Hike Safely in Acadia

A hiker climbs iron rungs up a steep stone face surrounded by trees.

Photo courtesy of visitor Cam DiCessa. Used with permission.

Regulations

• Official trail closures are posted online and at park visitor centers. Visit go.nps.gov/AcadiaAlerts

• There is no backcountry camping, overnight parking, or winter camping allowed anywhere in Acadia. Campfires are prohibited outside designated areas.

• Bicycles and horses are not allowed on hiking trails.

• Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m)

• Pets are not allowed on ladder trails, including: Beech Cliffs Trail, Beehive Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail (between Penobscot East Trail and the carriage road), Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain, Perpendicular Trail (Mansell Mountain), Precipice Trail.

• Swimming, wading, paddleboards, and pets are prohibited in public water supplies. Please respect posted regulations at lakes and ponds.

• Do not feed or disturb wildlife. All stored foods must be secured in a vehicle or hard-sided container inaccessible to foraging animals.

• Do not make or modify rock cairns and painted blue blazes that hikers use as references to follow trails.

Be Prepared

• There's safety in numbers. Hike with a friend.

• Hiking in Acadia often involves climbing. Be honest about your abilities and limitations. Take care to study the difficulty of each trail.

• Do not rely on your cell phone as a map or flashlight. Buy a trail map with detailed topography.

• More than 70 percent of injuries on park trails involve falling. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support. Consider using trekking poles at any age.

• Pack extra layers. Weather changes quickly here, especially at higher elevations.

• Stay hydrated. Pack plenty of water, at least 1.0 liter per person, more on warmer days.

While You’re Out There

• Watch your step. Wet granite and shoreline vegetation can be wicked slick. Be extra careful in loose rock and near cliff edges.

• Step on rocks whenever possible. Off-trail hiking causes erosion and tramples fragile plant life, particularly rare subalpine plant species that grow near summits.

• Acadia is famous for pitch black night skies. Head for home long before it starts getting dark.

Hiking in Winter

• Be prepared for unfavorable conditions and early darkness.

• Routes that may be challenging in summer tend to be highly ill-advised in fall and winter. Instead, consider exploring Ship Harbor, Ocean Path, and Carriage Roads.

• Trails routinely become icy and snow packed.

• Ice grippers, cleats, and traction footwear can have little effect on slick granite surfaces. Trekking poles are highly encouraged.