AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I'd avoid Labor Day. The week after is often perfect, though.

Andy

Deanie1113

Hello all! I've decided on the first week of September. Thank you all who answered!

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I have never been bothered too much by mosquitoes on Mount Desert Island, but carry the DEET wipes just in case - not greasy and you don't have to worry about overspray getting on your equipment. You can check cruise ship landings online, and plan a day in Bah Haahbah on a day without cruise ships. Check VRBO.com for cottages to rent. Lots of choices. Do not forget to check out the nearby Schoodic Peninsula part of the park also - not so crowded. Take a sail on a schooner out of Bar Harbor - lots of fun. You might also consider a day trip downeast to Lubec (West Quoddy Head State Park and Lighthouse) and Campobello Island (Canada - need your passport) - that is a stunning spot with far fewer tourists. The East Quoddy Head Lighthouse is fantastic! See: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-221396-1.html

dennisallard Loc: Southern Maine

Shortly after Labor Day is fantastic.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Late May, early June up until school lets out. Week days are better than weekends. Definitely before July 4! The weather is generally good, coolish, a lot less buggy and the beach roses are starting to bloom. You didn’t say where you were starting from or for how long you’d be in the area, but do get a lighthouse guide to New England. The Nubble, Portland Head, Pemaquid, and Quoddy lights are iconic and not the only ones worth seeing. Do bring your CP filter, an ND filter and tripod.

BrianFF

We have a camp in Franklin so know the area quite well. September/October is really the best time for crowds, light, fall colors, too bad you can't go then. And no bugs. If you go in late May/June you will encounter black flies which explains the DEET - insidious little buggers which you don't feel biting you but can itch for days afterwards. They decline when the mosquitoes drive them out (that's a Maine joke - Black Flies: Defenders of the Wilderness). Every year is different for the bugs, though, so you might luck out.

One spot you might find interesting is Hunter's Beach on Cooksey Drive. Small parking area, nice trail down to boulder strewn beach with cliffs and wave action, babbling brook. Check it out on-line: don't confuse with Little Hunter's Beach, though.

Besides the main part of ANP you should definitely go to the Schoodic section and Schoodic Point. Raven's Nest is a particularly great spot especially if you are doing any Milky Way shots - but it is a very rooty but short trail and there are no barriers to keep you from falling over the cliffs - which is why the Park Service doesn't promote it, no defined parking area except for a dirt pull off for 2-3 cars. I think it shows up on Google maps now, however.

On the way to Schoodic Point you should stop at Tidal Falls in Hancock for the reversing falls. Plenty of parking, picnic tables, The best time to view the falls is 2 hours before or after low tide.

Corea Heath on the way to Corea offers two different trails. Continue of to Corea to Lunch On The Wharf for a great outdoor lunch overlooking a working harbor which is often quite picture-worthy. Especially with a little fog. Or grab a bite back in Birch Harbor at The Pickled Wrinkle (no, I haven't ordered the wrinkles yet!).

If you have the time venture up to Lubec: Quoddy West lighthouse and adjacent hiking trail along the coast with awesome views. Helen's Restaurant in Machais. Lubec is also the gateway to Campobello which is Canada so bring a passport.

Some many great spots, you'll find plenty!

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

I was there mid September... Schools in, low crowds, and fall colors were starting good.... Bar harbor at the entrance is nice...... If you have a few days extra, take the cat across to Nova Scotia, you can see that in about 4 days with no problem.......

Deanie1113

Thanks, Linda. I used the weather history site and that helped me decide on first week of September -- what a cool site! Thanks!

Deanie1113

Thanks!

tomcat

My family, 2 grown children and spouses, went this past August from 8-14th. We had a blast. It was not crowded along US 1. It was not hot, no bugs, weather was perfect, no traffic. Bar Harbor was crowded on Saturday night and parking was about non-existent. So we took the Island buses. We all flew into Portland and drove from there to Bar Harbor on US 1 and then returned on I-95 to beat it back to the airport. Everyone had a terrific time. We took about 800 images. Do your research on the great places to stop and see along the way---definitely. Avoid the tourist catches.

rfcoakley Loc: Auburn, NH

We've been there a few times in mid summer. Our last trip had exceptionally nice weather for close to a week's stay...prior trip, not so much. I've never been there during foliage times - see other places in NH and Vermont then. Unless you encounter bad weather, you won't be disappointed with a late summer visit. I highly recommend (as another poster mentioned) also seeing the Schoodic peninsula section. Its a ways from the main section, but well worth it. It is a nice sunset spot Another great sunset spot is Blue Hill Overlook - a turnoff just before the Mt Cadillac summit. Looking east from the Mount Cadillac summit is best sunrise venue. It will be crowded in the park with delays at pay stations and possibly areas with very limited parking. It will also be quite crowed in Bar Harbor. You might also want to consider traveling into Canada. We did a day trip Saint John, New Brunswick. If you can do an overnight or more, you could also take a ferry from there into Nova Scotia.

Rtopp

It's always crowded,but the worst crowds are from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Suggest you wait for October for the foliage. Include NE Harbor in your plans, it's very pretty and not drowning in Tshirt and fudge stores. Good luck!

Deanie1113

Thanks so much for these great suggestions!

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

If you’d like a good reference book for photographing Acadia, I’d suggest getting Colleen Miniuk-Sperry’s book “Photographing Acadia National Park: The Essential Guide to When, Where, and How”. Besides being a wonderful photographer in her own right, Colleen has been the Artist in Residence at Acadia NP over three terms. Her knowledge of the park, and how to approach it photographically is excellent.

https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Acadia-National-Park-Essential/dp/0983380473