• Granite mountains on islands along coast

    Acadia

    National Park Maine

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  • Trail closures

    April 22, 2013: The Precipice, Orange and Black, Valley Cove, and Jordan Cliffs Trails are closed until further notice because of nesting peregrine falcons. All other trails in the park are open, whether accessible from the park or from state roads.

  • Reopening

    June 14, 2013: The Western Mountain road loop is now open.

Acadia Permits

Obtaining Permits at Acadia National Park

Depending upon your planned activity, you may require either a Commercial Use Authorization or a Special Use Permit. Read the descriptions below to determine which type of permit you need to obtain.

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA)

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA's) authorize companies or individuals to conduct business in Acadia National Park on an annual basis. A CUA provides a group a non-exclusive license to offer services to park visitors.

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is required for:

  • Commercial tour guides, step-on guides, or wholesale/retail tour operations.
  • Commercial transportation or tour operations and those who own, rent, lease, or charter their vehicles to other tour operations for commercial tour purposes.
  • Transportation services such as taxi, van or limousine service.
  • Guided trips or services for rock climbing instruction, biking, boating, hiking, or kayaking
  • Any person, organization or group that arranges transportation, tour services, or assumes responsibility for financial risk and management, or determines who shall be transported upon what terms, condition or charges.
  • Guided tours interpreting the park's natural or cultural heritage
  • Photography or painting workshops or tours

To apply visit this site: Commercial Use Application 

Special Use Permits (SUP) - A Special Use Permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.

Activities and events that require Special Use Permits include:

  • Filming/Photography (this does not include photography workshops or tours)
  • Wedding Ceremonies (parties of 10 or less do not need a permit)
  • Scattering of Ashes 
  • Military Operations
  • First Amendment Activities
  • Other Special Events such as sporting events, reunions, picnics (over 20 people), etc.
  • Non-commercial Groups. A non-commercial group is one that is traveling together, such as scouts, a club, a church, or a family reunion that has created its own itinerary. The group may have hired a driver for transportation services only.
  • Commercial Not-for-Profit Groups that derive no taxable income: A commercial not-for-profit group may meet the criteria for a non-commercial group if the organization derives no taxable income from providing leisure/recreational services. This may include summer camps, etc.

To apply visit this site: Special Use Permit

Did You Know?

Bronze statue of a Passamaquoddy man

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is a National Park Service site located within three hours of Acadia. Saint Croix commemorates the first French attempt at a permanent settlement in N. America. Explore the mainland site with an interpretive trail featuring bronze statues and waysides. More...