📅 Trip Dates: October 20–23
🛏️ Base: Hampton Inn in Ellsworth (20 mins from the park)
🚗 Style: Rental car, hotel-based, no camping
🥾 Focus: Short scenic hikes
We flew into Bangor on a crisp mid-October afternoon, just as the Maine leaves were peaking in color. With just four days, we wanted to make the most of our time — chasing ocean sunrises, climbing iron-rung ladders, and filling up on chowder in Bar Harbor. This wasn’t a relaxing trip. It was an energizing one.
Day 1: Arrival in Bangor + First Taste of Bar Harbor
We landed in Bangor at 4:50 PM, picked up our Budget rental car at the airport, and hit the road straight for Ellsworth. Our base for the trip was the Hampton Inn Ellsworth/Bar Harbor — clean, quiet, and only about 20 minutes from the park.
After checking in, we drove into Bar Harbor for dinner and a sunset wander through the downtown. Even in late October, the streets had a cozy buzz. We scoped out the window displays, made a mental note to come back to Ben & Bill’s, and fueled up at Geddy’s before heading to bed.
Day 2: Classic Park Loop + The Coastline Circuit
After a quick stop at the Acadia Visitor Center, we began the Park Loop Road clockwise, hitting the main viewpoints in golden morning light:
- Sand Beach Overlook
- Thunder Hole (not thundering, but still stunning)
- Otter Cliffs
- Otter Cove
We broke for lunch at Jordan Pond House — because how could you skip the popovers? A little light hiking followed on the Jordan Pond Path, a peaceful 3.5-mile loop with water views on one side and mountains on the other. We stopped by the Wild Gardens of Acadia and Sieur de Monts Spring Overlook before ending the day with dessert at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium and coffee from Choco Latte.
Day 3: Ladders, Lighthouses, and Loops
We started with one of the most unique hikes of the trip: the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail, a 2.2-mile loop with metal rungs and sweeping views. The fall color here was insane — red, gold, and orange exploding across the ridges.
From there, we made quick stops at:
- Bubble Rock Trail (a 1-mile out-and-back that somehow felt way longer thanks to elevation)
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (a must-see photo op)
Day 4: One More Hike, Then Goodbye
For our last day, we packed up early and tackled the Beehive Trail — a 1.5-mile loop filled with iron rungs, steep ledges, and unbeatable views. We took our time soaking it all in since we knew this was our final hike of the trip.
Afterwards, we made our way to the top of Cadillac Summit — an easy walk with a big reward. Even without a sunrise or sunset, the 360° views from the top were the perfect farewell to Acadia.
FAQ: Acadia National Park Travel Tips
Q: When is the best time to visit Acadia?
A: Mid- to late-October is perfect for fall colors and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season, but also much busier.
Q: Is Beehive Trail safe?
A: Beehive is steep with iron rungs — not for those with a fear of heights, but perfectly manageable with caution and dry conditions.
Q: Do I need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?
A: Yes, during peak season (late May–mid October), a vehicle reservation is required to drive up. It’s not needed for hiking.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, but not on ladder trails like Beehive or Precipice. Leashed dogs are allowed on carriage roads and many scenic hikes.
Q: Where to stay near the park?
A: We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Ellsworth — 20 minutes from the park with free parking and easy access to Bar Harbor.