Recent spikes in gas prices are beginning to take their toll on Maine tourism. The State of Maine is vitally connected to its tourist industry; tourists are the very foundation of Maine’s economy. Although Mainers may grumble amongst themselves about their towns being overrun by tourists in the summertime (‘If it’s called tourist season, why can’t we shoot ‘em?!’ being a standard bumper sticker), they all know that the economy depends on tourism to survive. What’s more, Mainers don’t know how to really be rude; they’re not nice to tourists because the economy is depending on the tourists, they’re nice to tourists because Mainers are just plain nice to everybody.

This year, the grumbling is not about the tourists or about the traffic problems caused by an influx of tourists. This year’s problem is quite the opposite; from Acadia National Park to the Allagash, and everywhere in between, the tourists are seriously lacking.

Historically, Acadia National Park attracts two million visitors each year. This year, local hotel owners, restaurant owners and other various tourist-related industry professionals, predict that the season will not be so fruitful. Traditionally, there are families who vacation in Maine every year; Acadia is not, by far, the only destination, but even Maine’s only national park is not immune to recent changes in fuel usage philosophy in the US.

Why is this year different than the last few? It seems that some families did not initially change their traditions when fuel prices started to spike a few years ago. Assuming that high gas prices were a fluke of the season, tourists made the long trip to Maine anyway. Of course, some decided to stay home, but not enough to truly imbalance the tourist season. Now, high gas prices seem here to stay. Some American families are opting out of their SUVs while others are opting out of their annual trip to Acadia National Park; some families are doing both.

If you’ve been to Maine, you know it’s worth going back to. If you haven’t been to Maine it’s time to get yourself an Acadia map and start packing! You may be tempted to ask: ‘If I go to Maine, do I have to see Acadia National Park?’ Yes! It’s 47,000 acres of rugged Maine coastal beauty. ‘Do I have to get an Acadia map? How do you get lost in Maine?! There’s nothing there!’ Yes—you need a map, actually, you need ALL of them—a general one as well as specialized, detailed maps for the places you plan to visit. Acadia National Park is not one, but several islands in Penobscot Bay. Mainers are very kind, but they’re few and far between; don’t rely on their input to help you find your way.


Join the tourists who pack their gore-tex boots, their bikes and their desire for cleaner air into the car and ask their neighbors to collect their mail for a few weeks because they’re ‘goin’ to Acadia!’.

There’s never been a better time to go. Fewer tourists means a larger piece of those 47,000 acres of rugged, rock-lined coast will be yours and only yours.

Acadia National Park is located a short plane ride or a six-hour drive north of Boston.