia National Park in Fall: Family-Friendly Hikes & Views
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Acadia National Park in fall is a bucket-list destination for families—think golden forests, crisp air, and views that stretch from the ocean to mountain peaks. Whether you’re hiking the Jordan Pond Path, watching waves crash at Thunder Hole, or catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, this guide highlights the best things to do in Acadia during peak fall color season.
See where to stay: Bar Harbor Itinerary for Families (3 Days Near Acadia)
Start your trip: Portland, Maine Fall Getaway: Best Stops Before Acadia
Getting to Acadia
The easiest way to reach Acadia is by flying into Portland International Jetport (PWM) and renting a car for the 3-hour scenic drive to Bar Harbor, the park’s gateway. The drive itself is stunning in fall—dense forests, coastal views, and charming roadside stops.
We used points and miles to fly roundtrip from Kansas City to Portland for just $45 total (see my guide on earning the Southwest Companion Pass over and over).
Where to Stay Near Acadia
We stayed at Edenbrook Motel, a comfortable and affordable option just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor. I booked it through Chase Travel℠ using Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which let me stretch my points further. Families will love that some rooms have three full-size beds—a rare find near Acadia!
Where to Eat in Bar Harbor
Start your mornings at Two Cats for biscuits and hot chocolate, and grab dinner at The Thirsty Whale for casual American fare. Don’t leave without trying a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie from Mount Desserts—trust me, it’s worth the stop.
Need groceries or snacks for hiking days? Stop by Hannaford Grocery right in Bar Harbor.
Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park in Fall
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
Start your day above the clouds. This is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise—reservations are required, so plan ahead.
Jordan Pond & The Jordan Pond Path
A flat, family-friendly loop with reflections of fall foliage in the water. Stop for popovers at Jordan Pond House afterward!
Beehive Trail (for adventurous families)
If your kids are older, this short but steep hike offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in Acadia.
Sand Beach & Thunder Hole
Watch waves crash dramatically against the rocks at Thunder Hole, then relax at the sandy cove nearby.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
One of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine—sunset here is unbeatable in fall.
Bar Harbor Shore Path
A gentle walk along the oceanfront, perfect for younger kids and a great way to spot cruise ships in the harbor.
Bonus Scenic Stops on the Drive Back to Portland
On your way back, make time for:
- Bite into Maine for lobster rolls near Portland Head Lighthouse
- The Bakeshop for breakfast sandwiches and cinnamon rolls
- LL Bean flagship store in Freeport for an iconic Maine stop
Using Points and Miles to Book Your Trip
This Maine fall getaway cost our family almost nothing out of pocket thanks to points and miles.
- Flights: Booked with Southwest points + Companion Pass
- Hotel: Paid with Chase Ultimate Rewards® through Chase Travel℠
- Rental car: Paid with Chase Sapphire Preferred® for full coverage
If you want to learn how to earn and redeem points for family travel, check out my free points and miles guide and my post on earning the Southwest Companion Pass again and again.
If you’re dreaming of crisp mornings, rocky coastlines, and cozy New England towns, Acadia National Park is the perfect finale to a Maine fall getaway. From here, it’s easy to extend your trip with a night or two in Bar Harbor or a food-filled stop in Portland on your way back home. Pairing all three makes for the ultimate family-friendly Maine road trip.
See where to stay: Bar Harbor Itinerary for Families (3 Days Near Acadia)
Start your trip: Portland, Maine Fall Getaway: Best Stops Before Acadia
National Parks: If you want more tips, check out this blog post.
If you decide to open a card for traveling with points and miles, I appreciate you using my affiliate links. It’s a free-to-you way to support all of my free content. Thank you!
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
I found out about points and miles accidentally.
I was researching index funds and happened upon the points and miles community through creators who also post about budgets, financial independence, and investing.
Points and miles allowed those people to travel and work toward financial independence simultaneously.
Thank goodness I got started when I did. The past almost two years of travel have been something we will never forget.
Earning points and miles through credit cards is only a good choice if you have the financial discipline to use them, like cash/debit cards.
Since we started traveling with points and miles, we have had more money going into our investment and savings accounts than ever.
Now I'm excited to teach you!
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