Acadia National Park is one of the most magical places to experience fall in New England. By mid-October, the park transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and golds, making it a dream for leaf-peepers.

The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the perfect way to soak in the views, with highlights like Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliff. For hikers, trails like Beehive Loop and Jesup Path offer stunning fall foliage views without taking up your whole day, while quieter spots like Gorham Mountain, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and the Schoodic Peninsula let you escape the crowds.

If you’re planning a visit in October, book early—this is one of Acadia’s busiest times thanks to the fall colors. Reservations are required.

COST: A seven-day pass for a private vehicle is about $35, and if you want to catch that iconic sunrise from Cadillac Mountain—one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sun—you’ll need a separate $6 reservation from May to October.