Bass Harbor Head Light is truly one of the iconic photos from our National Parks. It is commonly known as a sunset location as you can capture the setting sun next to the lighthouse in the fall months.

However, it’s getting more difficult to visit here as it is being over-loved by us. We dove up mid-day for a looksy and the 27 parking spots in the lot were full; there were at least two dozen cars waiting in line to get into the parking lot; and the overflow parking, .3 miles away also had a dozen or more cars. I estimated there would have been 100 people at this tiny lighthouse. To grab a prime sunset spot on the rocks, you probably need to claim it 2-3 hours before sunset and then fight off the people trying to move in front of you (I’ve done it before).

We skedaddled and planned to come back for sunrise. The next morning at 0-dark hundred, I got Mary into the car and she, Mark, and I rushed to the parking lot and were the second car there at 6 AM. Upon seeing the rocks, we were the first photographers for sunrise and picked our prime locations.

It was a glorious morning, though a bit chilly. Over the next hour, about 20 other brave souls showed up, but we had the serious photographer positions to ourselves. By 7:15, it was all over and we zoomed back home for a well-earned breakfast.