THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet on Monday, September 14, at 1 pm at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center (119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, Maine). The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment. A virtual meeting option is available for those who are unable to attend in person.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is planning to conduct prescribed burns in Acadia National Park throughout the weekend of April 25, provided weather and fuel conditions are within the prescribed ranges established in the park’s prescribed fire plan. If conditions do not allow for the prescribed burns to take place as planned, NPS will complete them before May 15, 2026.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to Acadia National Park this season! We expect the 2026 summer season to be BUSY, so make sure to plan ahead and recreate responsibly while you’re here. Prepare for your trip to Acadia National Park by following our list of the top five tips.
Official NPS source
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service temporarily closed areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park until further notice starting March 1. In addition, the parking lot for the Precipice Trail will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS sourceA multiagency response team recovered the body of a 24-year-old man from the ocean near Bar Island at Acadia National Park on Thursday morning.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service recently awarded two major contracts to complete the construction of employee housing at Harden Farm. A $3.4 million contract will connect the site to the town of Bar Harbor’s sewer system, and a $7.4 million contract will construct an additional 28 bedrooms for park employee housing.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at Schoodic Institute’s Moore Auditorium (65 Acadia Dr, Winter Harbor, ME 04693) on Monday, September 8 at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park rangers responded to a string of emergency incidents and fatalities in the past week. As park rangers prepare for what is sure to be a busy holiday weekend, they urge visitors to take safety precautions during their visit.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at the Training Trailer at Park Headquarters on Monday, June 2, at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Beginning April 15, Acadia National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and only accept mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets for entrance fees. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of nine local third party vendors.
Official NPS source
Starting March 18, the National Park Service will close carriage roads to all users until further notice to protect the roads during spring thaw, also known as “mud season.” Warmer weather and wet conditions soften the carriage roads and make them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling and riding horses in such conditions can cause ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. The NPS will reopen the carriage roads once the gravel surface dries out and becomes firm enough to prevent damage.
Official NPS source
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will temporarily close areas including Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park on March 1 until further notice. In addition, the parking lot for the Precipice Trail will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS source
Five artists have accepted invitations to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program at Acadia National Park in 2025. Each invited participant is asked to lead one outreach activity for park visitors and complete a finished work of art for display in park gallery spaces, as well as a permanent online catalog.
Official NPS sourceStarting in 2025, reservations for Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds in Acadia National Park will be available four months earlier than before. Beginning December 1, 2024, 90% of campground reservations will be available up to six months ahead of the desired arrival date. The remaining 10% of the campground reservations will be released two weeks ahead of the desired arrival date, which includes same-day reservations.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will replace culverts along Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park starting October 15.
Official NPS source
With help from their friends, Acadia National Park is addressing a severe lack of seasonal employee housing. Today, Friends of Acadia hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony that celebrated the completion of one major construction project and the start of another that will open doors for park employees. Today’s event heralded the Friends of Acadia’s completion of eight bedrooms on a 4-acre parcel at Dane Farm in Seal Harbor. Speakers emphasized that housing options are essential to attract and retain employees dedicated to the ongoing preservation, protection and enjoyment of the park for current and future visitors.
Official NPS sourceAt approximately 8:00 am on September 18, 2024, park rangers responded to a report of a 58-year-old male experiencing a serious medical event on the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park.
Official NPS sourceOn September 9 just after 1:00 p.m., park rangers responded to an accident involving a 70 year-old male who fell off his road bicycle on the Park Loop Road near the Cadillac North Ridge Trail crossing.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service report shows that 3.88 million visitors to Acadia National Park in 2023 spent $475 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 6,600 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $685 million.
Official NPS source
Before applying to work as a seasonal employee at Acadia National Park – consider taking one of their free federal resume workshops, offered in partnership with Ellsworth Adult and Community Education. Applying for a federal job is different than applying to jobs in nearly every other industry and the process can be daunting for first time applicants. Applicants must understand the expectations surrounding federal resumes and the federal application process. These free federal resume workshops will provide prospective seasonal employees with the tools to successfully submit a job application to Acadia National Park.
Official NPS sourceBAR HARBOR, MAINE – The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at Schoodic Institute’s Moore Auditorium (65 Acadia Dr, Winter Harbor, ME 04693) on Monday, September 9 at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Park Rangers of Acadia National Park are investigating multiple violations of a wildlife protection closure within the park put in place to protect the vulnerable peregrine falcon population.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) released a decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Gathering of Sweetgrass for Traditional Purposes Environmental Assessment (EA). This decision will allow the five federally recognized tribes in Maine to enter into plant gathering agreements with Acadia National Park.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park is excited to welcome visitors throughout July 4th festivities, and the National Park Service has plenty of tools available to help visitors navigate the park amidst crowds, traffic congestion, and limited parking. Consider downloading the NPS App to help guide your visit and select “Save this park for offline use” since connectivity in the park is not reliable.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park, in collaboration with Friends of Acadia and Schoodic Institute, invites tenacious hikers to bring bags of soil to the summits of Penobscot and Sargent Mountains. This year, the recurring Save Our Summits Volunteer Program will take place every Wednesday from June through September, 2024. Hikes run from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., weather permitting. Advanced registration is required.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet in the training trailer at Park Headquarters (20 McFarland Hill Drive, Bar Harbor) on Monday, June 3, at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS sourceOn Saturday, May 11, at around 4:00 pm, park rangers and fire resources responded to reports of a wildland fire along the St. Sauveur hiking trail in Acadia National Park. Fire departments from Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert, and Tremont responded and helped extinguish two fires - one which burned 0.1 acres and another which burned 0.25 acres. The Maine State Forest Service coordinated a water drop from its helicopter. Through this coordinated response, the fire was suppressed by 7:00 p.m.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service released an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the gathering of sweetgrass for traditional purposes by enrolled members of the five federally recognized tribes in Maine.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) plans to close Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park to all uses from Monday, May 6, at 6:00 a.m. through Thursday, May 9, at 8:00 am for repaving and striping. All vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian access is prohibited during the closure.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is planning to conduct prescribed fire burning in Acadia National Park before May 10, provided weather and fuel conditions meet the conditions established in the park’s prescribed fire plan. NPS will attempt a prescribed fire at the following locations.
