BAR HARBOR — The road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park will open on Saturday – a week ahead of schedule – thanks in large part to support from the business community.

Park Superintendent Sheridan Steele announced Monday that the road to the iconic peak will open despite the fact that Acadia was hit by federal budget cuts known as sequestration that led to a reduction in seasonal staff. The rest of the Park Loop Road will open on May 17.

Additional Photos

A bicyclists peddles up the road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain on Thursday at Acadia National Park.
A bicyclists peddles up the road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain on Thursday at Acadia National Park. The Associated Press / Robert F. Bukaty

After sequestration hit, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce approached the park about offering volunteers to clean up the roadside and parking areas to get the park ready for visitors.

The concessioner who operates the gift shop on top of Cadillac has agreed to open on May 11 as well, the park announced.

Acadia National Park draws approximately 2 million visitors to Mount Desert Island every year and is among the most-visited areas of Maine between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

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