Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
Acadia National Park Fall Foliage 2022
Acadia National Park has incredible leaf drop & Autumn colors. Thus, it is an ideal destination for nature photographers, both professional and amateur.
Because Maine covers over 33,000 square miles, autumn colors do not peak simultaneously throughout the state. Rather, foliage follows a wave-like pattern over a series of days.
To accurately identify when & where peak foliage areas happen in Maine, different geographic areas are classified by a 7 zone system.
Acadia National Park is located in Zone#2 (Downeast). This foliage zone runs along the Atlantic Coast, including Mount Desert Island, Penobscot Bay, Machias and Calais.
Peak Fall Colors in Acadia: Orange, Gold & Red
The Fall colors of Orange, Gold & Red first appear in Northern Maine. Then, autumn leaf turning continues south throughout the state.
Accordingly, the optimal time to see Fall colors in Acadia National Park and other areas of Zone 2 is October 13-22. Additionally, this is also the ideal time to see the bright red blueberry barrens Downeast. The reddish colors only appear for a limited time late Fall. For Fall barren foliage many sites recommend visting Cherryfield. However, photo opportunities abound on the Bold Coast.
However, keep in mind this is a general guideline based on historical foliage appearance and duration. Before planning your Acadia leaf-peeping trip, check real-time foliage tracking on the state-run MaineFolliage.com
Acadia Magic
One local photographer who has made a career of capturing Acadia’s beautiful Fall colors is Maine native artist Greg Hartford of Brewer, Maine. After a Greg also has the most comprehensive Mt Desert Island / Bar Harbor visitor site, Acadia Magic. As a local, author, photographer & graphic artist, Greg has a unique insight into what makes Acadia magical. Definitely check it out.