Official NPS source
The Park Loop Road will open to motor vehicles on April 15. Make sure to plan ahead for your trip to Acadia National Park this spring!
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park will receive $950,000 in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to create a model for addressing climate change vulnerabilities of coastal archeological sites, collections, landscapes and ethnographic resources using a ‘Two-eyed Seeing’ approach.
Official NPS source
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will temporarily close areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park on March 1 until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS source
Five accomplished and emerging artists have accepted invitations to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program at Acadia National Park in 2024. Founded in 1993, the program is dedicated to creating new and interesting ways for visitors to experience Acadia through the arts.
Official NPS source
Before applying to work as a seasonal employee at Acadia National Park – consider taking one of their free federal resume workshops, offered in partnership with Ellsworth Adult and Community Education.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet in-person at the training trailer at Park Headquarters at 1 pm on Monday, February 5. There will also be a virtual option available for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS sourceIn partnership with the National Park Service, the Federal Highways Administration will begin the rehabilitation of Jordan Pond Road bridge in March 2024. The historic bridge is in the village of Seal Harbor (Town of Mount Desert) and carries Jordan Pond Road over the park’s carriage road between Day Mountain and Stanley Brook Bridge. During construction, traffic will be detoured through the park via Stanley Brook Road until Memorial Day weekend when alternating one-way traffic on Jordan Pond Road will be possible. Vehicles exceeding 10 feet 4 inches in height will be detoured along other routes.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is developing an Environmental Assessment (EA) of gathering of sweetgrass for traditional purposes by enrolled members of the five federally recognized tribes in Maine.
Official NPS source
In partnership with Mount Desert Island Adult Education, Ellsworth Adult and Community Education, and College of the Atlantic, Acadia National Park will host eight federal resume workshops this winter.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) selected Acadia by Carriage, LLC to operate Wildwood Stables under a 10-year concession contract. The existing facilities and visitor service responsibilities are expected to transition to the new concessioner in early 2024.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service issued a decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Great Meadow Restoration Environmental Assessment (EA), which will allow the Great Meadow Restoration project to continue as planned.
Official NPS source
Bring “trick-or-treaters” to the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on Saturday October 28 from 1-4 p.m. to have fall science fun with the 11th annual “Eeek” of Ecology Festival. This free event will occur rain or shine and is recommended for children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is partnering with Downeast Transportation Inc. (DTI), to test the feasibility of converting all or some of the Island Explorer bus fleet from propane to electric power. The pilot project is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Official NPS sourceTo ensure the safety of park visitors, the National Park Service (NPS) will close several areas of Acadia National Park on Friday, September 15, in preparation for Hurricane Lee.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet in-person at Moore Auditorium at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, ME at 1 pm on Monday, September 11. There will also be a virtual option available for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report estimates that Acadia National Park’s 3.97 million visits in 2022 provided $479 million in visitor spending to the local economy. That spending supported nearly 6,700 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit of $691 million.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider announced the selection of Matt Outhier as the first Chief of Project Management at Acadia National Park. Outhier is currently the acting Chief of Design & Engineering at Yosemite.
Official NPS source
In partnership with Mount Desert Island Adult Education and Ellsworth Adult and Community Education, Acadia National Park will host seven Federal Resume Workshops this summer and fall. Applying for a Federal job is different than applying to jobs in nearly every other industry. These free Federal Resume Workshops will provide prospective seasonal employees with the tools to successfully submit a job application to Acadia National Park.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park superintendent Kevin Schneider announced the selection of Joy Absher as Chief of Visitor Experience and Education of Acadia National Park. Absher is currently the Visitor Services Manager for Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a 10-year concessions opportunity at Acadia National Park. The selected concessioner would operate carriage tours and equestrian services at Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park. The new contract is expected to be effective for the 2024 visitor season. Wildwood Stables, on the southeast side of Mount Desert Island, can be accessed by the Park Loop Road. The site consists of a horse barn including an office, stables, outbuildings, and equestrian campsites with electricity, water, wastewater, and a comfort station. Wildwood Stables offers a variety of carriage tours under a concessions contract with the National Park Service throughout the tourist season.
Official NPS source
Starting Tuesday, June 20, the one-way 0.7-mile segment of Park Loop Road between the intersection with Kebo Street and Sieur de Monts in Bar Harbor will be temporarily closed to all users, including motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles, for emergency culvert repairs. All traffic will be detoured at Kebo Street and continue on Cromwell Harbor Road to Main Street (Route 3) then rejoin the Park Loop Road at the Sieur de Monts entrance.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a 10-year concession business opportunity for narrated Interpretive bus tours and transportation in Acadia National Park. The contract can be awarded to up to three operators. The contract(s) is expected to be effective beginning in 2024.
Official NPS source
The Cultural Connections program returns to Acadia National Park after a year long hiatus. A full season of programming will kick off on June 14 at Cadillac Mountain Summit, where the Burnurwurbskek Singers,a Penobscot male drum group, will perform traditional Wabanaki songs.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet in the training trailer at Park Headquarters in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Monday, June 5, at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park is excited to welcome visitors throughout Memorial Day weekend, and the National Park Service has plenty of tools available to help visitors navigate the park amidst crowds, traffic congestion, and limited parking
Official NPS source
Cadillac Summit Road reopened today as paving and culvert replacement work on the road pauses for the summer season. Because of the road’s uneven surface, bicyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution when travelling on the road.
