Acadia National Park, Maine.

[Hallibagger]

We have favoured Acadia National Park on Mount Desert island, Maine, since 1957.

Our early years had us in a tent and later in a small trailer, then a larger trailer. Somewhere along the way we purchased a Volkwagen Westphalia and somewhat later still we had a Class A, then a 5th Wheel and now that there is just the two of us, we have a Class B.

Acadia can be busy in season so we try to be there in June or September when the crowds are away. We favour the Bar Harbour Campground as it is one of several which are serviced by the free trolley service, which means we can leave our B hooked up for a few days. The trolleys run over various routes and will carry bikes. This keeps the traffic and the pollution down to a minimum.

[mass59k]

Really nice area..being from Massachusetts we get to main and Nova Scotia almost yearly. Planning trip to Gaspe Peninsula next week
Wayne in Mass 59k

[markopolo]

We got to Acadia NP a bit too early this year (mid to late April). The NP campground was still closed as were all the private campgrounds - thank goodness for Walmart.

We did the driving tour around the park - very enjoyable.

The Gaspe is great to visit. We plan to head back this year. I posted some photos here: http://www.classbforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2667

[Rocketman53]

Acadia National Park is one of our planned stops in our grand tour of New England and Canada. We're looking to be there Aug 26-28 (Weds-Fri), and hope the crowd isn't too much. Any thoughts?

We are also traveling up the St. Lawrence to Gaspe. Markopolo, your pics are some real "bait" for the journey. Thanks for including the map. Any tips come to mind?

[markopolo]

Re: the Gaspe Peninsula - I'm not that familiar with the area so not much advice other than I'd recommend a visit. We'll cut across the peninsula on 132 and not 299 next time. We saw the whales at Forillon National Park. Might be a seasonal migration - I don't know. Scenery was great.

I'll be looking forward to reading any replies you get about Acadia as that area is still new to us. The Walmart in Ellsworth allowed overnight parking in case you can't get a campsite. The parking lot was sloped but we were comfortable enough and the fridge ran fine. There's a Reny's in Ellsworth if you like poking through outlet type bargain stores.

[Davydd]

We have been to Acadia but not in an RV. After our BEE Social in Grand Marais, MN starting Labor Day, we are going to head east over Lake Superior in Canada and over to the Maritimes. Then we are going to come back home via New England and across the USA back to Minnesota.

[Rocketman53]

Originally Posted by Davydd

...we are going to head east over Lake Superior in Canada and over to the Maritimes.

Give my regards to the giant goose in Wawa, Ontario...a favorite memory from a long-ago family road trip.

[Rocketman53]

Originally Posted by markopolo

I'll be looking forward to reading any replies you get about Acadia as that area is still new to us. The Walmart in Ellsworth allowed overnight parking in case you can't get a campsite.

That's good to know. I'm a little concerned about doing this at the end of the summer season. Unfortunately it is "now or never", or at least a substantial delay.

A friend was not all that high on the trip to Gaspe. His story was there is nothing to see there. Your pictures indicate otherwise. At worst it's another adventure to a place we've never been.

[mass59k]

We'received leaving in 2 days for Gaspe. .will be 3rd trip there. It's all what you likd..it's beautiful and very quiet. Guess it depends on how much entertainment you need. Stopping in Acadia on the way..summertime crowds as usual...views always worth the trip.
Wayne in Mass 59k

[Rocketman53]

Anything in particular you'd suggest is must see or do? I don't want to come back and hear I missed the Eighth Wonder of the World...and beautiful and quiet is fine with me. (I will admit a preference for the occasional oddity, if it's entertaining.)

[booster]

Cadillac mountain is nice, if you can find a place to park.

We were late fall, offseason, and it was still crowded. Almost all pull in parking so we were fine, except for the 34ish foot class A that parked diagonally into 3 spots and the road, right behind us, almost backing into us in the process.

His reasoning when folks complained "there is no place else this rig will fit", and thought it was perfectly OK. He walked off the sight see, holding up everything in the parking are until he was ready to leave.

[Aeronie]

Roadside America has a listing of some weird stuff to see in the area, like the giant fiberglass lobster in Hancock, which is not far from Acadia. (on the mainland and slightly north)

[Rocketman53]

One of my favorites from our trip to Seattle '62...the Six Ton Prairie Dog at the Ranch Store! http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3865