General Information about Park Access and Services
The Park Visitor Center in Hulls Cove is closed from November 1 to May 1. A winter information center, located at Park Headquarters on Route 233 (207-288-3338), is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas day and New Year's day) from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Most of the Park Loop road is closed to automobile traffic during the winter months. Two short sections of the Park Loop Road remain open. One allows access to Sand Beach via the Schooner Head road and the other allows access to the Jordan Pond area from the Seal Harbor area.
Flush toilet facilities are available at the winter information center and the Fabbri Picnic Area. Pit toilets are available at Bubble Pond, Eagle Lake Bridge parking lot, Sand Beach and the Blackwoods Campground.
Open fires must be contained in established fireplaces located in campgrounds and picnic areas. Firewood is available at Fabbri Picnic Area. You can use available dead and down wood found on Park grounds.
Avoid walking in Cross-country ski tracks - it makes skiing difficult.
A leash law is in effect at all times. Dogs must not be left unattended
and dogs are not allowed on Sand Beach at any time.
Winter Safety Considerations
Maine weather is very unpredictable and winter conditions can be very severe (and dangerous). Always monitor local weather forcasts. You can call the Park at 207-288-3338 or the local weather phone line at 207-667-8910.
If you are entering the Park alone (not recommended), be sure to tell a Park Ranger, friend or family member what your plans are, i.e. where you plan to go, what you will be doing, and when you expect to return. And, when you return, let these folks know you are back!
Always plan your Park activities such that you return before it gets
dark - normally between 4:00 and 5:00 PM in the winter months. Bring a
detailed map with you. Detailed Carriage Trail maps are available at the
winter information center for a nominal fee. Bring information on the
symptoms and treatment of hypothermia. A brochure is available at the
winter information center. Untreated, hypothermia will result in severe
mental and physical problems.
Winter Camping in the Park
The only place winter camping is allowed is at the Blackwoods Campground (located on Route 3 south of Bar Harbor). All campers are required to self-register with the "Iron Ranger". This is an important safety consideration so please register! The Maximum length of stay is 30 days. Water (hand pump) and pit toilets are available. Winter camping is free after the flush toilets are shut down (usually late October), until then the fee is $8.00 and is on the honor system.
Snowmobiling
Two miles of Carriage Trails and 43 miles of Park roads are marked for snowmobile travel. DO NOT leave the designated trails! All trails are two-way and you must travel to the right side of the trail. All snowmobiles must have a valid Maine registration sticker.
The following safety precautions apply:
 |
35 MPH maximum speed |
|
DO NOT tow people on skis or sleds |
|
DO NOT drink and drive |
|
YIELD the right of way to Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and hikers (anyone not on a snowmobile) |
The following operator age restrictions apply:
|
drivers under the age of 14 are prohibited from public roads |
|
an adult (18 years or older) may supervise only one minor at a time |
|
drivers under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a person 18 or older ON the snowmobile |
|
drivers 10 to 14 years old must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older |
Cross-country Skiing / Snowshoeing
You can cross-country ski and snowshoe just about anywhere you like.
However, you are advised to follow these routes:
|
carriage paths (48 miles for skiing and snowshoeing only) |
|
carriage paths (2 miles for skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling) |
|
unplowed Park roads (41 miles for skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling) |
|
The following are NOT suggested for skiing or snowshoeing: |
|
Cadillac Mountain - can be icy and have patchy snow cover |
|
hiking trails - tree roots and rocks can be exposed and some spots are very steep |
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing on the many lakes and ponds in Acadia National Park is a very popular activity. A valid Maine fishing license is required. Take special care not to discharge oil, gas or other pollutants onto the ice, as most of these lakes supply drinking water to towns on Mount Desert Island. Also, be constantly aware of ice conditions. Even though the surface may appear solidly frozen, thin ice is common early and late in the season and at any time near springs, inlets and other sources of moving water. If in doubt about ice thickness, call Park Headquarters.
Ice Skating / Ice Boating
It is very unlikely you will find ice on lakes that is smooth enough
for skating or ice boating. You can call the winter information center and
find out what the ice conditions are. You must bring your own equipment as
there is no rentals available in the area.
Acadia Information Center