Snowmobiling in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, covering 35,000 acres on the lowlands of Maine's east coast, offers almost 30 miles of snowmobile routes adjacent to coastal waters, accessible from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Snowmobiles must be registered and all state snowmobile laws are in effect in the park, according to the National Park Service. Drivers must be at least 14 years old and anyone under 18 must wear an approved helmet.

  1. Acadia National Park

    • In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson designated 6,000 acres along Maine's north coast as Sieur de Monts National Monument. Then in 1919 President Wilson established Lafayette National Park, which was changed to Acadia National Park in 1929.

      The park consists mostly of islands off Maine's north coast with the largest section on Mount Desert Island, 264 miles from Boston and 50 miles from Bangor. The only mainland portion is the Schoodic Peninsula to the south off US Route One, about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor.

    Park Loop Road system

    • Except for a two-mile section along the coast--one mile south of downtown Bar Harbor--snowmobiling is permitted on the 27-mile Park Loop Road system, including Cadillac Mountain, the east side of Eagle Lake and most firefighting access roads. Accessible from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the road closes to vehicle traffic on Dec. 1 and reopens on April 15, depending upon snowfall. Maximum speed is 35 mph.

    Carriage Roads System

    • John D. Rockefeller, Jr. financed construction of 57 miles of carriage roads in the park between 1915 and 1933 for use by hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and carriages. Two miles of carriage roads are open to snowmobilers: the east side of Eagle Lake (which connects to the Park Loop Road at Bubble Pond) and a short section near the Wildwood Stables. Snowmobiles are not permitted off-road or on any hiking trails.

    Snowmobiling Rules and Regulations

    • Park rangers enforce all Maine state snowmobile laws and Maine registration is required. Snowmobiles must yield to skiers, snowshoers and hikers. The white headlight and red taillight must be turned on 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise and when visibility is 500 feet or less. Towing skiers or sledders is prohibited. Snowmobiles can't be operated under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    Snowmobile rentals

    • No snowmobile rentals are available on Mount Desert Island but they are available from the following vendors: Dana's Rentals in Jackman, Maine (phone number 207-288-3338 website: www.danasrentals.com), New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, Maine (phone number 207-668-7828 website: neoc.com) and North American Outdoor Adventure in West Forks, Maine (phone number 207-663-4472 website: nawhitewater.com)