Some Trails At Acadia National Park Are Now Closed: Here's What To Do In The Meantime
By Chris Dodge|Published March 15, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
National Parks are those places across our nation that are filled with natural beauty and we are blessed to have one of those right here in our state. Acadia National Park is unlike any other national park in our country and we truly are blessed with something special. From rocky coastlines to mountain tops, our park seems to have it all. Recently we are not the only ones who enjoy the park, we have a couple of new residents that have made a new home and the National Park Service is working hard to protect these little creatures. Peregrine Falcons have nested on the cliff sides, so here is what you need to know about some trail closures in Acadia Maine.
Peregrine falcons have made their way into our national park once again and have been building nests along the cliffsides.
Nesting falcons are rather skittish around human activity, and they are liable to neglect their eggs if humans get too close, leaving newly-hatched chicks vulnerable to the elements and starvation. In an effort to protect our feathered friends, the park service has closed off a few trails.
As of March 1, 2023, three trails are closed until further notice: Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail. The trails have all been marked and access is strictly forbidden.
The nests near these trails will be monitored and the routes will reopen once they have determined whether the falcons' nesting attempts were successful. Until then, there is still a whole open park just waiting for you to explore. Here are a couple of trail suggestions to take in the meantime.
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Take a pleasant stroll around the ever-popular Jordan Pond.
This is a fairly flat trail leading all the way around Jordan Pond, giving you one wonderful view after another. From the Jordan Pond House, you can take a left or right on the loop trail and start your trip by passing bridges, traveling by calm waters, climbing over rocks, and walking through a pleasant forest.
Jordan Pond is certainly a popular trail, so it's a good idea to start your day here early if you're hoping to avoid crowds.
There are two trails; one leading to the North Bubble, and the other to the South Bubble. You can do both in one trip by parking on Park Loop Road, or even add these two summits to your adventure around Jordan Pond. The North Bubble offers fantastic views of the pond and is well worth the trip up.
For a leisurely hike, the carriage roads are a lovely choice.
You can jump on this massive trail system from many places within the park, Jordan Pond being one of them, and take off on an adventure. The carriage trails will take you on a pleasant walk through coastal forests within the park and there are many beautiful and historic bridges to discover along the way.
Cadillac Mountain is another great option if you want to challenge yourself and try something a little bit more rugged.
If you take the North Ridge Trail, this hike is sure to get your heart rate up. This out-and-back trail is 4.2 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,128 feet, so it's a steep and intense challenge. It might not be as scary as the Precipice Trail, but you'll definitely feel your muscles burning.
It is also possible to drive to the top; however, Cadillac Summit Road will be closed for construction through mid-May, so keep this in mind as an option for a summertime adventure.
There may currently be trail closures in Acadia National Park, but there is still plenty to do within the park to keep you busy for a long time while you wait. If you are planning on making the trip to our national park, keep in mind that these trails won’t be available for the time being. Make sure to check the Acadia National Park Page for updates on when the trails will reopen.
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