Visiting during MDI Marathon weekend

Question

Hi - we're thinking of visiting ANP October 17-20, as it coincides with a small school break. However, I saw that this year's MDI Marathon is October 19. I'm wondering if this will mean that much of the NP will be inaccessible during the morning/early afternoon of that day, because of road closures. Can anyone who's been there then or who is local tell me what it's like? If we're going to lose a good portion of one of our days, then that likely is not the best time for us.

Answer

Visiting Acadia National Park (ANP) during the Mount Desert Island (MDI) Marathon weekend is definitely an exciting time, but it does come with a few considerations regarding road closures, especially on race day. Here's what you can expect:

The MDI Marathon typically takes place in mid-October, and the race day (October 19, 2024) can affect road access around Acadia and the surrounding areas due to the marathon route passing through parts of the island. The marathon itself is a major event for the local community, and while the park remains open, certain areas might be harder to access, particularly in the morning and early afternoon.

Road Closures and Impact on Acadia National Park:

On marathon day, there are generally road closures along parts of the marathon route, which stretches through some key areas of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. The marathon usually takes place in the morning, with the race starting at 8:00 AM, and closures can last until around 1:00 or 2:00 PM, depending on how long the race takes to finish. This might affect access to some areas of the park, including:

Park Loop Road: The main road through Acadia, which takes you to popular spots like Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole, may be partially closed or have limited access for a few hours.
Route 3 and Main Street in Bar Harbor: As the race route weaves through Bar Harbor, expect some disruptions along these roads, especially around the start and finish lines.
Mount Desert Island roads: Smaller roads in the island's rural areas, especially those near the race course, may also be closed for periods of time. However, other roads on the island should remain open.

What You Can Do During the Marathon:

If you plan on visiting Acadia National Park on race day, here are a few options to work around the closures:

Plan to visit early: If you get an early start, you can still explore popular spots like Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Sand Beach before the marathon's road closures kick in.
Visit less-affected areas: Some areas of Acadia, such as the Schoodic Peninsula (located a bit further from the main island) or the western side of Mount Desert Island, may have less traffic from the marathon. You can still enjoy the natural beauty of Acadia with minimal disruption.
Explore Bar Harbor on foot: Since many of the marathon's routes are on the roads, Bar Harbor itself can still be explored on foot, so you can walk around and enjoy the shops, restaurants, and the waterfront while waiting for the roads to reopen.

Should You Visit During MDI Marathon Weekend?

Ultimately, whether or not the marathon will significantly impact your trip depends on your priorities. If you're primarily focused on hiking or visiting popular spots in Acadia National Park, it’s best to plan your visit to these areas early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid road closures. However, if you're planning on spending the day exploring or doing long drives through the park, you might experience some delays or detours during the marathon.

If the road closures are a concern and you’re set on avoiding any interruptions, you could consider adjusting your visit dates. Alternatively, if you’re okay with a bit of disruption and want to experience the marathon atmosphere, it can be a unique event to witness in the area!