Acadia National Park has announced the temporary closure of its carriage roads starting March 18. The closure, which will affect all users, is a precautionary measure to protect the roads during the spring thaw, or “mud season”. The National Park Service (NPS) has not yet specified an end date for the closure, stating it will last until further notice.
The decision to close the roads comes as warmer weather and wet conditions soften the carriage roads, making them vulnerable to damage. Activities such as walking, bicycling, and horse riding can cause significant harm in these conditions, leading to ruts and potholes. These, in turn, can channel water and worsen erosion, leading to long-term damage to the roads.
The NPS will reopen the carriage roads once the gravel surface has dried out and hardened sufficiently to prevent further damage. The exact timing will depend on weather conditions and the speed of the drying process. For updates on the status of the carriage roads, visitors are advised to visit the Acadia National Park website.