Official NPS source
Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau visited Acadia National Park today where he joined federal and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new year-round maintenance facility at park headquarters in Bar Harbor, Maine, made possible with a new $32.6 million investment from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
Official NPS source
On Sunday, April 23, at around 3:30 pm, park rangers responded to reports of a wildland fire along the St. Sauveur hiking trail in Acadia National Park. Fire departments from Southwest Harbor, Bar Harbor, Lamoine, Mount Desert, Tremont, and Trenton responded to the fire, which burned about a half-acre. The Maine State Forest Service coordinated multiple water drops from its helicopter. Through this coordinated response, the fire was suppressed by 6:00 p.m.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) encourages public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) about a proposal to improve the ecological health of the Great Meadow in Bar Harbor, Maine, by restoring natural function to the wetland and Cromwell Brook.
Official NPS sourceA 17 year old male fell approximately 25 feet to his death near the Otter Cliff area in Acadia National Park on Friday, April 14, 2023.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park superintendent Kevin Schneider announced the selection of Darren Belskis as chief ranger of Acadia National Park. Belskis is currently the park’s deputy chief ranger.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to Acadia National Park this season! The Park Loop Road will open to motor vehicles on April 15. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center opens to visitors on May 5. Campgrounds and other park facilities will open on various dates throughout April and May.
Official NPS sourceMost forests in eastern United States national parks are at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer and crowding by invasive plants, according to a National Park Service (NPS) study published in the journal Ecological Applications.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will temporarily close carriage roads in Acadia National Park starting March 31 to protect the roads during spring thaw, also known as “mud season.” Carriage roads will be closed to all users until further notice. Warmer weather and wet conditions soften the carriage roads and make them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling and riding horses in such conditions can cause ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. The NPS will reopen the carriage roads once the gravel surface dries out and becomes firm enough to prevent damage.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) has approved an increase in the weekly and annual entrance pass fee for Acadia National Park. The fee increase will go into effect on April 1, 2023, and is required year-round
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park is seeking to lease units fully or partially furnished with full kitchens, bathroom(s), and living/dining space to house between three and ten employees. Each employee would be allotted their own bedroom in the leased space. More than one lease may be negotiated from this announcement to meet the total need.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is investigating vandalism on the Spring, South Ridge Penobscot, Penobscot East and Deer Brook hiking trails in Acadia National Park. The NPS encourages anyone who may have information on these crimes to submit an anonymous tip or call 207-288-8791.
Official NPS source
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will temporarily close areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park on March 1 until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service awarded an approximately $33 million contract for demolition of outdated structures and construction of new maintenance facilities at Acadia National Park headquarters. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the project will provide park staff with enhanced facilities to better serve visitors and protect park resources.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) will close Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park for road construction between February and May 2023. Other sections of Park Loop Road may experience single lane road closures for construction throughout early spring.
Official NPS sourceBAR HARBOR, MAINE – The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission meeting location has been moved to the community room on the second floor of Machias Savings Bank (96 Cottage Street) in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Monday, February 6, at 1 pm. The meeting space can be accessed by elevator, and free parking is available on Cottage Street. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Thirteen artists will visit Acadia National Park during the 30th anniversary of its Artist-in-Residence program in 2023. Highlights among the selections this year include a trio of singers and composers, a producer of digital animations, and artists who create pigments from local soils and paper from invasive plants.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has awarded a $7.8 million contract to rehabilitate the water and wastewater distribution systems in Acadia National Park’s Schoodic District. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the project will improve critical utility systems, which were installed in the 1970s.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to increase the entrance fee at Acadia National Park to support projects that benefit visitors and protect park resources. The new entrance fee would become effective starting in 2023 and be required year-round. The NPS is requesting feedback on the entrance fee increase during a 30-day public comment period that will be open from November 30 through December 29, 2022. Comments must be submitted online through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at go.nps.gov/AcadiaFeeIncrease.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will hold a public scoping meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 7 pm to get input on its plan to restore the 116-acre Great Meadow wetland in Acadia National Park. The meeting will be held at the YWCA of Mount Desert Island located at 36 Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Official NPS source
Bring “trick-or-treaters” to the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on Saturday October 29 from 1-4 p.m. to have fall science fun with the seventh annual “Eeek” of Ecology Festival. This free event will occur rain or shine and is recommended for children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult.
Official NPS sourceBAR HARBOR, MAINE – The three-and-a-half-mile summit road for Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park will close to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists for the season on November 14th for road repairs and culvert replacements. The road will re-open for pedestrian use after crews have de-mobilized for the winter. The project will kick off this fall with grinding and culvert replacements with paving and striping occurring in the Spring of 2023. The closure will allow workers and oversized vehicles access to the historic road without endangering staff and visitors. The project's timeline is weather dependent.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is expecting high visitation at Acadia National Park over the Indigenous People’s Day weekend. Visitors should plan their trip and expect long lines and wait times, traffic congestion and limited parking at the park’s most popular destinations.
Official NPS sourceA paving project for the Park Loop Road, Sieur De Monts Spring entrance road, and Old Farm Road will kick off this fall. Paving of the Park Loop Road will begin on October 11, and will start at Sand Beach Entrance Station and go to the end of the one-way at Stanley Brook Road. The paving project will begin with prep work, including the grinding of transitions and milling occurring within the first two weeks. Paving is scheduled for the last two weeks of October. Striping will occur in November after paving has been completed. The project’s timeline is dependent on the weather.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet in-person at Moore Auditorium at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, ME at 1 pm on Mon Sept 12. There will also be a virtual option available for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is expecting high visitation at Acadia National Park over Labor Day weekend. Visitors should plan their trip and expect long lines and wait times, traffic congestion and limited parking at the park’s most popular destinations.
