Acadia – Maine Terrain https://www.maineterrain.com Secret Destinations in and around Acadia National Park Sun, 07 Apr 2024 23:26:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8 Maine Offbeat Travel Guide Books 2024 https://www.maineterrain.com/maine-travel-guide-books/ https://www.maineterrain.com/maine-travel-guide-books/#respond Wed, 11 May 2022 19:04:15 +0000 https://www.maineterrain.com/?p=3705

Maine Travel Guide Books 2022

May 11, 2022

Maine Terrain Acadia National Park
SO2

Written by Stephen Ondich

Maine travel guide books help you plan your Maine visit in 2022.  Whether traveling to Acadia, Bar Harbor, Bangor or Baxter State Park, a travel guide book can help.

Below we share reader feedback on new or recent updated guides to the Pine Tree State!  I’m including links where you can buy the books.

However,  I am not an affiliate and receive no compensation from any of these Maine travel books – just trying to do  Maine visitors a solid! Safe Travels! 

Maine Guide#1: Moon Maine 

Maine Travel Guide Book

Moon Maine is a 2020 Maine travel guide book written by Hilary Nangle.  This book focuses on multi-day coastal and inland excursions.  Nangle is a native Mainer who loves to ski, blog and is a connoisseur of farmstead cheese. Thus, she gives a uniquely local take on her destinations.   

At 664 pages,  Moon Maine covers a lot of ground. Of course, there is a lot of ground to write about in this beautiful New England state. 

Moon Maine is an excellent follow up to her 2018 guide to Acadia National Park. Nangle wins style points for eloquent descriptions and attention to detail and accuracy. Accordingly, Moon Maine is at the top of our list!

Maine Guide #2: Lonely Planet Maine & Acadia National Park

Lonely Planet’s guide to Maine & Acadia is a comprehensive colorful text co-written by Regis St Louis & Adam Karlin.

It is map-heavy, which I find helpful.

Published in 2019, just prior to the pandemic, the sites and suggestions are still very relevant to 2021.  The format is easy to digest and at 240 pages, there is not a lot of fluff. That is a good thing. After all,  you want to get out an explore, right?

This Maine travel guide gets straight to the point – where to go and what to skip. This is another good addition to the Lonely Planet family of travel guides.

Maine Guide #3: Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island (Color Travel Guide)

Acadia National Park is the focus of many New England-area travel guides. However, this 2018 publication by James Kaiser brilliantly captures the most beautiful destination in Maine.

Acadia the Complete Guide  is a stunning visually appealing Maine travel guide book focusing on the highlights, niche locations and history surrounding Mount Desert Island.  Kaiser also delves into the geology and ecology of the island. 

Additionally, you’ll find things like local drinks, food suggestions and rainy-day excursions. Of course, no one thinks of rain while planning their Acadia adventure. Yet, Bar Harbor receives almost 57 inches of rain a year – it has to happen during someone’s vacation!

Maine Guide #4: Explorer’s Guide Maine 

Maine Travel Guide Book

Explorer’s Guide Maine covers traveler destinations throughout the entire Pine Tree State.  At almost 600 pages, this guide gives ample coverage to all of Maine’s regions. Mid-coast, Down East,  South Coast, Maine Woods… you’ll find good information inside.

Co-authors Nancy English and Christina Tree both have longstanding ties to New England which shows in their research and recommendations.  This book contains an extensive amount of information. There’s a lot to digest here. Thus,  read it while you’re in the planning stages of your trip to get the most out of this text.

Maine Guide #5: Best Easy Day Hikes Acadia National Park

Maine Travel Guide to Acadia National Park Hikes

Best Easy Day Hikes: Acadia National Park by Delores Kong and Dan Ring is a 136 page guide book with clear concise directions for day hikes on Mount Desert Island.   

The issue facing first time Acadia visitors is that the park offers many once-in-a-lifetime hiking opportunities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the options, especially when you have limited park time.  Additionally, it’s also easy to try hikes that may be a little too ambitious.  This Maine travel guide book breaks down Acadia’s hiking options so you can plan your day trips intelligently. 

Pro tip… Acadia is all about the planning. The National Park spans more than 47,000 acres.  Additionally,  Park Loop Road can seize up with Los Angeles-rush hour-style gridlock during the busy summer months.  If you go there and wing it, you’ll waste a lot of time and miss quite a bit.

]]> https://www.maineterrain.com/maine-travel-guide-books/feed/ 0 Moose Size: How Big Are They? 2024 https://www.maineterrain.com/moose-size/ https://www.maineterrain.com/moose-size/#comments Wed, 11 May 2022 16:38:37 +0000 https://www.maineterrain.com/?p=2861
            HOME

            Moose size: how big are they?

            May 11, 2022

            Maine Terrain Acadia National Park
            SO2

            Written by Stephen Ondich

            Moose size has long fascinated visitors to Maine. To many people from away, the moose is an almost mythical creature. So, how big is a moose? Most people know moose through pictures in books and online images. However, those perspectives rarely show the magnitude of these enormous creatures. Moose are huge.

