News Release

What to expect this spring and summer at Acadia National Park

Visitors should plan ahead for their visit to Acadia so they can take full advantage of their time in the park.

Yehyun Kim

News Release Date: April 14, 2026

Contact: Amanda Pollock, 207-288-8806

BAR HARBOR, MAINE - The National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to Acadia National Park this season! We expect the 2026 summer season to be BUSY, so make sure to plan ahead and recreate responsibly while you’re here. Prepare for your trip to Acadia National Park by following our list of the top five tips. 

On April 15, the majority of Park Loop Road will open to motor vehicles. The section between Kebo Street and Sieur de Monts will be closed to all uses through June 12, excluding Memorial Day Weekend. The road is closed to replace an undersized culvert that will help restore Great Meadow and to connect new park housing to the town wastewater system. 

Construction continues on the Cadillac East-West Connector Trail, a paved trail which will run parallel to the summit road and create a safe pedestrian connection between the summit’s two parking lots and visitor areas. To accommodate this construction, the Cadillac Summit Road will remain closed to all uses through April 30. 

Starting May 20, the Island Explorer will begin new spring service between the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton and the Village Green in Bar Harbor, and on the Park Loop Road. Full summer service will begin June 23. Visit the Island Explorer website to learn more about routes and timetables. 

Campgrounds, park roads, and other park facilities will open on various dates throughout April and May. Please visit our website to learn more about operating hours and seasons.   

Carriage roads remain closed to all uses until further notice to protect them during “mud season.”  During this period of spring thaw, the carriage roads are especially fragile and susceptible to damage. By exploring other parts of the park during this closure, visitors can help protect these special cultural resources. 

Jordan Cliffs, Penobscot East, Precipice, and Valley Cove hiking trails remain closed to all uses until further notice to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Research has shown that human activities near a nesting area can lead to temporary or permanent abandonment of the nest by the adults leaving chicks susceptible to hypothermia, starvation, and predation. Peregrines have established nesting territories near each of the closed trails, making it even more important that visitors respect the raptors’ space. 

Please visit our website for the most up to date information about park closures and current conditions.