Official NPS source
National Park Service (NPS) Director Chuck Sams visited Acadia National Park last week to meet with park staff and partners about shared priorities, including shared Tribal co-management, and see infrastructure improvements that are part of a concerted effort by the Biden-Harris Administration to address deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks.
Official NPS source
The Artist-in-Residence Program at Acadia National Park will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023 by waiving its application fee and creating more opportunities for local artists, including a new spot dedicated to a young artist enrolled at an area high school. Find details at go.nps.gov/AcadiaArt.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that visitors to national parks in Maine spent $490 million in 2021. The total of 4.1 million visits supported 7,070 jobs and had a cumulative economic output of $770 million.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is expecting high visitation at Acadia National Park over Independence Day weekend. Visitors should plan their trip and expect long lines and wait times, traffic congestion and limited parking at the park’s most popular destinations.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet virtually at 1 pm on Monday, June 6. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment. Agenda topics will include: Update on the 2022 season; Construction projects, including the park headquarters maintenance facility and Duck Brook bridge repair; Great Meadow culvert replacement and wetland enhancement, including funding received under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; Reports from Friends of Acadia and Schoodic Institute. Additional topics may be discussed based on the interest of the Advisory Commission members.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is expecting high visitation at Acadia National Park over Memorial Day weekend. Visitors should plan their trip and expect crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park’s historic, island-wide trail system is now part of the National Register of Historic Places. The park’s trail system was recognized for its national historic significance and ties to the history of Mount Desert Island and the establishment of Acadia National Park.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to Acadia National Park this season! The Park Loop Road, including the Cadillac Summit Road, will open to motor vehicles on April 15. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center opens to visitors on May 6. Campgrounds and other park facilities will open on various dates throughout April and May. Learn more about operating hours and seasons at Acadia. We expect the 2022 summer season to be BUSY, so make sure to plan ahead and recreate responsibly while you’re here. Prepare for your trip to Acadia National Park by following our list of the top ten tips.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will temporarily close carriage roads in Acadia National Park starting March 18 to protect the roads during spring thaw, also known as “mud season.” Carriage roads will be closed to all users until further notice.
Official NPS sourceTo provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will temporarily close areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, Valley Cove Trail and a portion of the Orange & Black Path in Acadia National Park on March 1 until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS sourceTo continue providing a safe and enjoyable visitor experience, the National Park Service (NPS) will require vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park from May 25 through October 22, 2022. Vehicle reservations are sold on a rolling basis, and the first reservations will be available for purchase online at Recreation.gov starting February 25 at 10 a.m. EST.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet virtually at 1 pm on Monday, February 7. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Eight creative professionals have accepted invitations to visit Acadia National Park as artists-in-residence in 2022. Notable firsts for the program this year include a standup comic, a food writer, an art therapist and a jazz composer.
Official NPS source
On Friday October 29, the Eagle Lake Loop of Acadia National Park’s carriage roads will be reopened following an extensive rehabilitation to the entire six miles of road. The completion of this project also marks the full rehabilitation to all 45 miles of the historic carriage road network in Acadia.
Official NPS source
Superintendent Kevin Schneider has announced that Brandon Bies has been selected as the Deputy Superintendent of Acadia National Park and St Croix International Historic Site. Prior to his selection, Bies was the Superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia. Bies also served a ten-month special assignment as the National Park Service Deputy Chief of Staff coordinating the agency’s COVID-19 response.
Official NPS source
As Acadia National Park settles into the fall season and approaches the winter, hours of operation and services will also change. Before venturing into the park, always check the park website for the most current information. You can also download the National Park Service App to have this same information at your fingertips: www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/apps.htm
Official NPS sourceScientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service partnered on a first-of-its-kind, nationwide harmful algal bloom, or HAB, field study that began this summer and will continue over the next two years.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider announced the selection of Michael Zwelling as site manager of Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in ME. Zwelling is currently the education specialist at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites in Hyde Park, NY. Zwelling is scheduled to begin work at Saint Croix on Wednesday, September 15.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet virtually at 1 pm on Monday September 13. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments.
Official NPS sourceThe water tower on the campus of the Schoodic Institute in the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park will be repainted between September 7 and September 24, 2021. Painting the water tower is part of its regular maintenance and will return it to the original beige color. The water tower provides potable water and fire protection to the campus. While the water tower is being repainted, a back-up water tank will serve the campus. The water tower is 90-feet tall and holds 150,000 gallons.
Official NPS sourceThe Duck Brook Motor Bridge driving lanes will be temporarily reduced to one lane of travel on Tuesday August 24, from 9 am to 5 pm. This will allow contractors access to the bridge’s interior before submitting bids for an upcoming construction project.
Official NPS sourceTwo water related accidents occurred in Acadia National Park, both of which required Life Flights, on Aug 13 involving two males.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park’s carriage roads and other park facilities sustained extensive damage from a severe rainstorm in the early hours of June 9, 2021. Ten miles of the 45-mile carriage road system in the park (22 percent) remain closed, along with the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, Schoodic bike paths, and Schoodic Head Road. Hiking trails are open, but certain sections, including foot bridges, may be washed out. Hikers should use caution and avoid crossing damaged sections.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet virtually at 1 pm on Monday June 7. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park is one of 32 parks and park partners to receive an Open OutDoors for Kids Hybrid Learning grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF), which works in partnership with the National Park Service and the park partner community to ensure that national parks reach their fullest potential and connect with as many people as possible. Acadia’s grant will support the development of virtual nature clubs, family nature adventures, and virtual spring field trips.
