Experts Say These 4 Months Are the Best to Visit Maine’s Acadia National Park

By now, it’s no secret that Maine’s crown jewel is the legendary Acadia National Park.

Each year, millions of visitors journey to Mount Desert Island to see its magic firsthand, and hardly anyone leaves disappointed. It’s truly something special.

Acadia is packed with stunning hikes, scenic mountains, a breathtaking coastline, lush forests, and an abundance of wildlife that leaves visitors in awe. Its beauty is undeniable. But is there an ideal time of year to truly make the most of it?

According to one site, four months stand out above the rest, including the one we are in right now.

The popular site Travel Experience has entire section devoted to America's national parks. This includes a helpful chart the site put together so people can track the best months to visit their favorite parks.

The site took into account seasonal weather, overcrowding, annual events, road closures, and more.

So, when is the best time to visit Acadia? Overcrowding is easily one of Acadia’s biggest drawbacks, so the site aimed to steer clear of the peak summer months. On the flip side, weather can be a major concern during the colder months. That leaves four months that Travel Experience highlights as the ideal time to go: the late spring/early summer months of May and June, and the fall months of September and—right now—October.

I’d even argue that early November isn’t too shabby either, especially with how mild the weather has been lately. It’s perfect for a hike or a bike ride.

Still, the four months they highlight are pretty much spot-on. Sure, June can get a little busy, but it’s nothing compared to the summer rush. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love experiencing Acadia (or really anywhere in Maine) during the fall? There’s nothing quite like it.

Two completely different times of year, offering two completely different experiences. That’s the magic of Acadia.

You can check out the full chart here—it's a great tool for planning your next national park adventure.