BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 2, 2025
On the second day of the federal shutdown, Acadia National Park has barred visitors from driving up the summit road on Cadillac Mountain, but is allowing people to either walk or bike to the top. The park’s Visitors Center in Hulls Cove was closed Wednesday, but the park’s campgrounds at Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic remain open. The majority of Acadia employees have been furloughed during the shutdown, with exceptions made for a small number of staff deemed “necessary to protect life and property.” Eric Stiles, president and CEO of Friends of Acadia, said that parks across the country already have lost 24% of their staff since President Donald Trump took office in January, and that the shutdown is “discouraging” for Acadia’s employees. “This is not an efficient or good way to take care of the national parks,” he said.