Ahhhh, Acadia National Park in summer. Pounding surf, pine forests, traffic jams and rising tempers.
There's no guaranteed way to avoid it (the traffic jams and rising tempers, that is), but park staff do have some suggestions that can make your Acadian escape a little more enjoyable.
Fourth of July week is anticipated to be a popular time to visit, especially from Friday, June 29, through Sunday, July 8. 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. Parking is limited and expected to fill early.
In addition, the possession or use of fireworks or firecrackers in the park is prohibited.
“We want people to enjoy their visit to Acadia,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Knowing what to expect helps people plan better and enjoy their time in the park.”
The most congested areas that routinely fill to capacity will be Cadillac Summit Road (especially sunrise/sunset), Jordan Pond area, Park Loop Road (especially between Sand Beach and Fabbri Picnic Area), Sand Beach Parking Lot (lot routinely full by 9 a.m.), Eagle Lake Road carriage road access from Route 233, Acadia Mountain parking (Route 102), and Echo Lake parking area. All of these areas, except Cadillac Summit, can be reached by using the Island Explorer.
Another area of congestion, potentially after evening fireworks displays, may be the Paradise Hill Road (Park Loop Road, heading towards Hulls Cove Visitor Center Parking Lot), as this road is currently part of the Bar Harbor Route 3 detour. If you visit the Park Loop Road with a vehicle, please park legally and responsibly. Certain areas on the one-way section of the Park Loop Road allow right-hand lane parking. When parking in designated areas, make certain that all wheels remain on the pavement. Roadside parking outside of designated areas is prohibited. Oversized vehicles, such as recreational vehicles (or vehicles pulling trailers) cannot be accommodated in certain areas.
Full information for oversized vehicles available at https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/oversized-vehicles.htm .
Additionally, the park is expecting a very busy summer season. Below are some tips to enjoy the park during the busy summer season.
• Arrive before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Most vehicle congestion occurs midday.
• Take the Island Explorer. The shuttles connect communities to the park and has routes across Mount Desert Island and also on the Schoodic Peninsula. For schedules and more information, please visit www.exploreacadia.com
• Explore new locations (facing east or west) to view sunrise and sunset. There are limited parking slots in the Cadillac summit parking areas, and parking on granite outcrops, vegetation, and the summit roadway is prohibited.
• Use local ferries as transportation. Access Schoodic Peninsula by water.
• Enjoy getting to your destination. Hike a village connector trails from local communities or bicycle on a carriage road to reach a hiking trail.
• Always visit Acadia with a back-up plan. If parking lot is full when you arrive, choose another destination, use another mode of transportation, or arrive at your destination during a non-peak time of day.
To view Island Explorer bus schedules and July 4 special schedule, visit www.exploreacadia.com
To learn about traffic and congestion in Acadia, visit https://www.nps.gov/acad/traffic.htm.
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