• 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.

Permits

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Memorial Permits
Weddings
Commercial Filming/Photography
Special Use Permit
Group Camping
Group Climbing
Additional Information

 

Memorial Permit

 
A permit is required for the scattering of ashes. There is no charge for a memorial permit. Click here to download an application.
 

Weddings

 

The park's inspiring vistas and natural settings are ideally suited for small, informal weddings. All weddings require an approved wedding permit. For more information, see Weddings.

 

Commercial Filming/Photography

 

A commercial filming/photography permit is required for any filming or photography involving models, sets, or props. For more information about photography and filming permits, including restrictions and application procedures, download the Commercial Film/Photography brochure.

Download an Application Form
Short Form
Long Form

 

Special Use Permits

 
Special Events

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 that require some degree of management from the National Park Service to protect park resources and the public interest. Some examples of special events that require permits are:

  • non-competitive sporting events
  • public spectator attractions
  • festivals
  • concerts
  • ceremonies
  • cultural programs

First Amendment Activities
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Therefore, all first amendment activities require special use permits and the NPS may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted. Some examples of special events that require permits are:

  • distribution and/or sale of printed matter
  • religious services
  • public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
  • collecting signature for petitions

Miscellaneous Activities
Other activities may require permits if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources.

Special Use Permit Application
To apply for a special use permit for these activities, download a General Use Application, fill it out, and send it to:

Acadia National Park
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Special instructions are listed on the application form; please read carefully. A completed application must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $50 in the form of a cashier's check or money order made payable to National Park Service.

 

Group Camping

 

For information about group camping seasons, fees, and regulations, click here.
To view or download a reservation form; click here. Fill out the form and fax it to (207) 288-8792 or mail to:

Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Attn: Group Reservations

 

Group Climbing

 
Reservations are required for organized commercial and noncommercial climbing groups wanting to climb at Otter Cliffs. They are not needed for groups of friends climbing together. The reservation season will run from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Organized groups of five persons or less do not need a reservation for Otter Cliffs.


The group size limit of 12 applies to ALL climbing groups using ANY park climbing areas at any time of the year. The purpose of this size limit is to reduce the effects of large groups on park resources and the climbing experience. We request your cooperation.

Download a copy of a permit and for more information, click here.
 

Additional Information

 
For more information about special use permits, contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator at 207-288-8793.

Some additional activities require permits as well, but these permits are administered separately from special use permits. For more information about obtaining authorization for these activities, please follow the links provided.



Did You Know?

A park ranger points out features of a tree to visitors during a ranger program.

From late May to early October, park rangers at Acadia National Park offer a variety of programs to suit every interest and activity level. Programs include walks, talks, hikes, narrated boat cruises, bike rides, and more. Check out the Beaver Log for a schedule of programs. More...