News Release

Tips For A Safe and Enjoyable Memorial Day Visit

Date: May 7, 2019
Contact: Christie Anastasia, 207 288-8806

BAR HARBOR, MAINE – Acadia National Park is on the top ten list of most visited national parks in the United States, welcoming more than 3 million visits a year. Park officials expect the days surrounding Memorial Day - especially from Friday, May 24 through Saturday, May 25 to be a popular time to visit. Visitors are encouraged to plan carefully since parking is limited and expected to fill early. 
 
 “We want people to enjoy their visit to Acadia,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Knowing what to expect helps people plan better and enjoy their time in the park.”
 
The most congested areas that routinely fill to capacity will be Cadillac Summit Road (especially sunrise/sunset), Jordan Pond area, Park Loop Road (especially between Sand Beach and Fabbri Picnic Area), Sand Beach Parking Lot (lot routinely full by 9 am), Eagle Lake Road carriage road access from Route 233, and Acadia Mountain parking (Route 102). This may especially be the case on Memorial Day weekend as the Island Explore public bus system is not available on Mount Desert Island until June 23.

The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is currently under construction. Please check the Acadia National Park official website for updates on whether or not the Hulls Cove Visitor Center will be open for the Memorial Day weekend.

• If the Hulls Cove Visitor Center remains closed, rangers will be available in the covered area adjacent to the parking lot to answer questions from 8 am to 6 pm from Friday, May 25 through Monday, May 27. Portable toilets will be available in the parking lot.  
• If construction is completed, the Hulls Cove Visitor Center will be open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 7 days a week. There visitors can pay entrance fees and speak to a park ranger to help plan their visit.

Please park legally and responsibly. Certain areas on the one-way section of the Park Loop Road allow right-hand lane parking. When parking in designated areas, make certain that all wheels remain on the pavement. Roadside parking outside of designated areas is prohibited. Oversized vehicles, such as recreational vehicles (or vehicles pulling trailers) cannot be accommodated in certain areas.  

Additionally, the park is expecting a very busy summer season. Below are some tips to enjoy the park during the busy summer season.
 
Arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm Most vehicle congestion occurs midday.
 
Take the Island Explorer (June 23-October 14) The Island Explorer connects communities to the park and has routes across Mount Desert Island and also on the Schoodic Peninsula. For schedules and more information, please visit www.exploreacadia.com The Island Explorer is not available for the Memorial Day holiday on Mount Desert Island.

Explore new locations (facing east or west) to view sunrise and sunset There are limited parking slots in the Cadillac summit parking areas, and parking on granite outcrops, vegetation, and the summit roadway is prohibited.
 
Enjoy getting to your destination Hike a village connector trails from local communities or bicycle on a carriage road to reach a hiking trail.
 
Always visit Acadia with a back-up plan If parking lot is full when you arrive, choose another destination, use another mode of transportation, or arrive at your destination during a non-peak time of day.
 
Make campground reservations before you arrive There are no first-come, first-serve sites. All campsites are by reservation only recreation.gov
 
Purchase your pass online to save time All visitors at Acadia National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Please be sure to print a copy to display on your windshield throughout your visit.