Getting Started
![]() Scenic DrivesAlthough most of Park Loop Road is typically closed by Dec 1 each year, two sections remain open, Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond Road. Scenic areas of Acadia are also visible and accessible from public roads that travel through and along the park. Ocean Drive: scenic, one-way portion of Park Loop Road is accessible from Schooner Head Road, one-mile (1.6 km) south of downtown Bar Harbor on Route 3, and stretches for 2 miles (3.2 km) along the coast. Stay in the right lane, as snowmobiles are permitted to use the unplowed left lane. Exit Ocean Drive via Otter Cliff Road to Route 3. Jordan Pond Road: two-way and accessible just north of Seal Harbor. Follow the Jordan Pond Road to Park Loop Road, which is plowed to the Jordon Pond House Restaurant parking areas. Sargeant Drive to Northeast Harbor and Route 102A to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse also offer scenic winter views of Acadia and Mount Desert Island. Winter HikingAcadia's trails can become icy and snowpacked in winter. Be prepared for unfavorable conditions and early darkness.
Cross-Country Skiing and SnowshoeingLooking for current ski conditions? Check out the grooming status at Friends of Acadia's Winter Trails Association. You may also cross-country ski on unplowed park roads. Be careful, as snowmobiles are permitted to use most of these unplowed park roads. Skiing on hiking trails is not recommended because of the uneven and steep nature of trails, ice falls blocking the path, and trail routes obscured by snow. Ski equipment and rentals are available in local communities. Some areas may not be groomed. Please visit Friends of Acadia's updated grooming conditions.
![]() SnowmobilingSnowmobile travel is allowed on the 27-mile (43 km) Park Loop Road system (including the road up Cadillac Mountain) and most fire roads. Maps of the east side and west side show snowmobile routes and parking.
Snowmobilers are encouraged to utilize the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking lot to access the winter snowmobile routes. Snowmobile rental is not available on Mount Desert Island. Ice FishingIce fishing is a popular activity in Acadia when weather conditions permit. See Fishing for more information. Dog Sledding and SkijoringThe use of dog sleds, dog carts, and skijoring with dogs is prohibited in the park due to the 6 foot (1.8 m) leash requirement per 36 CFR § 2.15(a)(2). ![]() Photo courtesy of James Couture. Used with permission. |
Last updated: January 13, 2022