Best time for Less Crowds In late Sept to mid Oct?

Hi all.

We have narrowed fall vacation down to three or 4 week periods. I wanted input as to best times to avoid the biggest crowds (I know these are all big times). Specifically around Acadia and Baxter SP and possibly back through NH and/or VT. We would like to camp as much as possible. Don;%26#39;t want to arrive too late to have lots of stuff closed either.

Week Of:

Sept 16-22

Sept 30-Oct 6

Oct 7-13 (I believe this is Columbus day)

Oct 14-20.

I realize last one would probably be least, but wonder if any of other three times would be not too swamped?

Best time for Less Crowds In late Sept to mid Oct?

If I, or you, or anyone else was able to predict the exact days of peak foliage in each part New England, it would be an easy job to advise you.

Here in Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park, the Columbus Day weekend is pretty busy---and you are right---that is 6-8 October.

In terms of seeing foliage, the last three on your list are better bets; 30 Sept.--6 October might be a better bet than the last date, although there should still be good color then.

Generally, most everything around here stays open until around 1 November---the exceptions are the Island Explorer shuttle system that will shut down at the end of 8 October, and a few other things that depend on having lots of people, e.g., the whale watches.

Although the Columbus Day weekend will be busy, we will not have the overwhelming crowds of July 4th, or for that matter, much of July and August. As one regular visitor and contributor to this forum observed last year---you don%26#39;t have to take a number at the trail heads.

I can%26#39;t really say much about the other areas you mention. I don%26#39;t know how familiar you are with travelling in New England. One thing that often shocks and discomfits visitors is that unlike other parts of the country, there %26lt;is not%26gt; a motel or two at every interstate exit. Leaf-peeping season is a big thing---bigger in VT and NH than here in downeast Maine. So, reservations in that area are a good idea.

Best time for Less Crowds In late Sept to mid Oct?

Thanks for your reply. I have been to Maine and other areas in New England once about 5 or 6 years ago. I really enjoyed the area am bringing my wife to see the area-first time for her.

Although it would be nice to see the color, that is not the primary driver. We want to bicycle the carriage roads, check out the seaside, maybe a kayak trip or a boat ride. Kind of thinking that the Oct 14 timeframe may be too late for leaves and may be a bit colder for us too. I was up there in early to mid Oct and it was a bit nippy at night for camping, but was nice.

Looks like we are going to have to go earlier now. Will either have to leave GA Sept 7 so be up there week of Sept 9-14. This is the most probable dates. Other option is now the Oct 14-20 week-don%26#39;t know if worth delaying or leaves would be gone.

We will basically have Sat evening through end of next Fri in the area, with at least 3 or 4 full days in Acadia.

Would that early Sept week , the one after Labor day, be very crowded?

If you want to do things like kayaking, then the earlier (September) time is best.

Generally, there is what innkeepers and restauranteurs term a slow period immediately after Labor Day---the families have gone home to start school and the dedicated leaf-peepers are waiting until closer to October/Columbus Day weekend. Everything is still open, just somewhat fewer people.

perfect time for us then. I would love to see the leaves, but prefer less crowds even more.