Jordan Pond South Shore
Acadia National Park, Maine · 272 ft
Typical peak
Oct 4 – Oct 12
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces N (359°)
The twin granite domes of the Bubbles close off the far end of the pond, with red maple and birch running down both shorelines toward them. Wind drops overnight, so the water holds a full mirror of the domes until mid-morning.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
extreme
Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.
Getting there
Park at the Jordan Pond House lot off the Park Loop Road and walk about 200 yards to the gravel shore path at the south end.
What turns here
- red maple
- paper birch
- northern red oak
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 8Typical color progression for Jordan Pond South Shore. No change from Aug 31 to Sep 17. First color from Sep 17 to Sep 26. Approaching peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Peak from Oct 4 to Oct 12. Past peak from Oct 12 to Oct 22. Bare from Oct 22 to Nov 5.
Jordan Pond South Shore is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 18
2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
55°F / 39°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Jordan Pond South Shore on October 8, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:10 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 97° | 6:39 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 39 min of low, warm light | 7:18 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:20 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 39 min before sunset | 5:23 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 262° | 6:02 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:31 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 23m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Classic composition faces N (359°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.