Winter storms can bring excellent cross-country skiing conditions to Acadia National Park. Please be courteous on the trails/NPS
While visitation levels in Acadia National Park during the winter months are far below summer’s peak, the most popular trails and carriage paths can be very busy, especially on a sunny weekend day after a decent snowfall.
Cross-country skiers share the trails with snowshoers, walkers, and people out with dogs. Some simple courtesy on everyone’s part can help preserve the groomed surface of cross-country ski trails carried for by Friends of Acadia, and make time in the park more enjoyable for all.
On carriage roads groomed when snow conditions allow, including in the Witch Hole, Aunt Betty Pond, Hadlock Pond, and Brown Mountain areas, one side is set up with a traditional classic, double-groove, cross-country ski track. The center portion of the roads is leveled and raked to facilitate those who prefer to skate ski.
During winter, signs such as this one help explain guidelines for use of the groomed carriage paths in Acadia National Park / FOA, Earl Brechlin
Establishment of the groomed portion of the trail takes hours of work by volunteers from FOA’s Acadia Winter Trails Association. Setting track requires the use of snowmobiles, or larger, tracked grooming equipment that make several passes to pack down the base. Then special sleds are towed over the snow to create the formal tracks.
Those on snowshoes, bare-booting it, or walking dogs are encouraged to travel on the other side of the path to avoid “posthole” footprints in the ski tracks.
Deep footprints and other obstructions can bring a skier’s smooth glide to a quick halt. Signs are posted at most busy winter trail access points explaining the user lane system.
“Once people understand the reasoning behind the lane system they are usually eager to stick to it,” explains FOA Conservation Projects Manager Paige Steele. “The volunteers from the AWTA work long hours, late into the night and well before dawn, trying to make the ski trails as perfect as possible. Having everyone keep other visitors in mind helps make for a better experience for everyone.”
As in summer, any dogs brought into the park must be kept on a leash no longer than six-feet long.
In winter, fat-tire bikes are allowed on the Park Loop Road, on frozen lakes (be sure the ice is safe!) and on non-groomed carriage paths.
Snowmobiles are allowed on the Park Loop Road and on two sections of carriage path including from Wildwood Stables to Jordan Pond House, and from Bubble Pond to the north end of Eagle Lake. The Cadillac Mountain Summit Road is also open to snowmobiles although the route is not groomed and bare ice patches and high drifts often make some sections impassable.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
