DESTINATION: MT. DESERT ISLAND
Autumn can be a wonderful time to visit the Maine coast, especially Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island, when it is less crowded (other than Columbus Day weekend), and still has many attractions open for recreational pursuits during September and October. Whether one enjoys bicycling, cruising on a wind-jammer schooner among the islands of Frenchman’s Bay, or hiking the carriage roads in the park, there is plenty to see and do.
On a recent trip with a group of seniors, we were able to learn about the history of the area from the staff at Acadia Bike and Coastal Kayaking Tours, a local business with knowledgeable staff who will provide a custom guided trip on the trails of Acadia National Park and other parts of the island. They also rent equipment so visitors may design their own adventure. Our busy days included stops in Somes-ville, the original settlement on the island, where the director of the Old School House and Museum brought in a national park guide and a local author to describe some of the highlights of the park, including the unique bridges built during the 1930s depression. We also heard from a local newspaper columnist who specializes in plants and animals – a very engaging speaker. One of our field trips was to the Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor, still attractive in the fall with its Japanese garden and other local plants. Another trip included a hike through the woods to the site of George Dorr’s house. Mr. Dorr is credited with donating the land (and convincing his neighbors to donate land) to form what is now the second most visited national park in the country. On another day we heard about the Maine Sea Coast Mission, whose ship, the “Sunbeam,” was in Somes-ville Harbor. The mission provides health, spiritual, and youth development programs to area residents.
Although the Bar Harbor ferry to Winter Harbor and Schoodic Peninsula (part of Acadia National Park) stops running at the end of August, it is possible to drive there from Ellsworth or Bar Harbor, or travel by water taxi run by the Winter Harbor harbormaster. This quiet side of the park offers spectacular surf, and an international sculpture competition each summer, with the winning sculptures remaining in the area. Also, a ferry to Nova Scotia leaves from Bar Harbor.
Restaurants and places to stay are plentiful. There is an independently run hostel near the center of Bar Harbor, within walking distance to town. Off season rates are available in area motels after Columbus Day, and there are many Victorian homes that have been converted to bed and breakfast establishments.
On our last day, at low tide, we were able to walk out on the “bar” to Bar Island, near the harbor, and look back at the sailboats and a large cruise ship anchored in the bay. We also climbed to the top of Cadillac Mountain, at sunset, for a wider view.
- Susan Kaehrle
Updated: 1/1/2010