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Acadia Activities
Bicycling
Portions of the paved motor roads and 45 miles of historic carriage roads are suitable for bicycling.
The Park Loop Road offers scenic views, but it is winding and narrow and may be congested with vehicles. The road up Cadillac Mountain is very steep and can be dangerous. Bicyclists should use caution when riding on any park road.
Winding through the heart of the park, the carriage roads have crushed rock surfaces perfect for bicycling. Cyclists share the carriage roads with horses and pedestrians. Bicycling is not permitted on hiking trails or on privately owned carriage roads. A carriage road map (pdf - 644kb) is available.
Before heading out, cyclists should familiarize themselves with carriage road courtesy and safety:
Bicyclists yield to all users on the carriage roads. Everyone yields to horses, which can be startled by sudden movements.
Slow down! Speeding can be hazardous.
Be prepared to stop. Sudden stops are dangerous on loose gravel.
Stay to the right. Give a clear warning before passing on the left.
Move to the side when stopped.
Wear a helmet and carry water (at least 20 ounces, and more on warm days).
Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in.
Boating
A number of lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island permit boating. Each body of water has specific watercraft restrictions. Please remember:
All towns have launching areas for saltwater near town docks and municipal piers.
The law requires you to carry a Coast Guard approved life vest for each passenger. A better idea is to wear them. It could save your life!
Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and motorboats can be rented in surrounding communities. A variety of commercial vessels offer ferry service, fishing, nature cruises, sailing, and whale watching excursions.
During eagle and seabird nesting season, some islands are closed to the public. Please respect posted closures, which include:
February 15 to August 31 - Bar Island (Somes Sound), Long Porcupine Island, Rolling Island, Schoodic Island, and Sheep Porcupine Island are closed to protect nesting bald eagles or seabirds.
April 1 - July 31 - Heron Island and Thrumcap Islands are closed to protect nesting seabirds.
Climbing
Acadia National Park offers a variety of fine climbs on small cliffs created during the last continental glaciation. Most of these cliffs are composed of solid coarse-grained pink granite. The longest routes are three pitches. Otter Cliffs and Great Head provide a spectacular setting for sea cliff climbing not commonly available elsewhere in the U.S.
Safety
Climbers assume responsibility for personal safety. On some routes local climbers maintain fixed protection or rappel stations. As always, evaluate them before using. At Otter Cliffs, the park maintains fixed anchors on top that must be used instead of trees to belay several climbs. Evaluate these anchors as well, and notify the park immediately of safety concerns. Climbers at Great Head and Otter Cliffs should know tides and weather forecasts; climbing at these areas is more difficult and dangerous at high tide or in heavy seas. Climb within your limits.
Hiking
Acadia is a hiker's paradise. Within the park, 125 miles of trails offer choices for all abilities and interests. From flat rambles across meadows to challenging climbs up iron rungs, you can find it here. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods to open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. For those who prefer more level footing, 45 miles of carriage roads are excellent for walking.
The hiking trail difficulty sheet (pdf - 53kb) lists a small selection of park trails. Take note of annual trail closures that may limit traffic on certain trails to protect wildlife and temporary closures, if any. And, to get the most out of park trails, pick up a trail map or guide. Following the hiking hints listed below can help you have a safe experience.
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