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Acadia National ParkGlassy lake with rocks and grasses in foreground, fall colors in background
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Acadia National Park
Your Safety
Graphic of falling person with warning: Caution! Be careful near cliff edges.
Be Careful Out There!
Acadia National Park offers many opportunities for discovery. To help ensure a safe, enjoyable visit, pay attention and follow a few important guidelines as you explore the park.
  • Emergency phone: 911
  • Be prepared. While hiking, remember to bring:
    • Water (at least 20 ounces)
    • Map
    • Adequate clothing (rain jacket and warm layers)
    • First aid kit
    • Flashlight
  • Be careful while walking near cliff ledges. Loose gravel on rocks creates dangerous footing, which can result in serious falls.
  • Be sure to tell someone your plans—when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you will return.
  • Remain in one place if you become separated from your group.
  • Check for ticks, as Lyme disease can occur in this area. If you are walking through tall grass, consider wearing long pants and using insect repellent.
  • Poison ivy is found throughout Acadia. Learn to identify and avoid it while exploring the park.
  • Drive safely and wear your seatbelt at all times. The speed limit is 35 mph in the park unless otherwise noted. It is easy to get distracted by scenery—pay attention.
  • Do not drink and drive.
  • When in doubt, ask a ranger first!

Remember that your actions can make the difference between a happy memory and an unpleasant experience.

 

Climbing Safety
Climbers assume responsibility for personal safety. On some routes local climbers maintain fixed protection or rappel stations. As always, evaluate them before using. At Otter Cliffs, the park maintains fixed anchors on top that must be used instead of trees to belay several climbs. Evaluate these anchors as well, and notify the park immediately of safety concerns. Climbers at Great Head and Otter Cliffs should know tides and weather forecasts; climbing at these areas is more difficult and dangerous at high tide or in heavy seas. Climb within your limits.

 

Trail Safety
There are a number of things you can do to make your hike safer.

  • Carry water (at least 20 ounces, more on warm days).
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for variable weather.
  • Follow blue trail blazes and use a map.
  • Do not modify or build new cairns. Changes to trail markers may endanger other hikers.
  • Know the difficulty level of the trail and your physical abilities and limitations.
 

Carriage Road Safety
You may encounter heavy machinery and trucks used for carriage road maintenance. Please be careful.

  • Bicyclists yield to all users. Everyone yields to horses, which can be startled by sudden movements.
  •  Slow down! Speeding can be hazardous.
  • Be prepared to stop. Sudden stops are dangerous on loose gravel.
  • Stay to the right. Give a clear warning before passing on the left.
  • Move to the side when stopped.
  • Wear a helmet and carry water (at least 20 ounces, more on warm days).
  • Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in.
  • Snowmobiles may travel on the carriage road on the east side of Eagle Lake. Please use caution.
CCC members take a break from their work to admire the view along the ocean.  

Did You Know?
The Civilian Conservation Corps performed important work in Acadia National Park, including clearing brush, setting stones, and constructing Seawall Campground. Today park headquarters is located in the former CCC camp.

Last Updated: August 22, 2007 at 12:05 EST