Sure, you could head up Cadillac Mountain, walk out to Sand Beach, or gaze across Jordan Pond. But if you really want a shot at the aurora borealis, leave the lights of Bar Harbor behind. One of the best spots? Schoodic Head, where the skies stretch wide and clear.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are most commonly visible between August and October in this part of Maine. If you're lucky, you'll spot a flickering green glow, like a celestial whisper. Sometimes, the aurora is faint to the naked eye, but don't despair, your iPhone camera might pick it up, especially in photo or night mode.

When should you look?
You have a chance anytime between August and late March, but your best bet is in the Fall. The best time of day is between 9 PM and 2 AM, with a sweet spot right around midnight.

But here’s the thing, you need three kinds of luck:

  1. A favorable aurora forecast (NOAA’s KP index of 5+ is a good sign).
  2. A clear night, clouds are your enemy.
  3. A spot with minimal light pollution, that is why Schoodic is the choice.

There’s no guarantee. Even with everything lined up, the lights may be subtle. But if they show? Magic. And with long exposure photography, even faint auroras can become stunning green waves in your photos.

Want to give yourself the best shot at catching the lights without breaking the bank? Check out Camp at Schoodic Woods Campground. You’ll be right in the dark zone, with easy access to Schoodic Head and Schoodic Point, both offering wide-open views to the north.

Tips for Schoodic Aurora Hunting:

  • 🌌 Watch the Space Weather Forecast (NOAA Aurora Forecast, KP index of 5+ is best)
  • 🌤️ Pick a Clear Night—no clouds, no fun
  • 🌲 Find the Darkest Sky—Schoodic Point is a top choice
  • ⏰ Aim for Midnight—but keep watch anytime after dark

When all the conditions come together, the Schoodic Peninsula becomes one of the most beautiful and underrated places in Maine to chase the aurora. Shh.

October 2024 Somewhere Over Schoodic

More Scenes from October 2024 Northern Lights over Schoodic:

@techiewoodsmanphoto

We had the most epic show last night. The sky lit up red and it was incredible. The northern lights were fully visible to the naked eye last night over Acadia. 10/06 around 8 PM EST. #northernlights #auroraborealis #Maine #acadianationalpark #astrophotography #nightphotography #photographer #Canon

♬ Interstellar - Piano & Violin Version - ViOLiNiA Zhanna Stelmakh

Map

From Wild Rose Maine to Schoodic Head by Car (30 minutes by bike)

Links

Milky Way over Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park
by u/JoshFieldsPhotograph in LandscapeAstro
Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park | Winter Harbor, Maine
For Schoodic Woods campsites, 90 percent of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10
The Dyrt
How to Plan an Acadia National Park Stargazing Trip This Year
The wind whips up over the mountaintop. It’s the kind of night where you can’t help but shiver – except there are so many stars overhead that it’s distractingly beautiful. This is what it’s like stargazing in Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is one of the best spots for stargazing in New England, one of the biggest dark sky locations in the Eastern Seaboard, and…
Space Tourism GuideValerie Stimac
Home - Acadia Night Sky Festival
We are very thankful for all of our followers, visitors, and collaborators. To make the festival more sustainable for the future, we will be taking a different approach this year. The festival will NOT include a star party at Cadillac Mountain due to our inability to accommodate the overwhelming demand due to limited capacity and staffing
Acadia Night Sky Festival - Celebrating the starlit skies of Downeast Maine

Held annually in late September