"Cold smoke" is often seen in Acadia National Park in winter/NPS

Editor's note: The following tips for visiting Acadia National Park during the partial government shutdown were provided by Friends of Acadia.

Acadia National Park remains accessible to visitors during the partial federal government shutdown. Should you choose to recreate in the park during the shut-down, the following are tips to help make your visit more enjoyable and safe:

* Do research before you visit, check with area chambers of commerce, and use restrooms outside the park before entering. If you have to “go” in the woods, make sure you are at least 200 feet away from water supplies and pack out all solids and refuse. 

* Please plan to pack out all trash as no refuse collection or recycling will be done inside the park. Bring an extra bag or container and pitch in by picking up any stray trash or discarded items you come across during your visit. 

* In the event of snow, parking areas, even at trailheads along state roads, will not be plowed. Use caution if you choose to park since surfaces may be ice-covered and vehicles may become stuck easily. 

* Depending on the weather, the Ocean Drive section of the Park Loop Road will be open (access via Schooner Head Road in Bar Harbor). It remains one-way. Please obey all signs. Access to Jordan Pond through Seal Harbor also remains open, but the gates on Ocean Drive and at Jordan Pond will be closed and locked whenever the roads are snow-covered or icy. The Schoodic Loop Road will remain open and plowed. 

* Camping is not being permitted for Blackwoods Campground in Otter Creek, but visitors may still walk park trails and roads in the campground. 

* Park volunteers, including members of Friends of Acadia’s Acadia Winter Trails Association who groom the carriage roads for cross-country skiing, are not allowed to work. Expect rough and varied conditions. 

* A skeleton crew of law enforcement rangers remains on duty and make limited patrols. Response time may be longer than normal in an emergency so choose your recreational activities wisely and bring plenty of warm clothing, flashlights, food, and water. Cell service is spotty in some areas. In an emergency dial 911. 

* Do not park in front of, or block access to locked gates. In an emergency crews and equipment may need to get through. 

* Reach out to furloughed park employees, or other federal workers you may know, ask how you can help, or lend a sympathetic ear.