Destined to Travel
From Here to There: Who can visit Maine without falling for its mountain vistas,
seashores, harbors and legendary fall leaves?
By Tammy Worley – This article courtesy of North East Outdoors
Cadillac Mountain, standing 1,532 feet, is the perfect lookout to see spectacular views and catch the morning sunrise. Along the way to the top of the mountain, you'll pass close to a dozen ponds, numerous salt marshes, nature trails and some of New England's best bird–watching. You will also spot many different types of animals in the park. Eleven amphibian species, including salamanders, frogs and a toad, have been identified in the park. Although 31 fish species have been spotted there, only 28 species can be found today.
Sand Beach
One of my favorite spots along Park Loop Road is Sand Beach. Located at Newport Cove, this is the park's only sand beach on the ocean. This gorgeous beach spans 290 yards nestled between mountains and rocky shores and comprised of shell fragments created by the hammering surf. However, swimming here is not like swimming in a Southern California ocean, because temperatures seldom climb above 55 degrees. Hike inland from Sand Beach and you'll spot "The Beehive," a 520–foot–high mountain with a honey–combed eastern face sculpted by glaciers.
On the southernmost tip of the island is one of the most photo–graphed lighthouses on the East Coast, Bass Harbor Head Light. Built in 1858, the light marks the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay. Another exciting hot spot along the route is Thunder Hole. Timing is everything here. As wind–driven tides sweep into a narrow granite channel, air becomes trapped, escaping with a thunderous sound. But on a low–tide, calm day, Thunder Hole is stubbornly silent. From here, the road travels through the park's wooded interior with frequent turnouts where you can admire views.
Bar Harbor and Camden
From Acadia National Park, a stop at two quaint towns is a must. The first is Bar Harbor, a small coastal town nestled between the mountains of Acadia National Park and the crystal–blue Atlantic. It is located on the western half of the island, known as the "quiet side." Bar Harbor has a more rural feel with its specialty shops, restaurants, hotels, bed–and–breakfasts and galleries. It portrays a blended ambience with "Downeast" character. Camping is available, and whether in tent or RV, you're sure to enjoy the beautiful oceanfront and wooded sites overlooking the views. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are often the beginning and end to unforgettable scenery, activities and memories while visiting Maine.
The second town to visit is Camden, and if you're looking for a prettier town, I'm not sure that one exists. This quintessential New England town features shops within walking distance of the working harbor. Harbor cruises, and whale and puffin watching are available daily. Camden State Park, located a few minutes north, is the scenic vista high atop Mount Battie, where you will discover sweeping views of Camden and the Penobscot Bay.
Baxter State Park
One of my favorite locations on this tour turned out to be on the other side of the state from Acadia National Park. Baxter State Park, home to a wilderness area of 202,064 acres, is surrounded by 46 mountain ranges, including Mount Katahdin, 175 miles of hiking trails and numerous ponds, lakes and streams. The park's wildlife includes moose, deer, bear, otter, mink, weasel, coyote, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, woodchucks, snowshoe hare, squirrels, chipmunks and flying squirrels.
While watching moose bathe in Sandy Stream Pond, my mother and I were pleasantly surprised by a yearling that decided to stop and eat just eight feet from us. The park's plant life is as varied as the terrain and wildlife. Woodland ferns, wildflowers, wetland plants to alpine plants are just some of the vegetation found. During summer months, the most popular plants – the blueberry, raspberry and blackberry – can be found throughout the park.
Beautiful Leaves
One time of year when I recommend touring Maine is during fall. This is when foliage is at its peak and the scenery is something to see. If you're wondering what gives Maine its leaf–peeping advantage, it's the 17 million acres of forest. It has been said that there are more trees in Maine than any other state and, as my mother adds, "Did you know there are more trees in this state than there are people." Additionally the coastline is home to 76 tree species, in which 52 are the leaf–producing variety. The most photogenic trees, like the sugar maple, oak, elm, birch and ash, are native to the state and produce unforgettable scenery. In planning a fall trip to Maine, there are a few things to consider. The leaves show color first in the extreme north, then in the western mountain and central valleys. The color arrives last in the eastern, southern and coastal areas. Peak foliage cannot be predicted, but from the last week of September to the third week of October, you'll be certain to see trees showing the orange, red, yellow and purple hues that have made Maine famous for leaf–peeping.
As my trip across Maine came to an end, it was a pleasure to see my parents in their new home state, and I no longer questioned why they made their decision to retire there. For now, I will stay a passionate city–dweller, but you better believe anytime I get a chance to vacation, it will be in Maine… after all it is "the way life should be."
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Consult your 2007 Woodall's North American Campground Directory for a complete list of area campgrounds.
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