Category Archives: Feature

Quarantine holiday shopping guide for Acadia, Katahdin gifts

COVID-19 gives new meaning to “home for the holidays”: Instead of rushing to malls and traveling to visit family, it may mean quarantine holiday shopping from home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect gift for fans of Acadia, Katahdin and all things related to Maine and national parks on your shopping list. Whether you […]

Maine Strong! Virtual race with medals aids MDI, Millinocket

With businesses and non-profits hurt and tourism down from Mount Desert Island to Millinocket, a new Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race links people from around the world in support of the regions, behind the rallying cry of Maine Strong! Featuring fundraising for area charities, a special “Maine Strong” award with sparkly ribbon, and support of […]

Acadia hiking boosted by new historic rock steps, innovation and lights

The Valley Cove Trail is set to soon reopen for a summer Acadia hiking season for the first time in five years, following an extensive rehabilitation that gives new life to the historically important trail along Somes Sound. The Acadia trails crew also did major work on Kurt Diederich’s Climb, Beachcroft Path, Seaside Path and around Bass Harbor Head Light, keeping the more than 155 miles of historic Acadia hiking trails in shape for the millions of visitors in coming years. Find out how your favorite trail has been improved, or learn about a new one you’ve yet to explore.

Acadia during the pandemic: crowds, hiker rescues and no camping

It’s almost like there’s no pandemic, judging by the latest news out of Acadia: Traffic closed the road to Cadillac, injured hikers needed to be rescued, and cars waited 20 minutes to get through the Sand Beach entrance station. And the park still plans a trial run of a new vehicle reservation system in October. But plans to open Blackwoods and Schoodic Woods on Aug. 1 are off the table, with all Acadia campgrounds not opening this year – all sure signs of the impact of COVID-19.

Scenes from Acadia National Park during the pandemic: masks, closures, delays

Do you have to wear a mask everytime you go out in public in Maine, whether to hike the trails of Acadia National Park or walk Main Street in Bar Harbor? Why are the park’s picnic areas at Thompson Island and Bear Brook closed? When will the park campgrounds open? Is the Island Explorer running? These and other FAQs answered in the latest installment of “A view from Bubble Rock,” to help plan your visit to Acadia National Park during the pandemic.

Maine quarantine order rocks Acadia vacations, life on MDI

For frequent Acadia visitors like Deni Farr and Mount Desert Island lodging operators like Kristin Hutchins, Maine’s 14-day quarantine order has upended life as usual. Acadia opened June 1 with rangers wearing face masks and providing info under an open-air tent, but visitors and business owners await Gov. Janet Mills’s final plan this week to boost tourism. Acadia amid COVID-19: Another in a series

Acadia National Park during the pandemic: Masks, isolation, limited services

Acadia National Park opens the Park Loop Road to traffic today, Jordan Pond House offers takeout, and rangers wear face masks while helping visitors in open-air tents. But park passes must be purchased online and printed out ahead of time, as they won’t be on sale on-site until June 8. Carriage roads won’t open until June 5, but only for pedestrians. Acadia amid COVID-19: First in a series

Acadia National Park navigates new era for iconic lighthouse

Acadia National Park is poised “any day now” to take over the vacant Bass Harbor Head Light Station, setting the stage for a new era for the iconic lighthouse, one of the most popular attractions within the park’s boundaries. Ahead of becoming the new owner, Acadia is weighing recommendations in a new study of Bass […]

Top 11 Acadia National Park events that defined the decade

Eleven important Acadia National Park events shaped the decade at the Maine national park and left some lasting changes including new records in visits, the park’s 100th anniversary, a new superintendent, a presidential visit and a heightened awareness of climate change. Here are some key moments, happenings and trends that dominated Acadia National Park during […]

Katahdin and Acadia holiday gift ideas for that special someone

Making your list, checking it twice, and looking for special Katahdin or Acadia National Park holiday gift ideas for someone nice? How about a discounted Acadia National Park annual pass, a 2020 moose calendar by a Millinocket wildlife photographer or an Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race entry with a special lobster and moose finisher’s medal? Whether you start your holiday shopping on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday or Giving Tuesday, here’s a special selection to help raise funds for charity, support local business and bring memories of Maine home for the holidays.