Following a recommendation in the park General Management Plan, since 1997 we have been working with Friends of Acadia to reestablish old connections and develop new ones from local communities to the park by foot, bike, and horseback. The intent is to provide residents and visitors a chance to leave their cars behind, and in conjunction with the Island Explorer bus system, access the park more easily.

We completed an environmental assessment for six potential connector trails in 1999. Two of three trails that were approved through the EA process have now been built: the Great Meadow Loop in Bar Harbor and the Western Mountain Connector in Southwest Harbor. For more information on village connectors visit the Friends of Acadia web site at left.