Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Photo Gallery

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Information Centers

Ranger-led activities are offered mid-May to mid-October. Ask for the Acadia Beaver Log, the park newspaper, at any park information station. Our goal is to make as many programs accessible as possible to all visitors. Please check with the park staff regarding details of specific programs offered. Accessible programs will be indicated in the Beaver Log.

Visitor Center Orientation Program
A printed script of the orientation program is available at the information desk.

A certified sign language interpreter may be available for some interpretive programs with a two-week advanced notice. This service is dependent on availability of funds and interpreters. Phone: 207-288-3338 (TDD or voice) for information.

Auto Tape Tour
A self-guiding tape tour of the Park Loop Road, Cadillac Summit, and Somes Sound, may be rented or purchased at the Visitor Center. Tape players may also be rented.

Trails

Sieur de Monts Spring area

Accessible parking is located at the far end of the parking lot.

Wild Gardens of Acadia
Follow the paved path to the entrance. In the Wild Gardens, the paths are packed gravel-surfaced and narrow, so assistance may be helpful.

Hemlock Road
On the right as you enter the parking lot is a hard, gravel-surfaced abandoned road that meanders through woodlands at the base of Dorr Mountain.

For the Adventurous and Hardy

Wonderland Trail
Parking is in the Wonderland Parking Area, west of Seawall Campground on Route 102-A. Following an abandoned road, the trail has both level and hilly sections. It is generally hard-packed with some loose sections and is only slightly rocky. In a mile, the trail leaves the woods and opens onto the shoreline at the tip of the Wonderland Peninsula. Assistance may be helpful, but the view is worth the effort.

Man of War Brook Fire Road
Park in the small unmarked gravel parking area on the east side of Route 102, one-eighth mile north of the larger paved Acadia Mountain Parking Area. Follow the abandoned road through a quiet, mixed growth woodland. The road is about one mile long. Beware of uphill and downhill grades, washouts, and exposed culverts.

Carroll Homestead - Self-Guiding Trail
Located on Rt. 102, one mile north of Southwest Harbor, this half-mile self-guiding trail takes you around the grounds of the Carroll Homestead. The path is hard-packed but root-covered and uneven. Assistance may be necessary. Accessible parking is available at the end of the road adjacent to the house. The self-guiding trail pamphlet is available onsite or at the Visitor Center.

Carriage Roads

Generally, the carriage road system offers the best access to many remote and scenic areas. The two easiest are listed below. Others tend to be steeper, slightly uneven with sections of loose sand, gravel, or slightly rocky areas. Extended use of the carriage roads depends on your ability and endurance.

Eagle Lake
From the Eagle Lake Parking Area on the north side of Route 233, you have access to the carriage roads. North, the carriage roads lead towards Breakneck Ponds, Half Moon Pond, and Witch Hole Pond. South, under the stone bridge, the carriage roads lead in two directions around Eagle Lake. When following the carriage roads, be aware of washouts, steep grades, and bicycle traffic. Assistance may be helpful.

Bubble Pond
From the parking area, follow the level trail to the north end of Bubble Pond. From here you have access to the carriage roads, one of which borders the pond.

Boat Cruises

All boat cruises are operated by private businesses. Cruise prices vary. Although it's possible to board boats at any time, you'll find it easiest at high tide when the rampway slope is less steep. (At low tide, however, you'll have the best chance to see harbor seals.) Contact the boat operators ahead of time. Check the Beaver Log for phone numbers.

Frenchman Bay Cruise
One can remain in a wheelchair on the lower deck.

Islesford Historical Cruise
The boat cruise is accessible. Deboarding on Little Cranberry Island would be difficult. One can remain in a wheelchair during the cruise.

Baker Island Cruise
The same ramp that is used for the Islesford Historical Cruise is used for this cruise. The boat cruise is accessible. Deboarding on the island requires transferring to dory and is not wheelchair accessible. Baker Island is extremely rocky.

Bass Harbor Cruise
One must be able to transfer down into the boat and into a seat.

Additional Information

Isle au Haut Ferry
Strips of wood running perpendicular to the ramp make it extremely difficult to unload at Isle au Haut Town Landing. There are no accessible campsites on Isle au Haut.

Wildwood Stables
Wheelchair-accessible carriages are available via use of a special ramp. Assistance in boarding carriages will be provided. The height of carriage seats is 54 inches. There is wheelchair access to restrooms. There is no designated accessible parking and there are steps to the office.

Intertidal Zone
The best access to an intertidal zone is on the gravel bar between Bar Island and Bar Harbor at low tide. Access is via Bridge Street in Bar Harbor. The ramp to the gravel bar is rocky and uneven. Vehicles may be driven onto the gravel bar.

Thunder Hole
Parking is available in the right-hand lane. There is no designated accessible parking. Visitors can use a ramp to access the upper viewing area.

TDD

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May to October
Daily, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., November to April
Phone: 207-288-3338

Acadia National Park is continually working to improve access for all visitors. If you have any comments or suggestions concerning access during your visits, please write:

Division of Interpretation
Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Or call: 207-288-3338