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            Large size moose in the woods
            Image by David Mark from Pixabay

            Moose Habitat in Maine

            Location

            Most moose stay at least 50 miles North of Acadia National Park.

            Prime moose viewing locations are (not really) Acadia Adjacent.↵

            Moose Size Depends on Region 

            While all moose are large, there are regional differences that affect size. The individual specie sizes are a function of their environment. Moose are basically, very large deer, believe it or not.  However, there are 4 species within North America.

            1. Alaskan Moose.  Alaskan Moose are sometimes referred to as Giant Moose. Not surprisingly, they are the largest of the four moose subspecies and live in Alaska.  How big is a moose? Male Alaskan Moose measure up to 6 feet 9 inches in height at the shoulder. To put it in perspective, most NBA  basketball players  could easily limbo under a standing moose.  Alaskan Moose weigh up to 1400 LB. Also, their antlers extend just under 6 feet in width.
            2. Northwestern Moose. The Northwestern Moose is found in a few Northern US states and throughout central Canada.  How tall is a moose? They grow to  a height of 6 feet 4 inches at the shoulder. They weigh up to 1590 LB.
            3. Shiras Moose. The Shiras Moose is found from Utah through Idaho in the United States. Additionally, they live in British Columbia.  They are the smallest subspecie of moose. Shiras range in size from 36-55″ tall from hoof to shoulder.  Additionally, they weigh up to 1200 LB.
            4. Eastern Moose. Maine’s own Eastern Moose can be found in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern portions of the United States.  It is the third largest moose subspecie, behind Alaskan and Western Moose. They stand up to 6 feet 6 inches tall at the shoulder. Their weight reaches up to 1400 LB.

             

            Where are the Biggest Moose in Maine?

            Moose can be seen throughout the state, but their population is greatest in the Western Lakes and Mountains, The Kennebec Valley, The Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. The best times to spot them are at dusk and dawn from mid-May through July and again in the fall during their breeding season.

            Are There Moose in Acadia National Park?

            The answer is sometimes but not often. Additionally, when there are moose in Acadia National Park, it’s not for a good reason.

            A few month ago, I wrote an article titled Are There Moose in Acadia National Park?  Check it out to read more about moose sightings in Acadia.

            One Reason Why Moose are Large

            Moose grow throughout their lifetime. However, significant body mass stops accumulating when males are 9 years old and females are 4 years old.

            Large moose walking in stream
            Image by skeeze from Pixabay

             

            Moose Leg Size Makes Them Fast Runners

            Not surprisingly, moose are very agile animals with long spindly legs. Moose can run up to 35 miles an hour. That is roughly the speed of a small motorized scooter.

            Additionally, they have a high level of stamina. This is surprising considering their body mass. For example, moose swim continuously for up to 10 miles at a time.

            This combination of leg size, overall mass and stamina makes a dangerous projectile.

            Large Moose Have Large Appetites

            Moose consume a lot of calories to maintain their large size. According to Mental Floss, they eat up to 73 pounds of food daily in the summer. During the winter, they cut back to a paltry 34 pounds a day. That is a wide annual range of food consumption. However, they do so to maintain their optimal amount of body mass.  Like the cow, they have four stomachs for digestion.

            What do Moose Eat?

            The word moose is a Native American word. Roughly translated, it means eater of twigs.

            Thus, they are vegetarians. Their diet consists of fauna, leaves, bark, etc. Basically, they graze around all day eating plants that they run into. Accordingly, maybe the lack of green vegetation during winter is why their caloric intake drops!

             

            Moose Antler Size

            In addition to their impressive body mass, moose have massive antlers, too. Again, it’s difficult to put antler size in perspective when they are attached to a massive animal. The antlers look proportional.

            A mature set of antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds by itself. Additionally, antlers can reach a span of up to six feet wide.

            Large size bull moose with antlers in woods.
            Image by skeeze from Pixabay

            What Are Antlers Used For?

            Moose use their antlers to intimidate their rivals, impress potential mates and fight.

            Their antlers grow in a way that forms a protective mask around their face. Fully grown antlers protect the moose’s eyes during combat. 

            In fact, as moose grow, their antlers reveal clues about their social status. Generally, speaking, the larger the antlers, they higher the social status of the moose.

            You can read more regarding moose antler science at All-About-Moose.

             

            Are Moose Dangerous?

            Moose are dangerous in the same way that elephants and pit bulls are dangerous. Typically, they are docile and not-aggressive. However,  if they become aggressive, they can cause serious damage to their foes. 

            Moose are capable of killing bears during combat.  Therefore, you should not underestimate the force moose a capable of producing in a confrontation.

            Read this British citizen’s firsthand amazement at the size of North American moose. Clearly, they are intimidating to see in person. 

             

            When Are Moose Most Dangerous?

            You are most likely to encounter a moose attack during the months of September and October. Not surprisingly, these months are prime mating season for moose.  Moose typical become hostile toward humans when their young calves are involved. Thus, take special care to keep your distance during the mating season.

            Statistically speaking, moose are most likely to injure you during an automobile collision.  However, for the purposes of this article, we are only examining moose encounters in nature. 

