A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Activities and events that require Special Use Permits include:
Stationary events at a single location for over 30 participants, such as picnics, family reunions
Events involving over 20 participants on hiking trails, bike paths, carriage roads, and motor roads, such as walk-a-thons, running and bicycling events, motorcycle rides
Areas accessible only by trail are limited to groups no larger than 20 people.
In the Schoodic District, events at Frazer Point that exceed 30 participants require a Special Use Permit. Groups larger than 15 anywhere but at Frazer Point require a permit. This is because the Schoodic District is managed to provide greater opportunities for solitude (Schoodic GMP, 2006).
Events on the Schoodic Education and Research Center campus do not require a permit. For more information about hosting group events on the campus, please contact Schoodic Institute at 207-288-1337.
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 with over 25 participants require special use permits, and the park may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted. First Amendment activities with less than 25 participants who utilize designated areas do not require a permit. First Amendment permit requests will be processed within two business days. Some examples of special events that require permits include:
Distribution and/or sale of printed matter
Religious services
Scattering of ashes
Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
Collecting signatures for petitions
Memorialization Permit
A Special Use Permit (Short Form) is required for the scattering of ashes. There is no charge for a memorial permit. Please disregard the fee instructions on the permit application.
Weddings
The park's inspiring vistas and natural settings are ideally suited for small, informal weddings. All weddings with over 10 participants require an approved wedding permit. See alsoWeddings
Commercial Filming/Photography
A commercial filming/photography permit is required for any filming or photography involving models, sets, or props. See alsoCommercial Filming and Photography.
Miscellaneous Activities
Other activities may require permits if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of highly visited areas, or possible impacts on park resources.
Acadia National Park
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Special instructions are listed on the application forms; please read them carefully. A completed application must be accompanied by an application fee of $50 in the form of a cashier's check or money order made payable to the National Park Service. The application fee is non-refundable unless it is determined that your event does not require a Special Use Permit.
Requests for Proposals
Acadia National Park welcomes Requests for Proposals from any organization or business wishing to add Park Ranger-conducted nature programs about Acadia National Park to talks, walks, hikes, youth programs, bicycle tours, bus tours, or boat programs serving Mount Desert Island and Schoodic. A standard fee for park ranger-narrated activities will apply. Accepted proposals will be valid for up to five years and ranger-led services will be marketed to park visitors in park facilities, program publications, and on the park website. To learn more, please email park staff.
Research Permit
Are you looking to do scientific research, monitoring, or citizen science in Acadia? All research and specimen collection activities require a research permit. For information on applying visit Research Permits.
