Winter must be over at Acadia National Park in Maine, for officials have opened the Park Loop Road for wheeled traffic, a kickoff to the summer high season.
At the same time, the carriage roads will be closed to all traffic -- foot, ski, snowshoe and bike -- beginning Thursday to give the roads time to dry out. The roads' gravel surface softens during the spring thaw, from post-holing and rutting inadvertently caused by walkers and bicyclists. The carriage roads within the park will remain closed to all public access until the National Park Service determines they are firm enough for reopening.
This winter’s heavy snowfall coupled with cold spring temperatures caused the Park Service to postpone the Park Loop Road opening, which is normally scheduled for April 15. The park staff has not determined an opening date for the park’s unpaved roads, which are normally scheduled to open on May 15. Visitors travelling on roads closed to private vehicles should be cautious of park snow removal equipment and vehicles operating during the day.
Since 1992, the National Park Service and Friends of Acadia have invested large sums of public and private funds to rehabilitate and maintain the 45 miles of historic carriage roads in Acadia. Experience has proven that closing the carriage roads for a short time during the spring allows the gravel surface to drain adequately and become firm. This helps prevent the development of post-holes created by footsteps and ruts created by bicycle tires while the surface is soft. The temporary closure protects visitors from unsafe conditions and preserves the carriage roads by preventing impacts to their gravel surface. Visitors should be aware that entering the closed area is in violation of 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f), which may result in citation or arrest.
“The record snowfall this winter has been challenging, and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation of visitors as we prepare for another busy summer season at Acadia National Park,” said Superintendent Sheridan Steele.
Visitors should check the park website (www.nps.gov/acad) or call 207-288-3338 for updates on the status of road conditions. Visitors can also stop by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, which is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
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Comments
Acadia's website indicates that the carriage roads will close Wednesday, April 22 (not Thursday). However, given today's drenching rain on the Maine coast, it's probably a good idea to stay off them starting immediately!