Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)
-   -   Maine in May? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/maine-in-may-1134094/)

reneeinva Oct 3rd, 2016 05:02 AM

Maine in May?
 
On our way back to Virginia after a week in Colorado and already planning the next trip.

We are considering a week in Maine in late May. Is this a good time to go? We will be camping in a tent and would love to hike and see wildlife. Will probably split the week between the coast and inland.

I know moose are difficult to see, but are our chances just as good then compared to any other time?

Thanks!

SambaChula Oct 3rd, 2016 05:24 AM

Mud season.

reneeinva Oct 3rd, 2016 05:35 AM

Since I posted the question, I've also learned that it's biting fly season! Hooray!

So as I was saying, we are thinking about going in September! ��

elberko Oct 3rd, 2016 05:40 AM

Good plan!
Maine in September is wonderful.

emalloy Oct 3rd, 2016 08:44 AM

September is much better. No black flies, warmer ocean water etc.

The only moose I've seen in Maine was on the turnpike, being loaded into a dump truck by a payloader. The car that hit it was a mess too. But it was evidence that they are there.

If you use the View by State menu above you will find many Maine threads.

Ackislander Oct 3rd, 2016 09:06 AM

Have seen moose and bear, but in October.

September is much better than May because it is not mud season and too late for black flies.

dfrostnh Oct 3rd, 2016 09:11 AM

If you go in late September you can camp at the Common Ground Fair in Unity - all organic, many workshops, great for gardeners. Our favorite lobster shacks are open weekends only after Labor Day so it's important to schedule wisely.

But 4th of July is possibly my favorite time. There's a once a year narrated boat trip around Deer Isle with a member of the local history group. Or, further south in Bath it's Bath Heritage Days. Great parade, craft fair, etc.

reneeinva Oct 3rd, 2016 12:49 PM

Thanks!

AmandaHathaway Oct 27th, 2016 02:22 AM

Yes, visiting Maine in September is much better. There will be no flies then. I suggest you go one month later in October as then you’ll experience the autumn foliage which is magnificent!

DebbieDoesDulles Oct 27th, 2016 10:18 AM

September is great for camping and hiking, October can get very chilly at night, with frost... and there is (usually) more chance of rainy days.

tomfuller Oct 27th, 2016 12:29 PM

Since I have to go back to the east coast in late May, I will be spending a few hours in Maine (maybe 1 night).
My plan is to find at least 1 geocache in each of the 6 New England states before going back to PA for my 50th HS reunion.
Once I have those 6, the only state I will have remaining is Hawaii (possibly 2018).

dfrostnh Oct 28th, 2016 01:05 AM

if you're not in the woods or grassy areas, black fly season is not a problem. Instead of camping, try an air b&b.

Tomfuller, I took a geocaching workshop in Rochester NH. There were several caches near the school building and I doubt any problems with black flies even in May. I'm a gardener so I know there are some days when I can't be in the garden but I don't notice the black flies in cities or any place with an expanse of asphalt/concrete.

tchoiniere Nov 10th, 2016 02:01 PM

One guaranteed way to see a moose is the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, ME. It has a bunch of rescued moose and they were up close when I was there in August.

sundowner Nov 10th, 2016 07:13 PM

I've only been once and it was a photography trip to see moose. In May. And black flies almost carried us away! But we did see some moose. And The Original Bug Shirt did help. :) Take the advice of the others - go in September.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:26 AM.