The 2.2-Mile Hiking Trail in Maine That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

Autumn’s return means one thing: carving out as much time as we can to drink in the beauty of the fall foliage in Maine. From scenic drives on gray autumn days to sitting back on a leaf-peeping train ride, we have no shortage of ways to soak up every glorious moment of the season. My favorite way to leaf peep is on a hike, and this short and sweet trail in Bar Harbor boasts some of the best fall foliage in Maine.

Even if you’re strapped for time this fall, try to squeeze in around an hour, although some say it can be completed in only 45 minutes, to enjoy a stroll along the Jesup Path in Acadia National Park. (A park entrance pass is required.) The predominately flat path, an out-and-back trail that tallies just 2.2 miles, is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, kid-friendly, and allows leashed dogs, making it perfect for everyone. It can get crowded, so be prepared for a packed parking lot and busy trail.

Akin to a walk through the woods, Jesup Path features both boardwalk and gravel, so some areas can be a bit more challenging for wheelchairs and strollers, something to keep in mind before setting off. Benches dot the path if you want to take a breather and soak up the scenery. If you’re not in a hurry, check out the educational placards along the way that offer information about the local environment, wildlife, and plants.

Pick up the trailhead at the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts (save some time to explore here, too). Parking is nearby, where you’ll also find bathrooms and the nature center. Since it’s an easy trail, you'll only really need comfy shoes, water, and a camera.

Try to time your visit for near peak or the peak of the fall foliage. The path leads through the Great Meadow Wetland, along a boardwalk, past scores of birch trees, usually boasting brilliant shades of gold and orange during the fall, and over a fairy-tale footbridge. This is one of those pretty paths that deserve a visit each season, but if you have to choose one, make it when fall’s colors are at their boldest.

Have you hiked the Jesup Path in the autumn? Do you think it boasts some of the best fall foliage in Maine? Let us know in the comments! After a lovely fall hike, you’ve probably got a hearty appetite. Take your taste buds on a stroll down Memory Lane at Route 66 Restaurant in Bar Harbor, a nostalgic restaurant in Maine. For more fall hikes in Maine, check out All Trails.