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Park guide

Acadiawhen to catch its peaks

When should I visit Acadia to catch its natural highlights?

Acadia's fall color generally peaks in mid-October. For birds, spring migration at Sieur de Monts on Mount Desert Island is best from the end of April to the beginning of June, and the park names May or August for Isle au Haut, its island unit off Stonington.

Checked Sep 30. Sources: National Park Service, Birding Isle au Haut (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Birding Sieur de Monts (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Acadia weather ↗ (opens in a new tab) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.

The peaks through the year

In each source's words; never a forecast

On one calendar

Approximate months; the cards above give the timing
  • Spring migration at Sieur de MontsBest viewing: the end of April to the beginning of June
  • Migrating birds on Isle au HautBest viewing: May or August
  • Fall colorUsual peak: mid-October

Solid: a usual peak, the best viewing time or when animals are most numerous. Hatched: a broader season, never a peak.

Choose what you want to catch

Each has its own full guide

Where to see it

Best spots from every event page, and official visitor points
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census; spot positions USGS; spot positions NPS; visitor points from agency records.

Before you go

Check the park's own pages for today's conditions

Park alerts

NPS lists these 3 notices for Acadia. Read each notice for the affected area and dates.

Checked Wed, Sep 30, 2:03 PM EDT, source: National Park Service. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

  • Passes: An entrance pass is needed all year, and driving Cadillac Summit Road needs a separate vehicle reservation from mid-May into October. Official page ↗

Other peaks nearby and other seasons

Acadia in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Pale tree trunks among bright yellow leaves over a leaf-covered forest floor
Yellow fall leaves in a deciduous forest, Acadia National Park. Photo: National Park Service; cropped and white-balanced by Maps and stuff · public domain
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles formation at sunset
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles, Acadia National Park. Photo: NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg · public domain
Bridge trail next to a forested hillside with fall colors
A trail bridge below a forested hillside in fall color, Acadia National Park. Photo: NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg · public domain

Questions people ask

When is fall color at its peak in Acadia?

Generally in mid-October.Source: National Park Service, Acadia weather ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When is the best time for birds on Isle au Haut?

May or August: the island is a stopover for migrating warblers, shorebirds and terns.Source: National Park Service, Birding Isle au Haut (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How do I get to Isle au Haut?

Only by ferry; the island lies off Stonington.Source: National Park Service, Birding Isle au Haut (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Do I need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?

To drive Cadillac Summit Road, yes: a vehicle reservation from mid-May into October, on top of the entrance pass.Source: National Park Service, Acadia fees and passes ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where is the best spring birding on Mount Desert Island?

Sieur de Monts: Jesup Path, Hemlock Road and Wild Gardens Path, best from the end of April to the beginning of June.Source: National Park Service, Birding Sieur de Monts (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages