Cadillac Mountain Reservations Delayed Again
Carriage roads and some trails remain closed for birds and due to mud season
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Bank.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK—Acadia National Park has delayed the opening of the registration period for drivers to go to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the park’s highest peak.
The original registration date had been in February. An article in National Parks Traveler stated that “the initial release of advance reservations is scheduled for February 20.”
That date was postponed until March 22. Now, it’s April 15.
In 2024 they were available February 22.
Entrance passes for the park are also required. To drive up Cadillac, people have to obtain a registration in advance for dates between May 21 through Oct. 26.
Acadia National Park on My Mind has a statement from the National Park Service which says, “As part of the broader efforts led by the Department of Interior under President Trump’s leadership, we are implementing necessary reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency and government accountability.”
Because of how the registration system works, only 30 percent of vehicle reservations can be purchased 90 days ahead of the visit. The rest (70 percent) are available two days prior to the visit.
A request for comment made by the Bar Harbor Story on the delaying of Cadillac Mountain summit reservations to Acadia National Park’s Public Affairs Officer Amanda Pollock was forwarded to the National Park Service Washington Office of Communications and the response, shown below, contained no explanation for the delays.
“Cadillac Summit Road vehicle reservations for 2025 will open April 15. Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from Wednesday, May 21 through Sunday, October 26, 2025.
“70 percent of these Cadillac Summit Road sunrise and daytime vehicle reservations will be held and made available for purchase at 10 a.m. (ET) two days in advance of the reservation date.
“For the most up to date information about vehicle reservations, please visit Acadia's website.”
OTHER CLOSURES
The Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed for Peregrine falcon nesting season. That closure will likely continue until mid-August. The Precipice Trail parking lot will also be closed.
The Park Loop Road is also closed through April 14. If weather permits, it will reopen April 15. Currently, two sections of the road are open.
The National Park Service closed the park’s carriage roads to all users on March 18. A statement from the park said that those roads are closed “until further notice to protect the roads during spring thaw, also known as ‘mud season.’”
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Brochures of Maine.
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It is my understanding that the Park is going "Cashless". Be sure to bring those credit cards. On the bright side is you will be helping the economy as you will be paying interest on your park purchases.