            Moose Combat

            When moose become aggressive, here are things they may do:

            1. Stand their ground.
            2. Kick their long legs at their target
            3. Run to safer ground.
            4. Gore you with its antlers.

            Although being gored by a pair of 6 foot wide antlers sounds horrific, trampling is  your most likely scenario and danger. Even if the moose is the moose is simply trying to flee, it may run you over in the process. Again, the force of a charging moose can be fatal.

            There are a few signs that reveal when a moose is agitated and likely to attack.

            1. Licking its lips.
            2. Raising the hair on its head and neck.
            3. The moose changes its behavior after looking at you.

            Now, if you are close enough to see the moose licking its lips you are probably too close, anyway. However, if you spot these signs, take that as a final warning to clear the area.

            What To Do When Being Attacked by Moose

            1. Run. Get behind a tree or something solid, if possible.
            2. Play dead and curl up in the fetal position. If you cannot find a tree or anything else to shield you from the moose, curl up in the fetal position. Make sure to protect your head and vital organs as the moose may step on, kick or gore you with its antlers.
            3. Wait. Unless you’re up for a second round of combat, make sure that the moose has cleared the area before getting up off the ground.  Moose may watch you for a while before actually leaving the area. Be cautious when making your escape.

            Moose Size, Speed and Force: Physics of a Moose Collision

            To this point, we have established that moose are very large creatures. Additionally, they are fast runners. 

            Let’s examine the physics involved in a moose collision. Hopefully, this is theoretical only.

            When I played  football, I commonly measured up the size and speed of the opposing player who lined up in front of me. Although we both started at zero miles per hour, when the whistle blew we both accelerated to drive each the other out of the way. Size helped but speed could compensate. 

            Force = Mass X Acceleration

            This formula explains why you should keep a safe distance from  moose. Despite their normally docile behavior, a spooked or angry moose can cause injury or death.

            Man Collides With Moose

            The average American man weighs 197 LB. Additionally, he can probably run about 12 miles an hour.

            Let’s compare stats of an average man verses and average moose:

            Imagine a two men walking in the woods near Baxter State Park. They encounter a moose.

            Faster than you can say “Hold my beer!” one man runs over to check out the moose up close. Startled, the moose charges forward.  In a panic, the man turns and runs as fast as possible in the other direction. However, they soon collide!

            First, the force of the moose = 635 KG x 15.65 meters/second squared = 9937.75 Newtons

            Second, the force of the man = 89.36 KG X 5.36 meters/second squared =  478.97 Newtons 

            Basically, the man’s 478.97 Newtons slightly offset the moose’s 9937.75 Newtons.

            To put this in perspective, the force of one newton feels like an apple dropping on you from a short distance. Unpleasant, but not dangerous. 

            Thus, being run down by a moose while fleeing in the opposite direction is roughly equivalent to being hit with a sack of 9938 apples.  Not good.

            However, when traveling in Maine, people want to see moose. If you must see a moose up close, invest in a good zoom lens, keep a safe distance and take beautiful nature pictures.

            Zoom lens camera
            Image by David Mark from Pixabay
            ]]>             https://www.maineterrain.com/moose-size/feed/ 2             Cadillac Mountain: 2 Secret Things to Do in 2024 https://www.maineterrain.com/acadia-cadillac-mountain-secrets/ https://www.maineterrain.com/acadia-cadillac-mountain-secrets/#comments Wed, 11 May 2022 06:39:46 +0000 https://www.maineterrain.com/?p=3031
                      HOME

                      CADILLAC mountain:
                      2 Secret Places

                      June 27, 2022

                      Maine Terrain Acadia National Park
                      SO2

                      Written by Stephen Ondich

                      Within the Cadillac Mountain area of Acadia National Park there are two secret things to do. Even though the park hosts record numbers of visitors each summer, very few people know about these hidden activities. If you are like me, you’ve already seen most of the places in the National Park Service visitors guide. Accordingly, I will share these secret destinations with you here. 

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                      Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain Acadia National Park
                      Image by skeeze from Pixabay

                      Cadillac Mountain

                      Location

                      Cadillac Mountain is 0 miles from Acadia National Park.

                      It is (not) Acadia Adjacent.↵
                       
                      It is in Acadia!

                      Cadillac Mountain’s Two Hidden Destinations

                      Both of today’s secret Acadia places are located in Cadillac Mountain. Additionally, both Acadia secret spots are featured on J.R. Libby‘s very cool website, The Abandoned Trails of Acadia National Park. If you are a fan of Acadia and have not seen it yet, please check it out.

                      Cadillac Mountain is one of the most popular destinations within Acadia. Be sure to check out our Cadillac Mountain sunrise hike tips if you haven’t already. However, there are two things to do that very few tourists know about.

                      To find both sites you’ll need a map of the Cadillac Mountain area.  If you don’t have one, the you can find detailed maps at Acadia National Park’s website here.

                      A few months ago, we published a list of secret places in Acadia National Park. Check those out if you haven’t already.

