Maine in October

[mike_landwehr]

I'm looking forward to a trip to Maine October 5-12. This will be my

first (and probably only) trip to the area. We'll be driving up from

Boston, so plan to photograph some of the light houses along the

coast (Nubble Light, Portland Head Light and Pemaquid Point), and to

spend three days in Acadia. My current plan is to stay along the

coast, but I could take a day trip further inland. Does anyone have

any recommendations for a first-time visitor to Maine in early

October? Any favorite harbor towns, or fall foliage sites?

 

Thanks!

[brien_szabo]

Pick up David Middleton's and Bruce Morrison's, The Photographer's Guide to the Maine Coast. Not only will it give you all the interesting locations to seek out but rates them as to how good they are in each season. A great pick up to save yourself a lot questions.

[peter_witkop]

One of my favorite spots on the coast is Popham beach state park, and Fort Popham, it's down the Kenebek from Bath (near the mouth of the river). There are many spectacular locations, just keep your eyes open, and poke your way down the coast, you'll find plenty. There's plenty of places inland, too, but I think you'll pretty busy down on the coast; there's a life time of material in just in Acadia.

 

Just be prepared for anything in terms of weather. The fall (ok, all year long really) in ME can have very variable weather. Temps in early october can range from the 85 degree indian summer days to 20 degree nights. Now neither of those are average days, but neither very uncommon, and I'd be very surprised if you didn't see something close to one of them. Always keep rain gear with you, and warm cloths, no matter what the weather is in the morning, it could be completely differant by 10:30, nevermind noon. I'm not sure where you're from, but that may be something that can take some getting used to. A cold rain that in mid summer is little more than really uncomfortable can be dangerous if you wander off the trail for a shot, unprepared, and get a little lost and it turns cold, that's very easy to do. Just use common sense really and follow the standard precautions any hiker should follow and you'll be fine.

 

And have a great time, I always look forward to getting a chance to shoot back home. I grew up not far from Lewiston, and I can't wait to go back this christmass time.

 

Peter

[jeffpolaski]

Call the Acadia Visitor Center -- the park rangers will answer your questions. Aside from the park itself try Bass Harbor, around the far side of the island past Southwest Harbor.

[bill_atwood]

The coast and Acadia is very nice, just be prepared to see tons of people. Do you have reservations for places to stay?

[moorman]

<p><b>Regarding "venturing inland":</b></p>

 

<p>Folks working in the woods during October and November should be aware of the hunting season and wear appropriate clothing.</p>

 

<p>Useful links:<br/>

<a href="http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunttrap/hunttrap.htm">Inland Fisheries and Wildlife</a><br/>

<a href="http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunttrap/2004seasons.htm">2004 Hunting Season Schedule</a></p>

 

<p><br/><b>Regarding Portland Head Light:</b></p>

 

<p>Portland Head Light is located in the Fort Williams Park. There's a variety of old fortifications at the park, many of which are interesting subjects, and others which make good vantage points to photograph the light houses (Portland Head Light, Ram Island Ledge Light) and the coast. Note the fairly unique opportunity to photograph two lighthouses in the same shot...<p>

 

<p>Details on the fort: <a href="http://www.capeelizabeth.com/tFort.html">http://www.capeelizabeth.com/tFort.html</a></p>

 

<p>Details on Ram Island Ledge Light: <a href="http://www.lighthouse.cc/ramislandledge/">http://www.lighthouse.cc/ramislandledge/</a>

 

<p>On the weekend, there are always a fair number of folks flying kites on the hills above the Portland Head Light. If you're in to KAP (Kite Aerial Photography), this might be a good place to go.</p>

 

<p><br/><b>Driving Time:</b>

 

<p>Depending on what part of the country you come from, you may be surprised how long it takes to get places. Expect your driving times to be longer in minutes than the number of miles you are travelling. If driving through peak foliage areas during the weekend, expect to see lots of folks pulled-over roadside, and expect folks to drive slower. Expect restaurant service to be slower.</p>

 

<p>Route 26 from Portland to the NH border takes a few hours to drive, but has some excellent foliage spots. There's also a lot of nice scenery driving Route 1, or Routes 207 to 77 (Crescent Beach).</p>

 

