Franklin-Where the forest meets the bay
Named for Benjamin Franklin, the 'First American', this sleepy New England town is far from the bright city lights, and has been a popular getaway for city slickers for decades. Wedged between the dense forests of Hancock County and the pristine waters of the Mount Desert Narrows, it's a fantastic spot for going out on the water, wandering through lush forest, and taking in the colorful majesty of fall. Get back to nature, and book a Franklin vacation rental to be near the many natural attractions and family-friendly amenities.
Riding the rail in Hancock County
Before the Interstates and the airports, visitors from across New England and beyond traveled to Hancock County on the Maine Central Railroad. Much of the old rails are now gone or have fallen into disrepair, but at the Downeast Scenic Railroad you can get a flavour of the good old ways of rail travel. Opened in 2012, visitors have the chance to ride in carefully refurbished carriages pulled by a 1940s diesel locomotive. The railroad runs on weekends from May through to September, and operates 2 10-mile trips.
Catch the fall in Franklin
With its mix of lush forest and pristine waters, there's lots to do in Franklin from spring right through fall. On bright summer days, you can enjoy the sheltered coves which are perfect for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, while hikers will love getting lost on one of the nature trails in the the sprawling woods (but please bring a map!). As the leaves turn, you'll find your Franklin vacation rental among a magnificent kaleidoscope of color. A particular highlight is the blueberry fields just north of the town, where you can enjoy a flurry of color, stretching to the distant hills..
Get a little wild in Acadia National Park
If you look far enough from Franklin's shore, you might glimpse the mountains of Mount Desert Island in the Acadia National Park. Acadia is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi, and its high granite peaks, rugged coastline and lush forest draw millions of visitors every year. What's more, it's rich wildlife includes black bears, bobcats and coyotes, as well as moose and white-tailed deer. You can explore Acadia by foot, on its many scenic trails, or by car on the Park Loop Road, although parts of the road are closed from December through to mid April.
How to get to and around Franklin
Fly into Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor), the closest airport, located 11.7 mi (18.8 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Bangor Intl. Airport (BGR), which is 32.5 mi (52.3 km) away.