                      Two secret things to do in Acadia are:

                      1. Visit Cadillac Mountain’s Hidden Waterfall 
                      2. Explore the Abandoned Green Mountain Railroad

                      Cadillac Mountain’s Hidden Waterfall

                      Cadillac Mountain Hidden Waterfall
                      National Park Service / uncredited [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
                       

                      About the Hidden Waterfall

                      Although this secret waterfall within Acadia National Park is not far from Park Loop Road, you’ll likely miss it when driving by. Thus, park your car in the turnout and take one of the shortest hikes within Cadillac Mountain. Although the trail is not marked, it’s not hard to find if you know what to look for. It’s well worth your time. 

                       

                      Directions to Cadillac Mountain’s Secret Waterfall

                      Take Park Loop Road and continue past Cadillac Mountain Summit Rd, toward Jordan Pond.
                       
                      After passing Cadillac Mountain Summit Road, park at the second turnout.
                       
                      Locate the brook that is 30 feet from the turnout.
                       
                      Walk on the North side of the brook (the side farthest from Bubble Pond) and  follow it up steam.  As J.R.Libby astutely notes, the waterfall views are dramatically different, depending on which side of the brook you’re on. 
                       
                      The waterfall is roughly the distance of two football fields from the road.  
                       

                       

                      Green Mountain Cog Railway: Now Defunct

                       

                      What was the Green Mountain Cog Railway?

                      Back in the late 1800’s, tourism was booming in the Acadia region of Maine. The Green Mountain Cog Railway was built to take tourists up to Cadillac Mountain, then known as Green Mountain.  The ascent up Cadillac mountain took about 30 minutes.
                       
                      Alas, either the operation lacked capital or the tourists dwindled considerably. Perhaps a combination of both. However, in retrospect, it appears the rail operation had many ambitious facets that never came to fruition. 
                       
                      First, there were plans for multiple rail lines. Second, the rail lines were supposed to run conveniently into downtown Bar Harbor. Additionally, there were plans for subdivisions that thankfully never materialized.  All of it was pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. None of it happened.
                       
                      Francis Hector Clergue: the Person Behind the Railway *

                      Clergue’s father immigrated from France in the mid 1800’s. His mother was from an established shipbuilding family in Maine. He grew up in Bangor and became a lawyer.

                       However, he was a man of high energy, creativity and ambition. Not surprisingly, Clergue quickly lost interest in legal pursuits and tried his hand at several business ventures, many involving rail transportation.

                      Reading through new accounts of the time, it appears that Clergue was not a Mount Desert Island resident or insider. Although he was from Bangor, Maine, for all intensive purposes he was from away. Additionally, he failed to anticipate that the residents of Mount Desert Island didn’t really want steam engines traversing their bucolic mountain community.

                      Clergue information cited from:

                      • Bachelder, P.D. (2005, April 1) The Green Mountain Railway:
                        Bar Harbor’s Remarkable Cog Railroad. Retrieved from https://mdihistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2003-The-Green-Mountain-Railway_ocr.pdf
                      Green Mountain Steam Engine on Cadillac Mountain
                      Image from Bangor Community Digital Commons@BPL
                       
                      Regardless of the reasons, the railway ceased operations in 1890. 
                       
                      Although you can no longer ride in the comfort of a steam locomotive through Cadillac Mountain, parts of the narrow gauge track remain. Thus, if you are a trainspotter or just looking for a ride, you are out of luck. The steam engines used to transport tourists up and down Cadillac Mountain were sold to the Mount Washington Cog Railway over 120 years ago. 
                       
                      However, if you are a historical train buff or railfan and want to see the skeletal remains of this Acadia operation, you’re in the right place.
                       
                      Initially I cringed at the idea of a locomotive engine running through Acadia National Park. However, I must admit it looked pretty cool. You can see pictures of the fully operational Green Mountain Cog Railway at the Southwest Harbor Library Digital Archives here. 
                       

                      Map of the old Green Mountain Cog Railway. 

                      Late 19th century map of Cadillac Mountain showing Green Mountain Cog Railway line
                      Image from Library of Congress .
                       

                      Directions to Green Mountain Cog Railway Tracks

                      Fortunately, Cadillac Mountain’s Hidden Waterfall and Green Mountain Cog Railway sites are located very close to one another. Therefore, it’s difficult to justify seeing one without the other.

                      Directions to remaining railway, as reported in Abandoned Trails of Acadia National Park:

                      1. Drive south on Park Loop Road, toward Bubble Pond.
                      2. Pass Cadillac Mountain Summit Road.
                      3. Pull over and park in the second parking area on the right hand side of the road.
                      4. Cross to the east side of Park Loop Road.
                      5. Look in the woods for a mound off to the left. 
                      6.  Look for the first rail spike along the worn pathway.
                      7. Continue up the path to see more spikes and rails. However, be aware that the trail becomes slippery at higher elevations.

                      What Happened to the Trains?

                      What if rail spikes and metal remnants won’t suffice? Do you need to see the actual Green Mountain Cog Railway trains? Believe it or not, the trains are still in operation!

