• Granite mountains on islands along coast

    Acadia

    National Park Maine

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  • Park Loop Road opening

    May 17, 2013: The entire Park Loop Road and all other paved roads in the park open today. All dirt roads in the park, including the Seal Cove Road, will open on June 3.

  • 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.

  • Hulls Cove Visitor Center

    May 17, 2013: The visitor center will open on May 19 and will be open 9-5 every day. All park passes are available there. There is an accessible entrance at the back of the building for those who have trouble climbing stairs.

Research Guidelines

The National Park Service (NPS) recognizes that science must play an increasingly central role in designing responsible and sustainable use and management activities of the national parks. In addition to the use of science as a means to improve park management, parks can be centers for broad scientific research and inquiry. Therefore, the NPS will facilitate research in parks where it can be done without impairing other park values.

The following resources provide guidance to potential investigators who wish to conduct research at Acadia National Park:

Application Procedures
To obtain initial permission to conduct field research and/or collecting of specimens within areas administered by the National Park Service, you are required to complete and submit materials that enable park staff to evaluate the proposed activities and potential impacts on resources, policy, and visitor experiences. These materials include:

  • application form,
  • study proposal, and
  • copies of existing peer-reviews or the names of individuals you recommend to review your proposal.

To begin the permit application process, visit the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) website.

The RPRS website also contains instructions for the application process, frequently asked questions, links to other research-related websites, and links to submit or view Investigator Annual Reports (IARs)—reports detailing the accomplishments of ongoing or completed research projects.

 
Two researchers crouch near shore, one writing, one counting species.
Acadia's diverse habitats offer a variety of research opportunities, including studies focused on intertidal ecology.
  • Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC) Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC)

    Facilitating research and education throughout Acadia National Park Read More

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...