Until further notice, typically mid-August, Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed for Peregrine falcon nesting season. Also, as roads reopen, the Precipice Trail parking lot will remain closed. More
Historic carriage roads closed until further notice for "mud season"
Spring thaw has led to temporary closures to protect Acadia's historic carriage roads during "mud season." Walking, bicycling or riding horses in these wet and soft conditions can cause costly ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. More
Relax and enjoy a fare-free ride on the Island Explorer shuttle, which provides service between park destinations, local communities, and Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport.
Regularly scheduled buses stop at destinations in the park, including campgrounds, carriage road entrances, and many trailheads. You can also flag down buses along their route. Drivers will pick up passengers anywhere it is safe to stop.
Island Explorer shuttles are powered by propane fuel. By leaving your car behind, you help reduce air pollution while avoiding parking and traffic congestion.
Bus schedules are available at visitor contact stations, and the Island Explorer website.
Buses are equipped with bike racks to carry up to six bikes. They cannot accommodate tag-alongs, trailers, tandem bikes, fat-tire bikes, or e-bikes.
Well-behaved and leashed or crated pets are allowed on buses and must remain on the floor.
Small collapsible strollers are allowed on buses. They must be folded and stowed on the floor at the rear of the bus.
Buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift for accessibility. Please see bus driver for assistance.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted at bus stops or on buses.
Go Mobile
Download myStop® Mobile and select Acadia National Park to access real-time interactive location and schedule information for buses on the Island Explorer shuttle system.
Island Explorer buses do not serve the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Regularly scheduled buses stop at destinations in the park, including campgrounds, carriage road entrances, and many trailheads. You can also flag down buses along their route. Drivers will pick up passengers anywhere it is safe to stop.
Implemented in 1999, the Island Explorer includes 17 clean-fuel, propane buses that run on seven routes and efficiently link the hotels, motels, and campgrounds of the area with park attractions and the Bar Harbor Airport. The shuttle buses have bicycle racks and provide full access for disabled passengers. The Island Explorer runs from the end of June through the middle of October, and each route runs on its own pre-established schedule.