                      However, as I stated previously, the trains were sold to the Mount Washington Cog Rail when the Cadillac Mountain operation folded.  Thus, to ride the trains, you need to travel to their new home in New Hampshire.  The locomotives were renamed as follows:

                      • Green Mountain Railway #1 Mount Desert is renamed  Chocorua.
                      • GMR #2 is now operating as Agiocochook.

                      You can buy your boarding passes here. All aboard!

                       

                      ]]>                       https://www.maineterrain.com/acadia-cadillac-mountain-secrets/feed/ 11                       7 Critical Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Hike Tips 2022 https://www.maineterrain.com/cadillac-mountain-sunrise-7-tips/ https://www.maineterrain.com/cadillac-mountain-sunrise-7-tips/#comments Sat, 07 May 2022 14:26:52 +0000 https://www.maineterrain.com/?p=2462
                              HOME

                              7 critical tips for a perfect cadillac mountain sunrise hike

                              July 22, 2022

                              Maine Terrain Acadia National Park
                              SO2

                              Written by Stephen Ondich

                              2022 Update

                              Hiking Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise at 1530 feet elevation is a spectacular event at Acadia National Park. However, there is a limited window of opportunity to watch the sunrise in its glory. Therefore, you should plan and prepare ahead of time. In this post we give you tips to plan your sunrise Cadillac Mountain hike.

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                              Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain Acadia National Park
                              Image by skeeze from Pixabay

                              Cadillac Mountain

                              Location

                              The summit of Cadillac Mountain is 0 miles from Acadia National Park.

                              It is (not) Acadia Adjacent.↵
                               
                              It is in Acadia!

                              IMPORANT Tips for Seeing Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

                              1. Wake Up Early

                              As obvious as this sounds, don’t be late!  Arriving after the sun will put a damper on the rest of your day.  

                              This is a time-sensitive experience. Dawn at Cadillac Mountain lasts all of 2 minutes.

                              Assuming you are staying in the vicinity of Acadia National Park, you should set your alarm for 4 AM. 

                              Check your Cadillac Mountain directions the night before.  It may sound basic but you need to know where you’re going. Again, one detour may cost you precious time en route to your sunrise hike.

                              You will not be alone as you drive up Cadillac Summit Road. Almost everyone in the park at that time is headed up the mountain. Additionally, parking will be tight the closer it gets to sunrise. 

                              2. Check Actual Sunrise Time

                              Go to a site like Time and Date. Look up sunrise time for Cadillac Mountain on the day you will be there. Remember, sunrise occurs at a slightly different time each day.

                              Don’t estimate or guess. Again, there is a limited window to get day break at Cadillac Mountain right.

                              3. Set Your Morning Schedule Working Backwards Based on Sunrise Time

                              After determining sunrise time, work backwards to schedule your morning.

                              For example, if sunrise is at 5:15 AM, figure the following:

                              • Be there 20 minutes before sunrise to get set up. Thus, 4:55 AM is your target arrival time.
                              • It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive up Cadillac Summit Road, park and walk to a viewing spot. Therefore, you want to be driving up at 4:30AM.
                              • If you’re staying 30 minutes outside of the park, be in the car by 4:00 AM.
                              • And so on…

                              4. Dress in REALLY Warm Clothes

                              Dress warm. Bring blankets, gloves, jackets, scarves, etc. Wear extra socks.

                              Generally speaking, it is cold at the top of Cadillac Mountain. Remember, you’re at 1500 feet elevation. Additionally, before sunrise there is no sunlight to provide warmth. Also, wind chill factor drops the temperature you feel significantly.

                              Bring extra blankets. You can always leave them in the car.

                              If you are on the verge of hypothermia, you won’t enjoy the sunrise.  Even holding your camera is difficult in bitter cold weather. 

                              Once you’re settled in at the summit, you want to enjoy the moment. If you are freezing, you’ll want to escape as soon as possible,

                              This ill-prepared hiker got his pictures but also describes going numb in the process. 

                              5. Check the Weather Forecast For Cadillac Mountain

                              Check a site like Mountain-Forecast to find out what the weather will be like on your sunrise dawn. Bring rain gear, if necessary.

                              Check the forecast specifically for Cadillac Mountain not Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park.

                              Rain or even light mist will significantly change the Cadillac Mountain experience. In addition to being both wet AND cold, you’ll be dealing with slippery granite.

                              This family failed to prepare for weather conditions. They describe their daytime Cadillac Mountain ascent as miserable. The title of the their post is “A Cold and Miserable Day: Climbing Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.”

                              You definitely want to know what kind of weather to expect. Do your homework!

                               

                              6. Claim Your Parking Spot

                              Once you’re up and driving, the next priority is to find a place to park.  Save the sight-seeing for after sunrise. 

                              There is no longer a locomotive engine to shuttle you up the mountain. Now it’s up to you and your car.

                              There are two areas to park off Cadillac Summit Road. One main lot and one overflow lot.

                              The National Park Service admits that these parking lots lack capacity for the summer crowds. 

