Safety

Plan Around Safety

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Safety Details

Known for its rugged shores, old granite peaks, and winding carriage roads, Acadia National Park is a wonderful place to experience the rich history and geography of the northern Atlantic coast. It is no safer or more dangerous than other national parks, but it is important that visitors take the proper precautions. Always remember to carry maps, food, water, and an extra layer of clothing. No matter what the activity, the weather can be unpredictable in the Park, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Although most of the trails on Mount Desert Island are achievable by most visitors, some may require additional skill, experience, or equipment, and it is highly advisable that visitors leave travel and activity plans with someone in case of an emergency. With the right safety precautions, Acadia National Park can be an unforgettable experience! **Hiking** Most hiking accidents in Acadia National Park can be easily avoided by wearing the proper, sturdy footwear with good traction, even along the shore. To help preserve the island's natural beauty, please follow the designated trails. Remember that rocks can be slippery and unstable; hikers and walkers should always watch for potential obstacles in the paths and trails. Although many of Acadia's trails are short, easy walks, visitors should always remember to bring an adequate water supply, food, an up-to-date map, small first aid kit, and additional layers of clothing, as the Park often experiences sudden thundershowers and surprisingly warm temperatures. **Bicycling** With historic carriage roads and excellent access to nearby Bar Harbor, Acadia provides a number of opportunities for cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy a wonderful experience while visiting. It is strongly recommended that all cyclists wear helmets, and have recently inspected bicycles to avoid potentially harmful accidents. While many of the carriage roads and paths are well maintained, there can be a good deal of loose gravel strewn across trails, particularly along curves and on hillsides. Cyclists should always stay to the right, yielding to walkers and horseback riders, and always be able to stop quickly. And like hikers, cyclists should always carry adequate food and water, as well as a current map. **Weather Changes** Because of its position along the Maine coast, Mount Desert Island often experiences quick, and sometimes extreme, weather changes. Although the peak summer season is generally warm, many days can begin or end with downright chilly temperatures and thunderstorms are not uncommon in the late afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to dress in layers to accommodate these variations in temperature. Because the Park is second only to the Pacific Northwest in levels of precipitation, visitors should bring rain gear, as rain, heavy fog, and splashing waves commonly occur. **Exploring the Shore** Exploring the shoreline is a popular activity for many of Acadia National Park's visitors, and a quick glimpse of the rugged Atlantic coast is sure to become a fond memory for many. When walking near the shore, always try to use a walking stick or support stick to help keep three points of contact with the ground for better stability. Rocks, sand, and seaweed can be dangerously slippery, especially when wet, and loose gravel can quickly give way on the edges of cliffs. Always be cautious of the ocean; large waves have been known to sweep unprepared visitors into the sea, sometimes with fatal results. With the proper precautions, however, the wild Acadia shoreline can be a great adventure for all who choose to explore it. **Hypothermia** Because of Maine's quickly changing weather and the huge waves that often crash into observation areas along the shore, hypothermia is a common ailment in Acadia National Park. Generally caused by the prolonged wearing of wet, damp, or sweaty clothing, hypothermia can cause hikers' body temperature to lower rapidly, resulting in confusion, collapse, and intense shivering. Packing rain gear and wearing layers are the two easiest ways to avoid hypothermia. If clothing does become wet, it is best to avoid wind exposure and replace wet items as quickly as possible. **Lyme Disease** The threat of Lyme Disease has significantly increased in recent years, particularly in densely wooded areas like Acadia National Park. Although tick repellants are available, the most effective way to prevent contact with deer ticks, the carriers of Lyme Disease, is to wear long pants tucked into shoes or boots, long-sleeved shirts, and hats. Visitors are also encouraged to perform thorough tick checks during and after hiking or walking in wooded or grassy areas. **Poison Ivy** This poisonous flowering plant is well known for causing itching and an irritating, and sometimes painful, rash. Identified by its sets of three pointed leaves and small clusters of berries, it is most commonly found along Ocean Path and in the Thunder Hole area, although not directly on or along the edges of the trails in those areas. If exposed, the effected skin will develop a red rash that often produces small, itchy bumps or blisters. To prevent exposure, stay on the designated pathways and avoid any plants, bushes, or vines that have three-leaf configurations. Should a rash develop, immediate washing with soap and cold water or rubbing alcohol may help ease the reaction. Calamine lotion may also help mitigate symptoms. An astringent containing aluminum acetate may provide relief and soothe discomfort. Hot water should not be used as it causes pores to open up and admit the oils from the plant.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

Basic Information