How Busy in October?

Question

Hi – We will be visiting Acadia Oct 5 – Oct 11. I know that we are coming at a very busy time, but trying to understand just how busy.

1. How early would we need to arrive at the busier spots to get a parking spot (e.g., Sand Beach or Jordan Pond)?

2. Do the shuttles fill up, so you may need to wait for the next one?

3. How much more crazy do things get when a cruise ship is in? We’d definitely avoid the town of Bar Harbor, but realized I booked our eBikes for Carriage Roads on a cruise ship day.

4. Any suggestions on things to do if we get tired of the crowds? We will have a rental car and ok with going an hour-ish away.

We’re used to summer national parks and having to arrive early to be able to park and/or sharing trails with lots of fellow hikers. But this is our first time on the east coast (and are from CA), so getting up early will be a little harder! We’ll likely plan to take the shuttles most days, but sometimes having our own car gives us a little more flexibility/convenience.

THANK YOU!!

Answer

Visiting Acadia in early October is a wonderful time—fall foliage is starting to show, and while it’s past peak summer crowds, it can still be quite busy, especially around popular spots like Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.

1. Parking at Busier Spots

Sand Beach: To secure parking, especially mid-morning, aim to arrive around 8:00–8:30 am. By 10 am, the lot can fill up quickly, even in early October.
Jordan Pond: Arriving by 9:00 am usually ensures a parking spot, particularly if you want to walk the Jordan Pond Loop. Later in the day, the lot fills as hikers and restaurant visitors arrive.
Cadillac Mountain: If you plan to watch sunrise, parking lots can get full well before dawn. For sunset, arriving about 45 minutes early is recommended.

2. Shuttles

The Island Explorer shuttles are convenient, but some routes, particularly those to Cadillac Mountain and popular trailheads, can fill up on busy days. Waiting for the next shuttle is usually manageable (typically 15–20 minutes), but expect some delays during peak hours or when multiple cruise ships are in port.
Having a rental car gives you flexibility to avoid shuttle waits and reach less crowded areas directly.

3. Cruise Ship Days

When cruise ships dock, Bar Harbor’s downtown gets very busy in the late morning and early afternoon. Shops and restaurants can be crowded, and parking is limited.
Carriage Roads or trails near Bar Harbor can also be busier. If your eBike booking coincides with a cruise ship day, consider starting early in the morning or heading to quieter parts of the park like the quieter loop around Eagle Lake or less-visited carriage roads on the western side of the island.

4. Alternative Activities for Less Crowds

Drive the Park Loop Road counterclockwise early in the day for scenic views without crowds.
Visit less-visited trailheads and carriage roads on the western and southern sides of Mount Desert Island (e.g., Seal Harbor, Great Meadow, or Witch Hole Pond areas).
Take a short drive (~45–60 minutes) to towns outside Bar Harbor like Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor for quaint shops, quiet harbors, and local restaurants.
Consider coastal drives or hikes along the Schoodic Peninsula if you want solitude—about an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor, it’s quieter and offers beautiful views.

Overall, early October is slightly less hectic than summer but still popular with foliage tourists. Arriving early, planning around cruise ship days, and mixing popular spots with quieter alternatives will help you enjoy Acadia without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Having your rental car is a significant advantage for flexibility and avoiding the busiest areas.

How Busy in October?

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