                              Many of the people in Acadia at that time of day are doing the same thing you are. Thus, there will be competition for parking spaces as dawn approaches. 

                              The distance between the parking lot and the viewing area is less than .5 miles. It is an easy walk.

                              7. Decide Where to Watch the Sunrise

                              Pick your preferred sunrise viewing location ahead of time. Most people do one of two things. 

                              1. Watch from the Summit Marker. Understandably, most people watch close to the Summit Marker.  It is an iconic location. However, it is also crowded. To get there, follow the gravel path along side the restrooms. The marker is on the right hand side at the end of the path. Look for the highest ledge.
                              2. Cadillac Summit Loop Trail. If you’re looking for solitude at sunrise, head down the trail just a bit. You don’t have to go very far. Again, most hikers congregate around the Summit Marker like moths on a light.

                              Why Watch the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain?

                              Watching the sunrise anywhere within Acadia National Park is exciting. However, Cadillac Mountain is the optimal location for sunrise and sunset viewing. Here are three reasons:

                              •  Cadillac Mountain is the highest viewing location along the Northern Atlantic Coast. If you go between October and March you get bragging rights for seeing first daylight in the United States.
                              • Cadillac Mountain is one of the most popular attractions in Acadia National Park. It is busy almost all of the time. Yet, you know you’re going to go. Therefore, why not see it at its most spectacular? 
                              • It is a communal experience, kind of like going to church or a Grateful Dead show. Cadillac Mountain is where the faithful gather to witness first light.

                              Sunset on Cadillac Mountain?

                              Sunset on Cadillac Mountain is a different viewing experience than sunrise. At Cadillac Mountain, the sun rises over Frenchman Bay, providing a beautiful water view.

                              However, Cadillac Mountain sunset takes place over the mountains of Mount Desert Island. Accordingly, Cadillac Mountain has a mostly landlocked sunset view.

                              Thus, the optical & light filtering effects of sunlight reflecting off the ocean are missing at sunset.

                              Many Acadia photographers prefer the sunrise view at the peak of Cadillac Mountain over the Cadillac Mountain sunset, However, Acadia sunsets are spectacular at both the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and the Blue Hill Overlook, not far from Cadillac.  

                              Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Pass

                              Sunrise passes or morning reservations are new for 2022.  The new reservation system helps ease congestion during the early morning hours at Cadillac Mountain. Additionally, the Island Explorer bus system does not service the summit. Thus, parking and viewing conditions are difficult at early morning and dusk hours.

                              Of course, sunrise viewings are popular with Acadia visitors.  Accordingly,  congestion at the  summit has increased over the last decade.  In fact, Cadillac Summit Road at Sunrise & sunset tops the National Park Service’s list of the highest traffic park locations. 

                              Sunrise Pass Fees

                              Passes to view Cadillac Mountain sunrises cost $4 per private vehicle. Additionally, there is a $2 reservation fee. Thus, for $6, you can drive your car to view a beautiful Mount Desert sunrise.

                              However, reservations must be made in advance. They can be cancelled up to 2 days prior to your reservation time. After that, the reservations are non-refundable.

                              Additionally, the sunrise reservation fee does not replace the regular park pass ticket. Visitors must have both a park pass and and sunrise reservation to travel to the summit in the early morning.

                              AM Summit reservations are booked online at Recreation.gov.

                              ]]>                               https://www.maineterrain.com/cadillac-mountain-sunrise-7-tips/feed/ 10                               5 Scenic Photo Sites NOT in Acadia National Park 2022 https://www.maineterrain.com/5-photo-sites-not-in-acadia/ https://www.maineterrain.com/5-photo-sites-not-in-acadia/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2022 21:10:21 +0000 https://www.maineterrain.com/?p=1338
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                                    5 Scenic photo sites outside
                                    of acadia national park

                                    March 31, 2019

                                    SO2

                                    Written by Stephen Ondich

                                    The state of Maine is filled with incredible photo opportunities outside of Acadia National Park. Even areas that are not well known photo destinations have interesting subjects. Sometimes venturing off the beaten path yields photographic rewards. This is especially true in Maine. 

                                    “Boats, Bar Harbor, Maine 9477” by Kim Carpenter is licensed under CC BY 2.0

                                     

                                    Scenic Places to Photograph outside of Acadia

                                    Acadia National Park gets millions of visitors a year. Additionally, most of them look to capture that perfect picture while hiking. Granted, there are plenty of photo opps on Mount Desert Island. However, most of them have been captured from every conceivable angle by some of the best photographers in the world.  

                                    I totally get wanting to capture the view from the top of Cadillac Mountain with your iphone. However, it’s been done many times before by better photographers with better equipment.

                                     

                                    Where are good but lesser known photo locations?

                                    In a sense, this is a moot topic. I honestly believe that you can throw a rock anywhere in Maine and find something cool to capture on film (or digitally). Although I’m partial to dilapidated barns and snapshots that capture the realities of rural life, most people prefer vistas and rugged coastlines. 

                                    Regardless of what you’re looking to photograph, here are some scenic places that are worth a trip with your camera in hand. 