Official NPS source
National Park Service staff studying effects of the Coronavirus pandemic found wide variations in park visitation, fewer park programs, gaps in long-term monitoring of natural and cultural resources, and lost park-related employment across the U.S. in 2020. Findings in the paper show that in the early stages of the pandemic in April 2020, visitation to U.S. national parks declined by about 87 percent. In some parks visitation rebounded quickly as the summer progressed, while in others it remained low. Other parks, particularly those near urban areas, experienced increased numbers of visitors as people sought safe areas for recreation and exercise.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) will be opening roads and other visitor facilities at Acadia National Park for the 2021 season beginning with the Park Loop Road. The 27-mile scenic drive, including the Cadillac Summit Road, is expected to open to motor vehicles on April 15, depending on weather conditions. To provide a safer and more enjoyable experience, vehicle reservations will be required for the Cadillac Summit Road between sunrise and sunset from May 26 to October 19. Vehicle reservations will be available for purchase online at Recreation.gov starting April 1 at 10:00 am ET.
Official NPS sourceTwo hikers appear to have fallen about 100 feet along ice covered cliff bands on Dorr Mountain. Their bodies were recovered on Saturday, March 20 by National Park Service rangers working with volunteers from Mount Desert Island Search and Rescue (MDISAR) and a helicopter from the Maine Forest Service. NPS rangers and Maine State Police are investigating, with the assistance of Bar Harbor Police Department.
Official NPS source
Carriage roads are closing to all users March 19 as “mud season” opens across Acadia National Park. Warmer weather and wet conditions soften the carriage roads and make them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling, and riding horses in such conditions can cause ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. Visitor access will resume once the gravel surface dries out and becomes firm enough to prevent damage.
Official NPS sourcePeregrine falcons are again defending nesting territories in Acadia National Park. The Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, Valley Cove Trail, and a portion of the Orange & Black Path will close to public entry until further notice on March 17. Park staff have observed adults at these sites engaging in courtship and pre-nesting behavior signaling the birds’ intentions to nest and raise chicks during the spring and early summer. The National Park Service has closed the cliffs and associated trails to public entry to protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS sourceA 26-year-old man from Belfast, Maine was flown by helicopter off an icy vertical face of the Precipice Trail on March 3. The Precipice is a rugged non-technical climb in good weather conditions with open cliff faces and iron rungs. It was the first time to Acadia for this visitor, who did not have any type of crampons or traction control devices. While the hiker suffered minor injuries after slipping and wedging himself against a tree to avoid sliding down the cliff face, he declined further medical assistance after he was transported safely to a landing zone on nearby ballfields in Bar Harbor by an Army National Guard helicopter. All trails in Acadia are incredibly icy at this time due to recent rains followed by days of cold weather. Hikers should be prepared for cold and icy conditions with extra layers of clothing and traction control devices.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet virtually at 1 pm on Monday, Feb 1. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders may experience reduced access temporarily to Eagle Lake Carriage Road in Acadia National Park this summer during a project to rehabilitate the carriage road while preserving its historic character. The work is currently planned for completion by mid-September. Closure updates will be posted routinely on the park’s Current Conditions webpage. The Island Explorer bus system and Bike Express will not provide service to Eagle Lake in 2021.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to charge an expanded amenity fee to support the vehicle reservation system for the Cadillac Summit Road at Acadia National Park beginning in May 2021. The total fee for each vehicle reservation would be $6, with $4 allocated to NPS operational and capital costs, and $2 allocated to administrative costs for Recreation.gov, which is the contracted online reservation service provider. The NPS is seeking input from the public on the proposed vehicle reservation fee. A 30-day public comment period will be open from January 12 through February 11, 2021. Comments should be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has cancelled the solicitation for proposals for a concession contract operating carriage tours and equestrian services in Acadia National Park. Concurrent with the cancellation, the NPS has extended the existing contract under the current concessioner, Carriages of Acadia , LLC, to provide a continuity of visitor services.
Official NPS source
The Park Loop Road will close to motor vehicles for the season, with the exception of the two-mile section from the Sand Beach Entrance Station to Otter Cliff Road and access to the Jordan Pond area. Snowmobiles are permitted on the closed sections of the Park Loop Road and on the unplowed lane between the Sand Beach Entrance Station and Otter Cliff Road. In the event of inclement weather, all sections of the Park Loop Road may be closed.
Official NPS source
BAR HARBOR, MAINE — The National Park Service has developed a vehicle reservation system to reduce severe traffic and parking congestion so visitors can plan ahead and have a more enjoyable visit to Acadia National Park. As a pilot to prepare for the 2021 season, reservations will be required for vehicles to enter the Sand Beach Entrance and Cadillac Summit Road from October 1 to 18, 2020. Vehicle reservations are available for purchase only online at Recreation.gov.
Official NPS source
Several awards were presented in recognition for exceptional service at the annual Acadia National Park Awards Ceremony hosted virtually on Tuesday September 22.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has awarded a contract to Harold MacQuinn, Inc. of Hancock, ME for Eagle Lake Carriage Road Rehabilitation.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park is on the top ten list of most visited national parks in the United States, welcoming more than 3.5 million visits a year. Labor Day weekend is anticipated to be an especially popular time to visit. Parking is expected to fill early depending on the weather.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet virtually at 1 – 3 pm on Monday September 14, 2020. While we hope to return to in-person meetings as soon as possible we are continuing to follow state public health guidelines. The current limitations on indoor gatherings is set at no more than 50 people at a time. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has developed a vehicle reservation system to reduce severe traffic and parking congestion so visitors can plan ahead and have a more enjoyable visit to Acadia National Park. As a pilot to prepare for the 2021 season, reservations will be required for vehicles to enter the Sand Beach Entrance and Cadillac Summit Road from October 1 to 18, 2020. Vehicle reservations are available for purchase only online at Recreation.gov.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is excited to announce that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) transferred the Bass Harbor Head Light Station from the U.S. Coast Guard to Acadia National Park on July 8, 2020. Constructed in 1858, the light station was transferred at no expense to the NPS under the authority of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA). The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is now one of three light stations in Acadia National Park joining the Baker Island and Bear Island lights.
