Maine
 

Hi everyone!

I'm going to Maine next weekend, and I was hoping that Acadia National Park will be open. BUT just in case, I was wondering if anyone else had some really good suggestions for other areas that are just as dramatic. I know that it will be beautiful everywhere, but I was hoping to get some more ideas, and more general direction!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Due to any reason if you can't visit Acadia National Park, you can enjoy Cruise Lines at Maine for fun,adventure, shopping and dining.

Boat trip and hiking on Monhegan
Climb or take auto road up Mt Battie in Camden
Visit comservation areas in the Harpswells (turn east at Brunswick) -not as dramatic but lovely and probably much more quiet. See Giant Steps which is a nice walk along cliff edge

The whole coast of Maine is beautiful and next weekend (week after Columbus Day) is my favorite weekend there. I have done a trip that week frequently and usually get nice weather, less crowds, and still a good amount of color. This year the fall color is not very spectacular (at least in Western Mass where I am) but on the coast of Maine you don't need as much in the way of foliage to be pretty since you have the coast.

Where are you starting from? Between the NH border and Portland is pretty but not 'dramatic' - Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are nice towns. Ogunquit has a mile long path along the water that is very nice. There are several lighthouse just south of Portland, including Portland Head which is on the cover of a zillion calendars and guidebooks. Portland itself is a great town. North of Portland the Boothbay Harbor area has lots of peninsulas you can drive around and explore. There are boats out to the islands if you are there long enough but the scenery is just as good on the mainland I think. Then the Camden/Rockport area is probably the most dramatic south of Acadia.

Lots of options. Acadia itself is wonderful but the rest of the coast is too. Here's my photos (taken over the course of numerous trips) www.pbase.com/annforcier/new_england

Also, it might still be worth it to go up to "Acadia" even if the park road is closed. The town of Bar Harbor will still be 'open' and there are several roads around the island that are not national park roads so you can still see quite a bit.

Moosehead Lake is always stupendous.

Mt. Battie has some nice little lake areas nearby that were colorful early this week, unfortunately leaves have started to fall and pine needles are everywhere.

I agree to check out Bar Harbor and Acadia anyway. You'll still be able to access parts of it. We enjoyed the hike to South Bubble if it's open.

Mt. Battie was a nice hike too.

http://fortknox.maineguide.com/ - We didn't visit, but noticed it on our drive.

Thanks so much for your help and suggestions!

I believe our general plan was to fly into Bangor, and use Bar Harbor as our base, but we are more or less clueless beyond that we had wanted to see the national park!

how many days do you have in total? Do you have your plane tickets yet?

If you can't access the park (or even if you can), consider doing some kayaking. There are several companies in downtown Bar Harbor that offer sea kayaking tours and another couple of places on Mt. Dessert Island that offer kayaks to rent for lake kayaking. I believe we rented one near Long Lake. It's a great way to see the area. Otherwise, consider going north to Baxter State Park instead.

we only have 3 days, and yeah we already had our plane tickets

We were in Bar Harbor this past week. We had to park roadside and were able to walk in and hike. Hiked around Eagle Lake. Also went to Schooner Head, Great Head, Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. Lots of people were in the park hiking. I googled what to do when Acadia National Park is closed someone had a Plan B that gave a great drive around Seal Harbor and shore line path by Northeast Harbor. We had a great dinner at Cafe this way. If looking for lodging try The Bayview Inn it was a home away from home they have a van that will take you to local area. Enjoy your time we had an awesome time,

I'm guessing you are in Maine right now, but here are some suggestions...

Camden or Boothbay Harbor - good restaurants, beautiful harbor views, and great time for foliage.

Portland - Great dining (I love the pub scene in the Old Port and awesome eateries like Duck Fat) and tourist friendly. Visit the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. It is an iconic lighthouse and a beautiful Maine view.

Portland Head Light: http://thefreelanceadventurer.blogsp...ead-light.html

Kennebunkport and Ogunquit - these beautiful coast towns are perfect places to visit in fall because there are less crowds and still nice weather. I love to walk the beach in Kennebunk or Marginal Way in Ogunquit. Some great restaurants are Bandaloop (Kport) and Barnacle Billy's in OGT.

Marginal Way: http://thefreelanceadventurer.blogsp...uit-maine.html

Kennebunk Beach: http://thefreelanceadventurer.blogsp...ff-season.html

Baxter State Park - if you want mountains and lakes, head further north. I was just here last weekend and it was beautiful! Still great fall foliage. We camped at New England Outdoor Center just outside Millinocket and hiked Mt. Katahdin.

Katahdin: http://thefreelanceadventurer.blogsp...din-climb.html

Bar Harbor - even if Acadia is closed (which is should be open now), this town is beautiful and classic coastal Maine. You can visit surrounding areas like Birch Harbor if you want to "get out of town".

I hope you enjoy your stay!