BANGOR, Maine - Officials at Acadia National Park say attendance during the park's centennial celebrations in Bar Harbor is poised to break all records, with visitation up by about 20 percent over last year at this point in the season.
Visitors this month have at times arrived in such large numbers that traffic has been impeded along popular destinations such as the park's Ocean Drive. During the July 4th weekend, motor vehicle access to the Cadillac Mountain summit was closed briefly to alleviate congestion.
John Kelly, the park's communications director, says peak attendance is still weeks away. "Well, we know from past visitations over past years that the first two weeks in August are certainly the busiest in Acadia and the surrounding communities, so we're still anticipating larger numbers to come."
Kelly says passengers arriving in Bar Harbor from cruise ships visiting the area are also displaying more of an interest in the park. Park officials say attendance could exceed 3 million by the end of the season.