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Peregrine Falcon Nesting In Acadia National Park Prompts Closures

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Compiled from NPS Releases

Published Date

February 26, 2025

By providing adequate nesting space to Peregrine Falcon chicks, like the one pictured here, you are helping protect this important species. / NPS

To give peregrine falcons the space they need to nest safely, the National Park Service is temporarily closing several areas in Acadia National Park starting March 1. The closures include Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail until further notice. The Precipice Trail parking lot will also remain closed to vehicles.

These annual closures help protect peregrine falcons from accidental human disturbance, which can interfere with their nesting. Research shows that human activity near nesting sites can stress the adult birds, making them less attentive to their eggs or chicks. If the adults leave the nest—either temporarily or permanently—the chicks may be left vulnerable to cold, starvation, or predators.

Signs are posted at trailheads and junctions to indicate where public entry is prohibited. Entering a closed area is a violation of federal regulations and may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Park staff will actively monitor these areas, and violations will be strictly enforced.

The National Park Service will reopen the closed areas when park resource managers determine it is safe to do so.

In 2024, three pairs of peregrine falcons nested on Acadia’s cliffs: one near Valley Cove Trail, one near Jordan Cliffs Trail, and one near Precipice Trail. Two chicks from nests near Precipice Trail and one chick from a nest near Jordan Cliffs Trail survived until they were able to fly.

For more information about peregrine falcons in Acadia National Park, visit go.nps.gov/peregrine.

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