Global-Trekker.net

A few weeks ago, we introduced a new magazine feature called “Ask a Park Ranger” where we track down the best advice from the experts about our national parks. We’ll be featuring the results in a column in the magazine and here on our blog. Here’s our first question.

Q. My husband and I are planning a trip to Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island in
early September. We made reservations to camp at the Seawall campground. Can you suggest a two-day itinerary
(hikes/photo ops, scenic drives, etc.) that would introduce us to the
famous and, perhaps, overlooked gems of the park? What should we not
miss? — Kara L.P.

A. We asked park ranger Wanda Moran, who’s spent over 18 years at Acadia, for her advice. “Fall
is my favorite time here, it’s cooler, there are fewer people, and it’s
really great hiking and biking weather,” she said. “Acadia isn’t a very big park,
so two days will give them plenty of time to explore.” Moran recommends a hike along the beach near Seawall, and a visit to the Bass Harbor Head Light to watch the sunset. ”My
favorite hiking trail is the Beech Mountain path on the west side of
the island; there’s several different ways to climb it, some moderate,
some more strenuous. On the way up you’ll get a nice view of Long
Pond, and at the hike’s peak it offers a
gorgeous views out to Blue Hill Bay and the Cranberry Isles.” Moran notes that all of the ranger-led programs run throughout the fall, including their boat cruises, walks, talks and hikes. And be sure to visit for the Night Sky Festival if you can, which runs from September 9-13. They’ll be offering panel discussions, photography workshops, a night boat cruise, and a “star party” on Cadillac Mountain.

Have a question about the National Parks? Submit them in the comments or email us at Travel_talk@ngs.org. And look for more tips on Acadia in the November/December issue of Traveler. 

[Acadia Park Travel Guide]
[NPS: Acadia National Park]
[NGM: Autumn in Acadia]
[Acadia Photo Gallery]
[Night Sky Festival]
[Ask a Park Ranger]

AcadiaNationalPark – Park Ranger – Maine – National park – United States

View full post on Intelligent Travel Blog