Bar Island Trail in Acadia National Park

Bar Island Trail

A short, exciting opportunity to walk across the natural land bridge and explore the island.

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Bar Island Trail Details

Take the natural land bridge in Bar Harbor to Bar Island, one of the small islands surrounding Mt. Desert Island. A great escape from the bustle of downtown Bar Harbor, the island provides unique views of the town and the busy waterfront. See Maine lobster boats pulling in the daily catch and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the island's many rocky ledges. The island is accessible only at low tide, so be sure to leave enough time to return to the mainland. It can also be wet, so be sure to wear the proper footwear and you may want to bring a walking stick as some trails are steep and can be challenging. NOTE: The high tide comes in quickly. To ensure you get off Bar Island safely, please depart the island/bar 3.5 hours prior to the incoming tide! Use the tide chart below to determine when high tide will be coming in. Trailhead: from Bridge Street in downtown Bar Harbor.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

1.5 miles

Estimated time

1.5 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Bar Island Trail

Compare nearby parks around Bar Island Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

2.2 mi away

Acadia

National Park · ME

104.2 mi away

Baxter

National Park · ME

197.6 mi away

Cape Cod

National Park · MA

641.0 mi away

Shenandoah

National Park · VA

709.2 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

968.6 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

Nearby Points of Interest Around Bar Island Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bar Island Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Bar Island Access

The sand bar is a popular spot for launching kayaks and is used by hikers wanting to explore Bar Island.

0.1 mi away

Sand Bar Cottage Inn

This charming inn offers a unique blend of historic character and modern comfort, steps from Bar Harbor's waterfront.

0.1 mi away

Saltair Inn

The Saltair Inn offers a charming waterfront escape in Bar Harbor, blending historic character with serene views of Frenchman Bay.

0.2 mi away

The Pathmaker Hotel

This new boutique hotel offers a convenient base for exploring Bar Harbor's lively streets and coastal charm.

0.2 mi away

Bar Island Sand Bar

The sand bar is a popular spot for launching kayaks and is used by hikers wanting to explore Bar Island.