A Visit to the Island in Fall is a Chance to Live Like a Local
By: Puranjot Kaur Khalsa
For so many Mount Desert Island locals, Fall is the best time of the year. At last, the busy rush of Summer starts to slow down, and the evenings take on a beautiful crispness. Islanders tend to relax in the Fall, to reconnect as a community. We love being outside year round, of course, but in the Fall, there just seems to be more time. Here are some of the reasons the Fall is oh so good on Mount Desert Island.
1. Beautiful Weather: September and early October usually bring lots of sunshine to the island. The weather patterns are more predictable and the heat that has sometimes dominated all Summer begins to lessen. Average daytime temperatures in September and October sit comfortably around 63 degrees. That’s perfect for being outside!
2. Colors Galore: Typically on display from late September through mid-October, the vibrant red of the maple trees and the golden yellow of birch and aspen is spectacular around here. Any hike, especially on the eastern side of the island, will allow you the opportunity to take in the amazing colors of Fall.
3. Quiet Time in Acadia: Fall is arguably the best time of year to explore Acadia National Park. Although the park is open year-round, the Summer crowds begin to dwindle come Labor Day. The Park Loop Road will be open until the first snowfall, with Ocean Drive staying open year-round. Even with the slightly cooler temperatures, there is still plenty of time to get outside for a hike or a bike on the carriage roads. For those adventurous souls who wanted to hike the Precipice Trail – now is the time, as the peregrine falcons usually depart their nests at some point in late summer. It is always a guarantee that the trail will be open in the Fall. There will be considerably fewer people on the trails, so be sure to take in some quiet, contemplative moments alone in the forest.
4. Farmer’s Markets: With Maine’s shorter growing season, Fall really feels like the height of the harvest in Maine. Local produce (apples, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cranberries, kale, potatoes, pumpkins, squash), fresh flowers, and baked goods can be found at our farmer’s markets throughout the Fall. There is something indescribable about walking through a farmer’s market on a crisp Fall morning and picking up fresh, organic produce for the week ahead.
5. Getting Ready: For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, that is! Contrary to popular opinion, many of us live in Maine because we love the Winter and the opportunities it provides for a new kind of exploration. Snow usually begins to fall anytime after Halloween. And that means skiing is just around the corner. And that makes many of us very happy!
