Looking for the best fall leaf watching drives near Acadia National Park?
Check out this semi hidden gem, Schoodic Scenic Byway. This 29-mile stretch northeast of Acadia will take you through the quiet side of the park, winding through blueberry barrens and lobstering towns that show you the way life should be.
It's quieter than the MDI loop, filled with brilliant coastal color, and takes you through authentic Maine villages like Winter Harbor, Birch Harbor, and Corea are all with fewer crowds and more ocean views.
But here’s the secret: Drive away from MDI, towards Schoodic Peninsula. The scenic byway is just 15 minutes from Ellsworth and runs right past Wild Rose Maine.
A Quiet Loop Through Classic Maine Villages
When Routes 1 and 3 split in Ellsworth, those from away start to thin out, especially in the fall.
Take Route 1 East toward Gouldsboro. From there, head down Route 186 and loop around Prospect Harbor, Birch Harbor, and Winter Harbor. You should have your fill of fall colors and sights.
Don’t miss Corea, a tiny, working lobstering village where time appears to have stopped. The whole place feels like a Richard Russo novel.
🌲 We're building something here on the Schoodic side of Acadia. If you're curious, follow along, we'd love to have you on the journey.
What Happens to Maine’s Blueberry Fields in Fall?
They turn red. Deep red.
The coastal blueberry barrens around Schoodic explode with fall color in mid-October. Driving Schoodic Byway, you should pass some, and if you’re lucky, and the light is right, they should literally glow.
Want a stop with drinks and snacks? Pull off Chicken Mill Pond Road in Gouldsboro and head to Bartlett Maine Estate Winery They make fruit wines, blueberry cider, and more.
Foliage, Lobster Rolls, and the Perfect Pie
If you only make one food stop, let it be Bunker Seafood & Spirits. Tucked near the thumb of the peninsula, walkable to Wild Rose Maine, they serve up some of the freshest lobster rolls around and their Maine blueberry pie is spectacular.
It’s the perfect finale for your Schoodic fall drive.
When Is Peak Foliage Near Acadia in 2025?
Currenlty, estimated peak date is Oct. 20 2025. In 2024, peak foliage hit on October 16. That can vary by about a week on either side — but if you visit between October 10 and October 24, you’re likely to hit it right.
🍁 The Explore Fall tracker is a great tool for watching the forecast.
How to See Acadia's Fall Foliage Without the Crowds
- 🚗 Drive to Ellsworth
- 🛣️ Take Route 1 East to 186 South
- 🫐 Stop in Winter Harbor and check out the fishing village.
- 🦞 Eat at Bunker Seafood(lobster roll + slice of blueberry pie recommended)
- 📸 Detour into Corea and revel in the lobsterness of the place
- 🍂 Follow Route 186 to Gouldsboro, then turn left back onto Route 1
- 👋 Wave to Wild Rose Maine
- 🧭 Return to Ellsworth with your camera full and your appetite satisfied
🥾 If you have time for a hike while on the peninsual, here is our favorite Schoodic hike.
FAQ
Is everything still open at Acadia National Park in the fall?
The park never officially closes, but many local businesses wind down after Columbus Day. The Bar Harbor ferry and Island Explorer bus also stop running after that date.
Is October a good time to visit?
Absolutely. There is a reason October visitor numbers keep setting new records the past couple years. Shh! Let's keep that our secret, ok?
How to get there from here.
Map
Links
Laurie Schreiber
