Winter is a time of contrast in Acadia. The turbulence of the sea at Thunder Hole during a winter sea storm gives way to the serenity of deer walking through snow covered forests. Leafless hardwood trees reveal the forest that was hidden during most of the year, while frozen ponds seal their secrets until the spring thaw. Whether hiking, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling, winter is an excellent time to discover Acadia's subtle wonders firsthand.
A Winter Activity Guide and a Park map are available at the Park Headquarters Information Building off of Route 233, open daily, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Thanksgiving Day, December 24, 25, and January 1). Park staff will be glad to assist you in planning your visit Trail guides, books and postcards are also available for sale. Enjoy your visit. We hope you will be a frequent visitor to Acadia during this special time of year.
Skiing the Carriage Roads
Mountain vistas, ocean panoramas, lakes, and woodlands await cross-country slders on the snow covered carriage roads that traverse Acadia. There is a variety of terrain for novice to experienced sl<iers.
The 4 mile Hadlock Brook Loop is reached by parldng along Route 198 at either the Parkman Mountain parldng area or the lot just north of the Brown Mountain Gate Lodge. This loop crosses three cut granite bridges and gives grand views of Northeast Harbor and Hadlock Pond.
Jordan Pond also provides access to a variety of sld loops-For details about all ski routes, the booldet 'A Guide to the Carriage Roads' can be purchased. Another popular starting
arkin
of Bar Harbor. Three route options are available from this point Eagle Lake Loop, 6 miles around with level and hilly ground. The east side of the lake is a shared snowmobile/ slder route,
Aunt Betty Pond Loop, 6 miles that pass meadows and ponds, then climb to a spectacular view of the island's highest peaks, and Witch Hole Pond Loop, 6.8 miles of gradually sloping terrain, mountain views and ponds with beaver lodges.
Sld track is sometimes laid by park volunteers on the following sections of carriage roads when snowfall exceeds 4 inches: Witch Hole, Aunt Betty, the west side of Eagle Lake, Parkman Mountain to Gilmore Meadow, Gilmore Meadow to an Pond, and the