                                     Hopefully, people will see your non-Acadia pictures and say “Oh Wow! Where is this at?”

                                     
                                     
                                     

                                    Milbridge Maine

                                    The distance from Acadia National Park to Milbridge, Maine is 47 miles.

                                     Milbridge is Acadia Adjacent↵

                                     

                                    McClellan Park Coast Beach sunset Milbridge Maine
                                    McClellan Park Sunset in Milbridge, Maine by Maineterrain.com

                                     

                                    Location

                                    The quiet coastal village of Milbridge, Maine is about 30 miles north of Acadia National Park, as the crow flies. 

                                    Milbridge is situated directly on Narraguagus Bay with lots of coastal access. Consequently, opportunities abound to take interesting coastal and inland photos. In addition, the year round population is with only marginal seasonal spikes upward in the Summer through Fall months. This means that you can count on relative solitude when lining up your shots, even during high tourist season.  

                                    Milbridge Maine Ray's Point looking out to Flat Bay Milbridge Maine on Ray’s Point looking out to Flat Bay by Maineterrain.com[/caption

                                     

                                    Photo Spots within Milbridge:

                                    McClellan Park

                                    This park is one of the best kept secrets in coastal Washington County. Donated to the state by New York Mayor George B. McClellan in 1925, the park has picnic areas, camping areas and trails to explore. 

                                    Incidentally, McClellan was the son of Civil War Union General George McClellan. Even though both are long deceased, I refer to him as the former Mayor of New York. I suspect McClellan Jr. was sick of being introduced as the son of the Civil War hero. He was Mayor of New York for crying out loud. That’s a pretty impressive accomplishment, don’t you think? Let’s give the man his due.

                                    The tide pools and rock formations along the shoreline at McClellan Park are comparable to what you’ll see in Acadia National Park but without the crowds. One of my favorite things to do here is bring a lunch or dinner, find a picnic table close to the water and watch the sunset. Camera or no camera, it’s a spectacular sight at an incredible venue. 

                                    Finally, the paths can be uneven and rocky. If you are not steady on your feet, this may not be a great photo location to explore. There are restrooms on-site.

                                     

                                    Narraguagus River Bridge

                                    Although technically in Cherryfield, this historic Warren through truss walking bridge is now part of the Downeast Sunrise Trail.  It is Milbridge adjacent.

                                    Chipman’s Wharf

                                    Chipman’s Wharf is an active working wharf owned by the Chipman family. It has been a Chipman family operation for generations.

                                    Located right on the Narraguagus Bay, the wharf  services lobster boats and sells their catch right off the dock. It’s a great site to take pictures of a working wharf. 

                                    Keep in mind that Chipman’s Wharf is a privately owned business. Thus, you should ask permission before walking onto the wharf to take pictures.   

                                    Baxter State Park

                                    The distance from Acadia National Park to Baxter State Park in Millinocket , Maine is 182 miles.

                                     Baxter State Park is (not really) Acadia Adjacent↵

                                    Baxter State Park
                                    “Sandy Stream Pond in Baxter State Park” by vladeb is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

                                     

                                    Location

                                    Baxter State Park is located in the North Woods region of Maine in Piscataquis County. It is at the far north end of the Appalachian Trail.

                                    I debated whether or not to include Baxter State Park in this article because it gets a lot of visitors. Certainly, it is hardly a secret spot for photography.  However, if you’re looking for something spectacular outside of Acadia, Baxter State Park definitely qualifies.

                                     

                                    Baxter State Park
                                    “Lower South Branch Pond, Baxter State Park, Maine – Kodachrome – 1987” by Ron of the Desert is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

                                     

                                    Photo Spots within Baxter State Park

                                     

                                    Sandy Stream Pond

                                    Sandy Stream Pond is an excellent place to capture pictures of wild moose in Baxter State Park. In keeping with the park’s Forever Wild theme, moose frequent the pond in the mornings and evenings. Thus, bring a long lens to get a closeup shots without spooking the moose. 

                                    However, with or without moose, Sandy Stream Pond is a classic backdrop for capturing the Baxter State Park’s natural beauty.  

                                    South Branch Pond

                                    South Branch Pond is much more accessible than Sandy Stream Pond but just as scenic. 

                                    If you are looking to take pictures from a kayak or canoe vantage within Baxter State Park, consider Sandy Stream Pond.

                                    Here’s why:

                                    • It is located in a campsites that gets very little visitors compared to other sites in the park.
                                    • You can rent kayaks or canoes for the ridiculously low price of $1/hour. 
                                    • Sandy Stream Pond has a rock bottom rather than mud. Accordingly, if you plan on going into the water yourself, stone bottom ponds are much less attractive to leeches than mud bottom ponds. Thus, you can dip your toes in here without worry (if leeches freak you out.)

                                    Waterfalls of South Branch Falls Trail

                                    After you are done at South Branch Pond, take a few minutes to walk over to the South Branch Falls Trail. There, you will find a series of spectacular but not intimidating waterfalls that you can wade into. In keeping with the low visitor count in this region of the park, you will often be alone here even during high tourist season.

