Five Adventurous Ways To Enjoy Winter At Acadia National Park

Looking for some adventure this winter? If you see winter as the time to get out and play, then Acadia National Park is the destination for you.

This coastal, north woods gem of a park in Downeast Maine is an hour's drive from Bangor. Head for Ellsworth, the Park's gateway town or straight on to Bar Harbor, nestled right next to the Park. Most of the Park is on Mount Desert Island, with other scattered pieces on surrounding islands.

When the snow begins to fly, Acadia transforms into a winter wonderland. Many roads and facilities in the Park are closed in the winter. This opens up the possibilities for winter enthusiasts to get out and play. Here are some wintertime fun and games you can enjoy at Acadia.

Snowmobiling
The 27-mile loop road on the east side of Mt. Desert Island, including the road to the top of Cadillac mountain, closes to vehicular traffic from about December 1st until mid April. Now, snowmobilers can enjoy this beautiful ride along the ocean, through the woods, and up to the top of Cadillac Mountain.

Two miles of carriage road are accessible for connecting purposes, plus several trails on the western side of Mt. Desert Island. Hiking trails and carriage roads are off limits to snowmobiles.

The Park Service provides maps of snowmobile routes, which I recommend picking up, either on-line or from Park Headquarters. Maine registration is required, and you must be 14 years or older to drive a snowmobile in the park. There are no snowmobiles for rent on the island, so you'll have to bring your own.

Ice Fishing
Once the many lakes on Mt. Desert Island freeze adequately, ice fishing can begin in earnest. Generally, the months of January, February and March are the expected season. All inland ponds harbor trout and landlocked salmon can be found in Eagle Lake, Echo Lake and Jordan Pond.

A Maine fishing license is required for Maine residents over 16 years old and out-of-staters over 12. There are several local outfitters and town halls that will sell you a license, including the Ellsworth Walmart.

Cross Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing
Unplowed park roads are available to the skier and snowshoe hiker, but snowmobiles here may interrupt your solace. Instead, I recommend utilizing the 45 miles of Carriage Roads that give the skier or snowshoe hiker plenty of room to roam.

This restriction to vehicles on Carriage Roads continues in the summer as well, in keeping with the original intent of their originator, John D. Rockefeller Jr. who wanted places for pleasant horse rides without noise from vehicles. So it is for the skier, with the exception of two sections that snowmobiles may use.

Skiing on the hiking trails is not permitted for the uneven terrain can be treacherous. There are several outfitters in local communities who would be happy to rent you equipment.

Winter Camping
There is a certain satisfaction in putting your skills to the test and succeeding when camping out during a Maine winter. One campground in Acadia stays open year round: Blackwoods Campground. It provides primitive camping for the very hardy. Since the road to it is closed, campers must walk in from Route 3. Hand-pumped water and a portable toilet are about all the amenities you will find.

Be super "Boy Scout" prepared, and you are required to obtain a free permit from Park Headquarters first.

Hiking
There are few other ways to achieve the solace of a north woods winter, then hiking "away from it all." Many hiking trails become icy, obscured and treacherous during a winter in Acadia. Hiking poles, crampons, map and compass, emergency camping gear, flashlight and other equipment are recommended by the National Park Service for your comfort and safety.

Be sure to check in at NPS headquarters before setting out on your hike to check sunset times, trail conditions and other important safety information.

By all means, come to Acadia prepared for cold, wind and snow. A visit to the Park's website (www.nps.gov/acad) is recommended. Once you arrive, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of this unique wilderness get-away and enjoy a great, fun, adventurous time.