{"id":54067,"date":"2019-09-26T12:12:12","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T16:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=54067"},"modified":"2019-10-27T22:50:57","modified_gmt":"2019-10-28T02:50:57","slug":"acadia-national-park-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/54067\/acadia-national-park-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Acadia National Park: The Nature Lover\u2019s Fall Getaway"},"content":{"rendered":"

Acadia National Park is an outdoor enthusiast\u2019s paradise. Located on Maine\u2019s Mount Desert Island<\/a>, fall is a stunning time to enjoy its bold color palette. Responsible tourism initiatives abound. With over two million visitors annually, innovative steps to preserve its rural character are at the forefront.<\/p>\n

The first national conference on ecotourism was held in Bar Harbor in 2005, while local College of the Atlantic is the first carbon neutral college in America. If you prefer to travel without a personal vehicle, there\u2019s a shuttle bus that\u2019s a car-free travelers best friend.<\/p>\n

Get Outdoors<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"carriage

Hiking opportunities are plentiful. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, is the place to watch the sunrise. Hiking trails are interlaced with miles of wide carriage roads, appealing to walkers, cyclists and horseback riders. Carpeted with crushed stone, these roads meander past peaceful ponds and woodlands, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings.<\/p>\n

The nippy Atlantic waters are always chilly, but lake swimming is at its best in early fall. Summer has warmed the fresh water just a tad, so dive right in. Try Echo Lake or lightly-tread Long Pond. Experience the water on a nature cruise or lobster boat, or paddle a canoe or kayak. You may glimpse seals, porpoises, whales and other glorious creatures frolicking at sea.<\/p>\n

\"lake

The unsullied skies of Downeast Maine are one of the best places in the world to gaze at the majestic Milky Way. The Acadia Night Sky Festival<\/u><\/a> takes place every September, celebrating and promoting the protection of the star-studded night sky. Events include workshops, solar viewings, hikes, evening boat cruises and kayak tours under the stars.<\/p>\n

Eats+ Drinks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"lobster

Ocean-to-table seafood is anything but a buzzword in these parts. Timeless seafaring traditions produce an extravaganza of fresh fish, none more revered than lobster. If you\u2019re on a quest for the best local eats, Maine Foodie Tours<\/a> is a fine way to explore Bar Harbor\u2019s blossoming culinary landscape.
\nThe craft beer scene is hopping in Maine. Atlantic Brewing Company <\/a>in Bar Harbor lets you taste at the source. Sample blueberry ale, rich in wild Maine berries or sip ruby red leaf-peeping ale with a mild sweetness on the finish. Free tours run through mid-October.<\/p>\n

Insider Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting to remote corners of the park is a snap, thanks to the Island Explorer<\/a>. Energy efficient Propane-powered buses run multiple routes that will whisk you to hiking trails, restaurants, shopping and lodging, absolutely free. The shuttle runs from June through Columbus Day.<\/p>\n

Stay in Bar Harbor\"bluenose