BAR HARBOR, MAINE – The National Park Service is expecting high visitation at Acadia National Park over Memorial Day weekend. Visitors should plan their trip and expect crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park.

We encourage visitors to arrive with a plan and a back-up plan. Go to nps.gov/Acadia to learn about places to go and things to do in the park before you arrive. Have a back-up plan in case parking is unavailable. Park responsibly and only in designated parking spaces—parking illegally is unsafe and adds to the traffic congestion. Consider leaving your car at your place of lodging for the day and use village connector trails or the carriage roads to reach your destination. The Island Explorer does not begin service on Mount Desert Island until June 23. Also, consider downloading the NPS App to help guide your visit (select “Save this park for offline use” since connectivity in the park is not reliable).

Hikers should know the difficulty of the park’s trails and select those that match their abilities (many of Acadia’s hikes are more challenging than they seem). Carry a detailed trail map with topography and don’t rely on cell connectivity for trail navigation. Seventy percent of injuries to hikers in Acadia are due to slips, trips and falls. Wear sturdy footwear and beware of loose gravel, slippery rock, steep climbs and uneven surfaces.

Sue Green (left), and Tim green, both of Austin, TX, make their way up the Great Head Trail overlooking Sand Beach and the Beehive in Acadia National Park, Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti/Friends of Acadia)

Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from May 25 through October 22, which must be purchased online at Recreation.gov before arriving. Print or download the ticket with the QR code for validation. Reservations are not available to purchase in person. Vehicle reservations are not required for other locations in the park or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bicycle or taxi.

Visitors over the age of 15 are required to have a park entrance pass, which can be purchased online at Recreation.gov or at locations in and around the park. Vehicles must display a park entrance pass through the windshield. Your fees help enhance the visitor experience and protect resources at Acadia National Park.

Campsite reservations must be made on Recreation.gov, but most of the park’s campsites are already reserved for the Memorial Day weekend. There are no same day reservations, and no campsites are available for request upon arrival. Backcountry camping, campfires and overnight parking are prohibited outside of designated campgrounds.

Depending on CDC guidelines and the COVID-19 community level in Hancock County, masks may be required to enter park buildings, including the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, regardless of vaccination status.

Want more tips on visiting Acadia National Park? Check out the Top 10 things to know before visiting Acadia.