Portland, ME – Acadia – New Hampshire & Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip (7 Days)

Day 1: Portland ➜ Acadia – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Depart Portland early and drive the scenic coastal route to Bar Harbor, stopping at the historic Portland Head Light for photos. Arrive in Bar Harbor by noon and check into your lodge.

Afternoon: Begin your Acadia adventure with a leisurely walk on the Park Loop Road, taking in sweeping ocean views and the iconic Thunder Hole. Continue to the tranquil Jordan Pond for a short hike around the lake.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant in Bar Harbor, then enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbor while watching local seals play.

Day 2: Acadia National Park – Peaks & Coastlines

Morning: Rise early to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, the first place in the U.S. to see the sun. Afterward, explore the Carriage Roads on a bike or on foot.

Afternoon: Hike the moderate Beehive Trail for spectacular cliffside vistas, then cool off at Sand Beach with a quick dip or a relaxing sunbathe.

Evening: Return to Bar Harbor for a casual dinner, then attend a ranger-led evening program about local wildlife and night skies.

Day 3: Acadia – Waterfalls & Culture

Morning: Visit the stunning Jordan Pond House for a classic popover breakfast, then hike the nearby Jordan Pond Shore Path for reflective lake views.

Afternoon: Explore the dramatic coastline at Otter Cliff and the nearby Great Head Trail. Stop at the Acadia National Park Visitor Center to learn about the park’s geology.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise around Frenchman Bay, then savor fresh lobster at a local eatery back in Bar Harbor.

Day 4: Acadia ➜ New Hampshire – White Mountains

Morning: Depart Acadia and head west toward the White Mountains, crossing the scenic Kancamagus Highway. Take a quick photo stop at the iconic Flume Gorge.

Afternoon: Arrive in Conway, NH, and explore the charming downtown shops before driving up to the summit of Mount Washington via the auto road for panoramic views.

Evening: Check into a cozy inn in North Conway, then dine on farm-to-table cuisine while watching the first hues of fall foliage appear.

Day 5: New Hampshire – Fall Foliage Scenic Drives

Morning: Embark on a leisurely drive along the Kancamagus Highway, stopping at overlooks such as Artist’s Bluff and Rocky Gorge to photograph the vibrant colors.

Afternoon: Continue to the historic town of Lincoln and take a short hike to Lafayette Place, a perfect spot for a picnic amidst the maples and oaks.

Evening: Return to North Conway for a relaxed evening, perhaps enjoying a local brew at a craft brewery and a stroll through the village green.

Day 6: New Hampshire ➜ Vermont – Scenic Villages & Mountains

Morning: Cross into Vermont via the Vermont Route 100, renowned for its leaf‑covered valleys. Stop in the picturesque town of Stowe for a coffee and a quick walk along the Stowe Recreation Path.

Afternoon: Ride the historic Stowe Mountain Resort gondola for breathtaking mountain vistas, then head south to Burlington for lakeside views of Lake Champlain.

Evening: Dine at a farm‑fresh restaurant on the Burlington waterfront, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the Waterfront Park as the sun sets behind the Green Mountains.

Day 7: Vermont ➜ Portland – Return Journey

Morning: Depart Burlington and drive the scenic Lake Champlain Shoreline, stopping at Shelburne Museum for a quick cultural visit.

Afternoon: Continue eastward, crossing the historic Bridgewater Corners before arriving back in Portland. Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Evening: Celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner at one of Portland’s acclaimed seafood restaurants, reflecting on the fall colors and coastal charm you experienced.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Portland Head Light – 30 min – $0 (free)
• Park Loop Road & Thunder Hole – 2 hr – $0 (free)
• Jordan Pond – 1.5 hr – $0 (free)
• Cadillac Mountain Sunrise – 2 hr – $20 (park entrance)
• Beehive Trail – 2 hr – $0 (free)
• Sand Beach – 1 hr – $5 (parking)
• Acadia Visitor Center – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• Jordan Pond House Breakfast – 1 hr – $25
• Sunset Cruise, Frenchman Bay – 2 hr – $45
• Kancamagus Highway (NH) – 3 hr – $0 (free)
• Flume Gorge – 1 hr – $12
• Mount Washington Auto Road – 2 hr – $35
• Artist’s Bluff & Rocky Gorge Overlooks – 2 hr – $0 (free)
• Lafayette Place Picnic – 1 hr – $15 (food)
• Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola – 1.5 hr – $30
• Burlington Waterfront – 2 hr – $0 (free)
• Shelburne Museum – 2 hr – $20
• Meals (average 3 per day) – 7 days – $350
• Accommodation (6 nights) – $180 per night – $1,080
• Fuel & Parking – 7 days – $150
• Total Estimated Cost – $1,882

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra night in Bar Harbor for a sunrise kayak tour in Frenchman Bay or spend a full day exploring the charming towns of Woodstock and Brattleboro in Vermont for more foliage and local craft shops. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Days 4 and 5 by driving the Kancamagus Highway in a single day and skip the Mount Washington summit, focusing instead on scenic overlooks and quick hikes. Adjusting meal stops to include picnics can also reduce costs while letting you soak in the autumn scenery.