Official NPS source
Early this winter, the National Park Service (NPS) chose eight artists to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program at Acadia National Park in 2020. Most have elected to defer their visits until 2021 due to uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next open call for applications to the program will occur in summer of 2021 for residency opportunities in 2022.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 3,437,286 visits to Acadia National Park in Maine generated $380 million in the state in 2019. That spending resulted in 5,474 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $511 million.
Official NPS sourceFollowing guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state public health authorities, Acadia National Park plans to increase recreational access and services on June 1, consistent with openings of Maine coastal State Parks. Acadia National Park continues to work with the State of Maine to follow the “Restarting Maine’s Economy” guidance as well as with local officials as these changes are implemented.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park, in response to guidance from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission previously scheduled to meet at park headquarters (20 McFarland Hill Drive) in Bar Harbor at 1 – 3 pm on Monday June 1, 2020 has been delayed until further notice.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park, in response to guidance from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park, in response to guidance from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As of March 26, 2020, Acadia National Park will offer no services outside those that support resource protection. At Acadia National Park, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with state and local orders: Acadia has closed the Park Loop Road including Ocean Drive and all restrooms, carriage roads, campgrounds, visitor centers, and visitor services.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider announced the selection of Thérèse Picard as chief ranger. Picard served previously as the park's deputy chief ranger. The chief ranger works with staff and partners to protect and preserve the park. That includes overseeing and leading the law enforcement rangers, the rangers who assist with entrance passes, fire management, life guards, emergency medical services, and search and rescue.
Official NPS sourceThe carriage roads in the park are closed to all users beginning Thursday March 12 until the roads dry out and become firm enough to prevent damage to their gravel surface. The warmer weather and wet conditions have softened the carriage roads and made them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling, and riding horses on the carriage roads under the current conditions can cause ruts and potholes that will channel water and exacerbate erosion.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has selected a photograph by Mark Walker of Smyrna, Georgia, as the winner of Acadia National Park’s 2020 annual entrance pass contest. The photograph portrays the Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Although this light station is not currently a part of Acadia National Park, there are plans for this United States Coast Guard property to be transferred to the National Park Service sometime this spring. The photograph will appear on thousands of annual entrance passes purchased by visitors from all over the country. As a show of thanks, Mr. Walker will receive a 2020 Acadia Annual Pass displaying his winning photo.
Official NPS source
The Islesford Historical Museum is currently undergoing a major rehabilitation which began in November 2019. The rehabilitation will allow for the protection and longevity of a historic building and for the safe exhibition of historical objects. As the upgrades continue, the museum will be closed to the public for the 2020 season. The museum is expected to reopen next season showcasing both the upgrades and community-curated exhibit helping to tell the stories of the Cranberry Isles.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is offering an opportunity to community members to collect wood rounds piled in a pre-designated area with value as firewood or for other uses. A limited number of households (approximately 10) who reside within a 50-mile drive of Bar Harbor, Maine will be allowed to gather this wood. This is soft wood only, in piles of un-split, limbed rounds of 16”-20” diameter. Wood permits costing $25 will be issued for the collection of this pre-gathered wood with a maximum of two cords.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at park headquarters (20 McFarland Hill Drive) in Bar Harbor at 1 – 3 pm on Monday February 3, 2020. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments. First on the agenda will be an annual ethics training conducted and required by the Department of the Interior, via teleconference. Following the training, Superintendent Kevin Schneider will provide reports on the Acadia National Park Transportation Plan, Bass Harbor Head Light acquisition, and the Acadia Workforce Housing Initiative.
Official NPS source
Maine game wardens received a call yesterday that a deer had fallen through the ice on Hodgdon Pond, outside Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park Service rangers assisted Maine game wardens and together they were able to pull the deer out of the water and onto shore. The deer appeared to be extremely cold and exhausted but alert.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is recruiting six Acadia Teacher Fellows to spend the summer learning about Acadia National Park’s diverse natural and cultural resources, and ways to protect them. Teachers will be selected to work on Mount Desert Island and at Schoodic Point. Acadia National Park invites full-time, K-12 public classroom school teachers to apply online by February 21.
Official NPS source
In 2020, the Eagle Lake Carriage Road in Acadia National Park will be rehabilitated to improve and stabilize the road surface and associated features. Recreationists should anticipate closures generally from one intersection to another from April 15-November 15, weather and schedule permitting.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is inviting photographers and other artists to submit digital images for use on Acadia National Park’s 2020 annual pass. The selected image will appear on thousands of annual passes purchased by visitors from all over the country. The winner will receive credit as the photographer and a 2020 Acadia Annual Pass displaying their image.
Official NPS sourceThe Park Loop Road will close to motor vehicles for the season on Dec 1, with the exception of the two-mile section from the Sand Beach entrance station to Otter Cliff Road (accessible via Schooner Head Road in Bar Harbor) and the Jordan Pond area (accessible via Jordan Pond Road in Seal Harbor).
