News Release

Mud Season Closure of Acadia Carriage Roads

News Release Date: April 12, 2018

Contact: Christie Anastasia, 207-288-8806

BAR HARBOR, MAINE – The carriage roads in the park are closed indefinitely to all users until the roads dry out and become firm enough to prevent damage to their gravel surface. The recent wet weather and melting snow have softened the carriage roads and made them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling, and riding horses on the carriage roads under the current conditions can cause ruts and potholes that will channel water and exacerbate erosion.

“We’re asking all visitors to help us protect the historic carriage road system and prevent costly repairs by cooperating with this temporary closure,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider.

While the carriage roads are closed, the National Park Service (NPS) encourages visitors to enjoy Acadia’s hiking trails and unpaved roads (unpaved roads, such as Western Mountain Road, are generally closed to motor vehicles until May 15).

The first mud closure of carriage roads occurred on March 2 with the anticipation of spring weather. Then, fairly soon afterwards, the park received more snow and the public encouraged us to re-open the carriage roads for an extended season of skiing and other winter recreational activities. Park rangers reopened the carriage roads for another couple of weeks so everyone could enjoy the snow-covered carriage roads. Starting on April 12, park rangers will begin to barricade parking lots associated with carriage roads to notify the public the carriage roads are closed indefinitely.