                                     

                                    Lubec, Maine 

                                    The distance from Acadia National Park to Lubec, Maine is 95 miles.

                                     Lubec is (not really) Acadia Adjacent↵

                                    Lubec, Maine Quoddy Head Lighthouse
                                    “West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Lubec (ME) September 2017” by Ron Cogswell is licensed under CC BY 2.0

                                     

                                    Location

                                    On the East Coast of Maine, just a stone’s throw from Canada you’ll find the charming seaside town of Lubec.

                                    Lubec Maine coastline beach storm
                                    “Hurricane Bill hits Maine” by Rich Bard is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

                                     

                                    Photo Spots within Lubec

                                    West Quoddy Lighthouse

                                    With its signature clean red and white stripes, the West Quoddy Lighthouse is a magnet for camera wielding visitors.  Get there in the early morning hours to be among the first people in the United States to witness sunrise.

                                    There is a reason why New England Travel Today named West Quoddy Head Lighthouse as one of the ten most beautiful places in Maine.  

                                    The Lubec Coastline

                                    I know the term unspoiled beauty gets thrown around a lot when describing areas of Maine. However, as stated by Lubec resident Bob Judd in an article for Down East Magazine, “You can go to Cobscook Bay, see no houses, no boats, and say this is what Champlain saw in 1604.”

                                    Lubec has huge variations in high and low tides. Accordingly, it can be beautiful but dangerous. If you are looking to capture the fury of maritime nature in an unspoiled setting, the Lubec coast may be the spot.

                                     

                                    Aroostook County, Maine

                                    The distance from Acadia National Park to Aroostook County, Maine is 197 miles.

                                    Aroostook County is (not really) Acadia Adjacent↵

                                    Aroostook County Maine barn field
                                    “Country Living” by Christopher A Mills Photography is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

                                     

                                    Location

                                    Aroostook County is located in the sparsely populated North Woods region of Maine. It sits on the Northern US-Canada border.

                                    Aroostook Maine hops for Allagash Brewing “Fresh hops from Aroostook Hops” by Allagash Brewing is licensed under CC BY 2.0 [/caption]

                                    Photo Spots within Aroostook County

                                     

                                    Allagash Wilderness Waterway

                                    The Allagash Wilderness Waterway was designated as a protected area by the people of Maine in 1966. At the time, the stated goal was to “develop the maximum wilderness character” of the river.

                                    As a photographer, reap the benefits from 50+ years of Maine’s protection efforts. The waterway covers just under 100 river miles and has no permanent residents. Take a canoe and photograph the same legendary scenes  Henry David Thoreau wrote about years ago in The North Woods.

                                    Aroostook Potato Fields

                                    Tons of potatoes are grown in Aroostook County. It is a major crop for local farmers.

                                    Why are so many potatoes grown here? It’s because the soil conditions are so fertile. 

                                    For photographers, that means beautiful landscapes with striking colors abound.  Also, if you like potatoes and are not on one of those no-carb diets, all the more reason to head North!

                                     

                                    Whiting, Maine

                                    The distance from Acadia National Park to the Whiting, Maine is 84.7 miles.

                                    Whiting, Maine is (not really) Acadia Adjacent↵

                                    Whiting Maine Fall Blueberry field barn
                                    Whiting, Maine Blueberry Barrens – Fall photo by Maine Terrain

                                     

                                    Location

                                    Whiting, Maine is a quiet town in Washington County with just under 500 residents. It has many water views from rivers, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.

                                     

                                    Whiting, Maine Overhead Orange River drone shot
                                    Whiting, Maine Overhead of Orange River

                                    Photo Spots within Whiting

                                     

                                    Orange River Water Trail

                                    Wildlife abounds on the Orange River. Because of it’s proximity to US-1, you can literally hop out of your car and be in the river quickly. This means no long hikes hauling your camera equipment. 

                                    My suggestion is to explore the river by kayak or canoe.  A great access point is the Reynolds Marsh Overlook. The Downeast Coastal Conservancy manages much of the land in the area. Not surprisingly, they have great suggestions for hiking,  boating access and wildlife watching on their website here.

                                    Blueberry Barrens of Whiting, Maine

                                    This is a seasonal recommendation. Washington County accounts for 90% of the blueberry production in the United States. Blueberries flourish in Whiting.

                                    In case you didn’t know, barrens refer to the sandy soil plains that are optimal for blueberry growth.

                                    In Fall after harvesting, the barren turn a wild shade of fluorescent red. Just driving along US-1 you’ll find amazing photo opportunities from the roadside. 

                                    To get a sense of the photo possibilities, check out Instagram feed of Whiting’s own Josh Pond Farm.

                                     

                                    Conclusion

                                    Many people reading this article may have a laundry list of photo sites that are missing from this article. My purpose here is to provide a jumping off point for photo locations outside of Acadia National Park. This article should probably be the first in a series of 77! 

                                    Anyway, if you need more Maine photo location ideas, take out a map, close you eyes and point. It’s the most photo-worthy state in the US, as far as I’m concerned.

                                     

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