<p>There's one atlas covering the whole state: DeLorme's "Maine Atlas and Gazetteer" may be worthwhile at $20. Maps of the whole state with a few of the interesting spots marked; descriptions at the front of the book.</p>

 

<p><br><b>Regarding Acadia:</b></p>

 

<p>Maine has a very diverse set of environments: woodland, mountains, ocean-side rocks and beaches, lakes, farmlands, swamps, rural towns, and moderately-sized cities. Acadia includes elements of almost all of these.</p>

 

<p>Acadia National Park web site: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/acad/">http://www.nps.gov/acad/</a></p>

 

<p>Acadia Trip Planner: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/acad/planner.htm">http://www.nps.gov/acad/planner.htm</a></p>

 

<p>You can get in to the park via provided transportation which leaves from many of the Bar Harbor hotels, or by driving. There's a loop road through the park which hits many of the "major spots". All are good opportunities to take pictures, or simply enjoy. View from Cadillac Mountain is quite nice. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available within the parks. You can hike along the same trails used by the carriages -- lots of interesting bridge structures to see along these trails.</p>

 

<p>Make sure you bring food and water with you on your day-to-day travels, just to have on hand in case you don't happen upon a place to eat.</p>

 

<p>Expect Acadia to be rather chilly compared to Portland. Typically at least 10F lower temps in Acadia vs. Portland, from what I've seen.</p>

 

<p><br/><b>Regarding equipment:</b></p>

 

<p>Remember to bring enough film, media for the trip. There will be plenty to see and do, provided you enjoy the outdoors.</p>

 

<p>There's at least five places to pick up film in the Portland area (and south):</p>

 

<ul>

<li>Ritz Camera, at the Maine Mall in South Portland</li>

<li>Hunt's Photo and Video, across the street from the Maine Mall, near McDonalds</li>

<li>Photo Market, on Forest Avenue in Portland</li>

<li>Maine Photo Express, on Forest Avenue in Portland</li>

<li>Classic Camera in Biddeford</li>

</ul>

 

<p>Expect local film prices to be higher than online places like B&H -- depending on the roll, could be $2+ more. Expect film prices to be significantly higher in Acadia than in Portland. Acadia is a very popular tourist destination, as popular tourist destinations in Maine go. Last time I was in Acadia, we didn't happen upon any photo shops, but there may be one there... not sure.</p>

 

<p>If you have a wide-angle lens, you should definitely bring it. The backdrop for the lighthouses is quite nice. The light houses don't always have a lot of land-based perspectives available. Either way, having a wide-angle lens is recommended. If you're in to macro photography, there's definitely plenty of opportunities in Acadia.</p>

 

<p>I second the comments of Peter Witkop. Make sure you have appropriate clothing with you, as a priority. Maine in fall months has the potential be significantly colder than Boston, particularly along the coast.</p>

 

<p>Hope this helps,</p>

 

<p>Jacob</p>

[john_slonina]

usually the peak foliage in northern inland maine is the first week in october. the peak for coastal maine is usually columbus day weekend for acadia and probably a few days later for areas south of there. it varies each year. so check online for folliage reports.

 

david middleton's book mentioned earlier has several suggestions.

 

have fun on your trip

 

john slonina

slonina photography

http://www.sphotography.com

email: jtslonina@aol.com

[mike_landwehr]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my query about the Maine coast in October. With your help, and the help of David Middleton's wonderful book, I've completed plans for our week in Maine, and made all the necessary reservations. I'll be accompanied by my non-photographer (but very supportive) wife.

 

We plan to arrive in Boston mid-day on the 12th, photograph Nubble Light late afternoon, and stay in South Portland. Early the next morning, I'll shoot Portland Head Light, then we'll drive to Bar Harbor, where we'll spend the next three nights. I'll shoot in Acadia, and possibly Schoodic Point and/or the blueberry barrens around Cherryfield. We'll spend most of the fifth day in the Stonington area, and the drive (after sunset) to Camden. The next day and a half will be in the Camden/Rockport area, and we'll then drive down to Pemaquid Point for a late afternoon and early morning shoot before driving back to Boston for a late plane home.

 

It will be a hurried trip, but our introduction to the area, and I'm really looking forward to the trip. Any further advice or recommendations (places to shoot, things to do, favorite restaurants) appreciated.

 

Thanks again for all the help.