• Dial 911 for any emergency situations

• Be careful while walking near cliff ledges

• Tell someone your plans

• Remain in one place if you become separated from your group

• Check for ticks. Wear long pants and use insect repellent

• Poison ivy is found throughout Acadia. Learn to identify and avoid it

• Drive safely and wear your seatbelt at all times

• Do not drink and drive

• When in doubt, ask a ranger first

Ticks are prevalent in Acadia, mostly active late spring to early fall. Tick-borne diseases are an increasing public health concern across the region. To limit your exposure:

• Walk in the middle of trails away from tall vegetation

• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot

• Wear pants tucked into socks

• Spray your shoes and clothing with repellent

• Check yourself carefully after walks

Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Carry water; at least 20 oz (.6 L) and more on warm days

• Bring enough food and maybe a flashlight and first aid kit

• Wear proper footwear, i.e. sturdy shoes or boots

• Dress for weather that may change

• Stay on trails, following blue trail blazes

• Carry an adequate map or hiking guide

• Do not modify or build new cairns. Changes to trail markers may endanger other hikers

• Know the difficulty level of the trail and your physical abilities and limitations

• Leave yourself extra time

• Check trail conditions before starting out, to ensure the trail you want is open

• Tell someone where you’re going, and when you expect to return

• Keep pets on a leash

• Leave No Trace. Carry out what you carry in

• Do not feed or disturb wildlife, including birds. If your presence changes the behavior of wild animals, you are too close

• You may encounter heavy machinery and trucks used for carriage road maintenance. Please be careful

• Bicyclists yield to all users. Everyone yields to horses, which can be startled by sudden movements

• Slow down! Speeding can be hazardous

• Be prepared to stop. Sudden stops are dangerous on loose gravel

• Stay to the right. Give a clear warning before passing on the left

• Move to the side when stopped

• Wear a helmet and carry water; at least 20 oz (.6 L) and more on warm days

• Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in

• Snowmobiles may travel on the carriage road on the east side of Eagle Lake. Please use caution

Poison ivy is found throughout the park. It is not an invasive exotic plant, but rather a native component of the plant community of coastal Maine. It thrives in areas of disturbance, such as along the shore and is tolerant of salt spray and other harsh conditions. Berries from the plant are a highly nutritious food for birds and animals. The vine provides cover and protects the soil from erosion. As a native plant, poison ivy is protected in most places in the park but is managed along Ocean Path. Please use caution while in the park and keep an eye on your children and pets.

Remember, leaves of three, let it be! If you do come in contact with poison ivy, use soap and water within 30 minutes to gently wash off the resin from your skin or pet’s fur. If you think you’ve come into contact with poison ivy on your clothes, promptly wash them with detergent. If a rash develops, consult your doctor.

Photo courtesy of poison-ivy.org

• PFDs are required

• Reflective stickers and whistles are recommended

• Be aware of your skill level and consider taking a course in safe boat handling

• Fog, wind and waves can move in quickly. Keep track of the shore and carry a compass and boating chart

• Be aware of reversing currents and tidal currents

• When paddling or sailing in high traffic areas, keep in mind that bigger boats may not see you

• Freshwater ponds and lakes are often sources for public drinking water – check regulations before paddling or swimming

• Keep your distance from aquatic birds and wildlife