Dumb Question Regarding Footwear

Question

We'll be in Bar Harbor Saturday (Portland and Camden Thurs and Friday). I know it's snowing but it doesn't appear to be sticking. Should I bring my snow boots just in case? My feet do tend to get cold. I'm bringing hiking shoes and my Brooks. Will my snow boots be overkill?

Answer

It’s definitely not a dumb question! When you're visiting Acadia National Park in late spring, especially in areas like Bar Harbor, the weather can be unpredictable. If you're worried about snow or cold feet, it’s a good idea to be prepared, but it sounds like you’ve got most of your bases covered with your hiking shoes and Brooks. Here’s some advice to help you decide whether to pack your snow boots:

1. Weather Considerations: If the snow isn’t sticking and the forecast doesn’t show any major snowstorms during your visit, snow boots may not be strictly necessary. Bar Harbor and the surrounding areas in early spring can see some light snow or flurries, but it typically melts quickly. Your hiking shoes should work fine for most conditions, and your Brooks are a solid choice for casual walks or inside the town.

2. Cold Feet: Since you mentioned that your feet tend to get cold, it might be worth bringing snow boots, but you could opt for a lighter pair of waterproof boots instead. Many waterproof hiking boots are insulated and could keep your feet warm without being overkill. If you're someone who feels cold easily, having a warm pair of boots for evenings or particularly chilly days in the park could be a lifesaver.

3. Activity Type: If you’re planning on doing any serious hiking or exploring in Acadia, your hiking shoes should be more than sufficient for most of the trails, even if there’s still some snow or ice in the higher elevations. For walking around town or taking short strolls, your Brooks should do the job, and if you encounter any slushy or snowy conditions, your hiking shoes should be waterproof enough to handle it.

4. Snow Boots - Overkill? Snow boots might be overkill for walking around Bar Harbor or shorter hikes, but they could come in handy if you end up in a particularly wet or snowy area of Acadia or near the coast. Since you’ll be in Maine, it's always safer to be prepared, especially if you plan to venture off the beaten path. However, if you’re packing light or don’t want to overstuff your luggage, you can probably leave the snow boots behind and opt for a warm, waterproof boot that is a little more versatile.

Option 1: If you’re concerned about the cold, bring a lightweight waterproof boot with good insulation, like a pair of insulated hiking boots. These would be suitable for both town walks and light hiking, and they won’t feel like overkill.
Option 2: If you’re comfortable with a little cold and plan to do mostly hiking, your regular hiking shoes should work fine, especially if they’re waterproof. You can always layer up with warm socks to keep your feet cozy.
Option 3: If you think you’ll be doing activities with a risk of deep snow or slush (like off-trail hikes in higher elevations or during inclement weather), then yes, bringing snow boots could be a good idea to stay comfortable and dry.

In Summary: Based on your description, snow boots might not be necessary if the snow isn’t sticking, but they’re never a bad idea if you tend to get cold easily. If you’re concerned about packing, consider a pair of waterproof, insulated hiking boots as a compromise. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry without being too bulky or overkill.