Winter is a very special time on Mount Desert Island. The legions of summer visitors have departed and it really does feel like you have the island and the Park almost to yourself. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy the woods, mountains, and seascapes of Acadia without having to contend with crowds.

Snowshoeing and X-Country Skiing

If we have a good snowfall, X-country skiing and snowshoeing on Acadia’s fabled carriage roads is superb. Forty-five miles (72 km) of carriage roads in the park offer the perfect setting for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski tracks are sometimes laid down by volunteers on sections of the carriage roads when snowfall exceeds four inches (10 cm); nearly 32 miles (51 km) are designated for grooming when conditions and time permit. For the grooming status of these areas see the table below. The Carriage Road User’s Map can help you find your way on the carriage roads (and we will provide this map to you upon your arrival at the Maples!).

You may also cross-country ski on unplowed park roads. Be careful, as snowmobiles are permitted to use most of these unplowed park roads. Skiing on hiking trails is not recommended because of the uneven and steep nature of trails, ice falls blocking the path, and trail routes obscured by snow.

In Bar Harbor, you can rent equipment from Cadillac Mountain Sports (just a short walk from the inn) and from other local outfitters.

If the snow doesn’t fly and the weather is dry, it’s a lot of fun to forgo the skis and snowshoes and take a serene and peaceful hike on one of the Park’s many carriage roads and on some trails.

Scenic Drives

Although most of ​the ​Park Loop Road ​closes in the winter, two sections remain open: Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond Road. Scenic areas of Acadia are also visible and accessible from public roads that travel through and along the park. Keep in mind that road accessibility and closings are always weather dependent.

Ocean Drive: scenic, one-way portion of Park Loop Road is accessible from Schooner Head Road, one-mile south of downtown Bar Harbor on Route 3, and stretches for 2 miles along the coast. Stay in the right lane, as snowmobiles are permitted to use the unplowed left lane. Exit Ocean Drive via Otter Cliff Road to Route 3.

Jordan Pond Road: two-way and accessible just north of Seal Harbor. Follow the Jordan Pond Road to Park Loop Road, which is plowed to the Jordan Pond House Restaurant parking areas.

Sargent Drive to Northeast Harbor and Route 102A to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse also offer scenic winter views of Acadia and Mount Desert Island.

More resources:

Winter​ Activities in Acadia: National Park Service

Acadia in Winter: DownEast Magazine​

Winter Carriage Rides (sleigh bells and hot cocoa!)

Restaurants and Shopping

​For a complete guide to restaurants, shops, and businesses which are open over the winter, click here for Bar Harbor Merchant Association’s “Open” Directory!