The Most Popular Dog Hikes in Acadia National Park
You can bring your dog (or cat) on the trails of Acadia National Park, but they must be on a leash that does not extend more than 6 feet. You can’t bring your animals on ladder trails or allow them in the public water (Eagle Lake, Long Pond) or on Sand Beach and Echo Lake in the summer. They can’t go in the Wild Gardens of Acadia either because there is a high chance of their paws tromping on the plants.
Service dogs get to go everywhere.
THE EASIEST TRAIL
Bar Island Trail is one of the easiest trails to take your dog friend.
It’s an easy hike. It starts on Bridge Street which is off West Street in Bar Harbor and the round-trip is about 2 miles.
You want to make sure that you plan with the tides. It is accessible for approximately 90 minutes before and after low tide.
THE SECOND EASIEST TRAIL
Compass Harbor Trail meanders on a dirt path that’s nicely graded through the estate of George Dorr, the park’s first superintendent. There are some washed out bits down by the cove, but it’s a lovely almost-mile of trail.
You can park at a small lot that’s approximately 1 mile south of Bar Harbor proper. If you get to Jackson Lab, you’ve gone too far.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LONGER BUT NOT TOO SCARY?
The adorable Schooner Head Path walk goes from Schooner Head Overlook, right east of the Sand Beach entrance station (where the one-way Park Loop Road starts) and then goes to Bar Harbor and back, a total of almost 5.5 miles.
HEAD ON OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE FOR ANOTHER EASY HIKE
Over in Southwest Harbor, the Wonderland Trail might actually be an even easier walk than the Bar Island Trail because there’s not much of an incline and you don’t have to worry about the tides as you go from the forest of evergreens to the coastline of rocks and tidal poles.
To get there, go to Southwest Harbor and approximately 1 mile south onto Route 102. When You see 102A go left onto it. Follow 102A for approximately 4 miles and then you’ll see the Wonderland Trail. There will be a sign. You can check out the close-by Ship’s Harbor Trail, too.
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO CHECK THINGS OUT AT THE TOP
The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail may be crowded and requires a reservation if you and the pup are driving yourselves (we know your pup is a good driver), but the views are so wonderful along the .3 mile loop. The walkway is paved.