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry are hosting an ash tree bark peeling workshop to search for an invasive forest insect pest, the emerald ash borer (EAB), on Wed, Dec 4 from 8:30 am until mid-afternoon. The workshop will be held in the “fire engine bay,” a heated garage at park headquarters, Acadia National Park, 20 McFarland Hill Drive, Bar Harbor.
Official NPS sourceAcadia Annual Passes will be on sale for $28 during most of the month of December. Passes must be obtained in person. No phone orders will be taken. On December 6, during Bar Harbor’s Midnight Madness event, passes will be available at the Village Green from 8 pm to midnight.
Official NPS sourceThe Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Acadia National Park will close for the season on October 31, 2019. Beginning on November 1, National Park Service staff will relocate to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce information center in downtown Bar Harbor to provide information about visiting the park.
Official NPS source
Bring “trick-or-treaters” to the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on Saturday October 26 from 1-4 p.m. to have fall science fun with the seventh annual “Eeek” of Ecology Festival. This free event will occur rain or shine and is recommended for children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult. This year, “trick-or-treaters” will visit learning stations and encounter the friendly ghosts of historic sites, learn about cave crickets, dinosaur fossils, ghoulish invasive species and more. This program begins at Eliot Hall on the Schoodic Institute campus. Costumes are optional but add to the fun.
Official NPS source
Beginning on September 28, 2019, the National Park Service (NPS) will allow Class 1 electric bicycles (e-bikes) where traditional bicycles are allowed in Acadia National Park consistent with NPS Policy Memorandum 19-01 on Electric Bicycles. The policy defines Class 1 e-bikes as electric bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. Electric bicycles provide expanded options for visitors who wish to ride a bicycle but may be limited because of physical fitness, age, or otherwise. All three classes of e-bikes continue to be allowed where motor vehicles are allowed in Acadia National Park. In addition to responding to the Policy Memorandum, the NPS has reduced the speed limit on the carriage roads and Schoodic bike paths from 25 mph to 20 mph to ensure the safety of all users. E-bike users also need to be aware that Island Explorer buses and Bike Express trailers are not transporting e-bikes at this time due to load limitations.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park has dedicated a monument in honor of Karl A. Jacobson who was killed in the line of duty in 1938 at Acadia National Park. The monument is located at the Schoodic Woods Ranger Station in the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is offering a 10-year concessions opportunity at Acadia National Park. The selected concessioner would operate carriage tours and equestrian services at Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park. The new contract is expected to be effective for the 2021 visitor season. Wildwood Stables, on the southeast side of Mount Desert Island, can be accessed by the Park Loop Road. The site consists of a horse barn including an office, stables, outbuildings, and equestrian campsites with electricity, water, wastewater, and a comfort station. Wildwood Stables offers a variety of carriage tours under a concessions contract with the National Park Service throughout the tourist season.
Official NPS source
Twenty-four candidates became United States Citizens on Wed, Sept 11 on the Jordan Pond Lawn at Acadia National Park. This is one of many citizenship ceremonies taking place in national parks under a partnership between the National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Official NPS sourceThree people died in a single-vehicle accident that occurred around 2:30 am on Saturday, August 31, 2019, on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. The driver, Praneeth Manubolu, 28, of Edgewater, New Jersey, sustained non-life threatening injuries. The three passengers who died in the accident were Lenny Fuchs, 36, Laura Leong, 30, and Zeeshan Mohammed, 27, all of New York City.
Official NPS sourceThree people are deceased following a single-vehicle roll-over accident that occurred around 3 am on August 31, 2019. The accident occurred on the one-way section of the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park.
Official NPS sourceThe Cadillac Mountain Star Party will take place from 8 to 11 pm on Saturday, September 28. Participants must reserve parking for their vehicle at Mount Desert Island High School and ride a shuttle to Cadillac Mountain. Participants are invited to drop in at any time during the ongoing program to visit with more than 50 volunteer astronomers and park rangers who will describe constellations and other celestial objects visible with the naked eye and telescopes. The best star viewing time will be after 9 pm. Participants are free to stroll the summit and spend as much time as they like at the star party. Parking for the event is only available at Mount Desert Island High School (1081 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor) by ticketed reservation. Limited reservations are only available online on a first-come, first-served basis for $5.00 per vehicle. Reservations are nonrefundable if the event is canceled for any reason (including weather) or you are unable to attend. No over-sized vehicles (including RVs, school buses, motor coaches, and vehicles with trailers) will be permitted to park at the high school. To reserve a parking space for your vehicle, please visit http://www.acadianightskyfestival.org/calendar/cadillac-mountain-star-party.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park is on the top ten list of most visited national parks in the United States, welcoming more than 3.5 million visits a year. Labor Day weekend is anticipated to be an especially popular time to visit. Visitors are encouraged to plan carefully and use the fare free Island Explorer bus system to access the Park Loop Road, carriage roads, and hiking trails. Parking is limited and expected to fill early.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at Moore Hall at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor at 1 – 3 p.m. on Monday September 9, 2019. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments. At the meeting, Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider will provide an update on the Acadia National Park Draft Transportation Plan as well as other general updates relevant to the Advisory Commission. Don Kent, President & CEO of Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park as well as David MacDonald, President & CEO of Friends of Acadia will also provide updates from their respective organizations to the Advisory Commission.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider announced the selection of Laura Cohen as chief of interpretation and education of Acadia National Park in Maine. Cohen is currently the digital content strategist for the National Park Service (NPS) Office of Communication. She will assume her new role September 1.
Official NPS source
An investigation has begun into the person or persons responsible for an illegal campfire that eventually became a brush fire at a hike-in campsite at Schoodic Woods Campground on Tue Aug 6. A camper at another hike-in site reported the fire to park rangers shortly before 5 pm. Several fire department including Winter Harbor, Gouldsboro, Sullivan, and Franklin along with Acadia National Park Engine #13 extinguished the fire by 8 pm. Several off-road utility vehicles were used to haul water from staged engines to the site as the only access is by a hiking trail. As a precautionary measure, two nearby hike-in sites were evacuated during the fire response. The burned area was estimated at 750 square feet.
Official NPS sourceWhile July 4th was comparably quiet at Acadia National Park, Friday July 5th and the following weekend saw park staff swamped with calls for assistance and closing roads due to traffic congestion. According to Acadia National Park Social Scientist Adam Gibson, July 5, 2019 was the busiest day in Acadia National Park’s history with visitation exceeding 35,000 visits for the day, an estimated 15% increase of the prior record set on July 3, 2017 and a 33% increase over the average busiest day for the last eight years.
Official NPS source
The Frazer Point pier will be temporarily closed for upgrades beginning on Wednesday July 17 and extending into mid-September.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park is on the top ten list of most visited national parks in the United States, welcoming more than 3.5 million visits a year. Fourth of July week is anticipated to be a popular time to visit, especially from Thursday July 4 through Saturday July 6. Visitors are encouraged to plan carefully and use the fare free Island Explorer shuttle service to access the Park Loop Road, carriage roads, and hiking trails.
Official NPS sourceThe newly renovated Hulls Cove Visitor Center opened its doors to visitors on Wednesday, June 19. Work was completed by local contractors, King Construction Services Inc. of Jonesport, Maine (with offices in Ellsworth) to address a number of long overdue improvements to the center. This recent upgrade was funded through visitor entrance fees while interior displays and exhibits were supported through generous contributions from the park store.
Official NPS source
Partners of the Island Explorer bus system gathered Friday, June 14th to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Island Explorer bus system and the integration of 21 new propane-powered buses into the fleet. The Island Explorer is a fare-free transportation system linking hotels, campgrounds, and inns with destinations in Acadia National Park and area villages. Since 1999, the bus system has carried over 7.7 million passengers, reduced private automobile traffic by more than 2.9 million vehicles, and prevented the emission of an estimated 41 tons of smog-causing pollutants and 27,000 tons of greenhouse gases. The Island Explorer began operating on the Schoodic Peninsula Memorial Day weekend and will begin serving Mount Desert Island and Trenton beginning on June 23rd this year.
Official NPS source
A camper at an illegal campsite near the base of Cadillac Summit Road started a wildfire on Friday, June 7. Visitors reported the fire to park rangers at approximately 5 pm and Bar Harbor Fire Department along with Mount Desert Fire Department extinguished the fire by 6 pm. The burned area was estimated at 0.21 acres and at least one person of interest has been identified in association with the campsite and fire.
Official NPS source
The Island Explorer bus system has carried nearly 8 million people to destinations in and near Acadia National Park for the past 20 years. On Friday June 14, 2019, the public is invited to a celebration that will highlight the unique partnership that supports the Island Explorer and the acquisition of 21 new buses that will carry Island Explorer into the future. The event will be hosted at Jordan Pond House lawn from 10:30-11 am, rain or shine.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 3,537,575 visits to Acadia National Park in Maine generated $387.7 million in the state in 2018. That spending resulted in 5,602 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $521.5 million.
Official NPS source
Acadia National Park will have a wide variety of maintenance improvement projects within park boundaries over the spring, summer, and fall. Current conditions on roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads are posted to the National Park Service website at go.nps.gov/AcadiaAlerts. Every effort is made to schedule work to reduce impacts to visitors but occasional detours and closures may be necessary to maintain a safe environment for visitors, workers, and resources.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at park headquarters (20 McFarland Hill Drive) in Bar Harbor at 1 – 3 p.m. on Monday June 3, 2019. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments. Superintendent Kevin Schneider will provide reports on the overall park status including the Acadia National Park Transportation Plan, Bass Harbor Head Light acquisition, and the Acadia Workforce Housing Initiative. Select park staff will present on climate change and partnership initiatives.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Transportation Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement (FTP/EIS) for Acadia National Park that will improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion in the park. On May 9, Regional Director Gay Vietzke signed the ROD selecting the preferred alternative and authorizing the NPS to proceed with this effort to provide safe and efficient transportation for visitors, while ensuring protection of park resources and values.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park is on the top ten list of most visited national parks in the United States, welcoming more than 3 million visits a year. Park officials expect the days surrounding Memorial Day - especially from Friday, May 24 through Saturday, May 25 to be a popular time to visit. Visitors are encouraged to plan carefully since parking is limited and expected to fill early.
Official NPS source
On Saturday May 11 join park rangers to celebrate “Junior Ranger Day” with a day full of free family activities and outdoor events. Meet at Eliot Hall on the Schoodic Point campus near the water tower, rain or shine. Event is open from 1-4 pm and geared toward children ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult. Activities for children include learning about forest animals, pond habitats, plants, and sea creatures. Test your skills at the Animal Olympics, try ranger rescue equipment, work on an art project, and earn a Junior Ranger patch. This event is sponsored by the National Park Service and Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. For specific information on this event, please call 207-2088-1310.
Official NPS sourceThe carriage roads are open for people to enjoy the park for foot traffic only. Park rangers have removed barricades and opened up parking lots beginning on Tuesday April 30. The carriage roads are still too soft for bicycling or horses at this time.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) will host four dancers, six visual artists, and two writers for Artist-in-Residence opportunities at Acadia National Park in 2019. More than 50 NPS sites across the U.S. offer artist residency programs. At Acadia, in exchange for as many as 14 nights of park-provided housing, participants lead one public outreach activity, and donate within a year a finished work of art that depicts a fresh and innovative new way for visitors to experience the park.
Official NPS source