Best Dog Friendly National Parks – Visiting Acadia National Park with dogs is a real treat for the whole family, with over 100 miles of trails to sniff, carriage roads to explore, and free pet-friendly shuttles!
Getting to Acadia National Park requires a commitment. Located in the northeastern part of the United States, this is not a place you walk into. Boston is the nearest major city, 250 miles away!
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But like most things that require a little effort, Acadia’s return far outweighs the investment. For those traveling with pets, this is a national park that will not disappoint!
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Glaciers have carved this amazing landscape over thousands of years. On the left are rounded mountain peaks and deep valleys that now contain freshwater lakes and ponds. The surface layers of the glacier have advanced and retreated, exposing the pink granite that makes this area so unique.
Now you and your dogs can think about these landmarks as you look at the breathtaking beauty of Acadia.
No matter your preference or skill level, there are fun ways to explore Acadia National Park with your dogs. For those who enjoy walking, there are 100 miles of pet-friendly trails, from lowland to mountain walks.
If walking or biking is more your speed, 45 miles of historic carriage roads await you and your pup.
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If you’re up for a ride, the 27-mile scenic drive offers breathtaking views. During the walk you will have plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs.
Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country, so plan a visit with your best friend! In addition to most walking trails and all access roads, pets are welcome in most public areas and on the free shuttles that travel through the park and around the island.
Acadia National Park’s pet policy requires pets to be leashed at all times and to clean up and properly dispose of all waste. Isle au Haut allows pets for day hikes, community buildings, ranger-led programs, Duck Harbor Campground, Acadia Wilderness Gardens and Sandy Beach (June 15 – September 8), and Echo Lake. Coast (May 15 – September 15) Some trails are closed to pets due to rough terrain. Most of the lakes in the park are public water supplies. Pets and people are not allowed to bathe in it. Turn your dog into a barking ranger
Dogs have the opportunity to become BARK Rangers in Acadia National Park. This program teaches dog owners the importance of using the B.A.R.K. Visiting Acadia.
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Dogs who complete this short program can be employed as park rangers. Their owners have the right to purchase a special tag with a ranger collar as a souvenir of their visit. Tags are available at the East National Bookstore in the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center.
There is so much to do in Acadia, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
Driving the Park Loop Road is a great way to get your bearings when coming to Acadia. Although it is only 27 miles, you can still spend two to three hours enjoying the scenery and a short hike to some views.
Here you’ll get some of the best views of the rugged coastline and steep cliffs, so allow plenty of time to see it all.
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Jordan Pond House Restaurant is located on the west side of Park Loop Road overlooking Jordan Pond in Seal Harbor. Dogs can join us for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner on the veranda or at the picnic tables on the lawn. The cuisine here is known for fried popovers, homemade ice cream, and fresh Maine seafood!
If you’re craving ice cream (and I recommend it!), Jordan offers the chance to burn some calories by the pool.
The path goes around the lake. The western side is rocky and the eastern side is easy to walk on. But the good news is that there are spectacular views on both sides, with the North and South bubbles in the background.
Forty-five miles of roadways, built between 1913 and 1940, traverse the heart of Acadia. John D. Rockefeller Jr. paid for and oversaw its construction so that he and others could enjoy the park on non-motorized trails. These roads were originally intended for horse and cart traffic, but are now popular with pedestrians and cyclists.
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The park office will provide you with a route map showing the 17 stone bridges. Each bridge is unique in design and spans streams, waterfalls, roads and cliffs.
We chose the six mile route around Eagle Lake. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the tranquility of the park with Buster and Ty.
Want to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain? It sits more than 450 meters above sea level and overlooks the islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean beyond. But to get there at sunrise, you have to plan ahead!
From late May to late October, a car reservation is required to reach the top of Cadillac Mountain. Sunrise passes are available two days before the visit date at 10am EST and sell out quickly. Day bookings are possible up to three months in advance and are easy to obtain.
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Please note that vehicle reservations on Cadillac Summit Road are in addition to your park admission ticket. Luckily, you can purchase both before you leave home at Recreation.gov.
Acadia is not only one of the most pet-friendly national parks, but also one of the top ten most popular destinations. More than 4 million visitors visit the park every year. And many people will gather in one place. If you want to escape the crowds, plan a day exploring these places outside the park.
Little Long Pond is a 1,000-acre park just outside the borders of Acadia. The land, previously owned by the Rockefeller family, was donated and managed by the Land and Garden Conservancy.
Dogs can run free while swimming in the pool, walking in forests and meadows, or on paths and roads. When visiting, be sure to follow the instructions for dog owners!
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There is no road sign for this place. So check out the unique gateway in Bracy Cove between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
Many visitors to Acadia never make it past Park Loop Road and downtown Bar Harbor. Although it’s a nice town, it can feel busy, especially if you’re trying to navigate it with your dog.
When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to Bass Harbor. Stop at Bass Harbor Head Light Station and later grab a bite at Seafood Ketch on Beach Road. The patio is pet friendly, the seafood is right on the dock and the view is second to none!
Most of Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine. For a quieter experience, 5% of the park is located on the Shudyk Peninsula near Winter Harbor, 5 miles to the east. Mount Desert Island.
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This peninsula differs from Mount Desert Island in many ways, but is primarily less crowded. You can also drive the Schootick Loop Road, which is open year-round and runs 6.5 miles from the campground. Or walk from Winter Harbor to Cape Shudyk and then to Birch Harbor, extending your trip to 10 miles. Along the way you will encounter many beautiful and beach stops.
On the Schootick Loop Road you will find trails for the Schootick Trail System, ranging from easy to difficult. There are over 13 km of cycle paths and pets are welcome.
Located near Acadia Bar Harbor, this is a totally beach town. This means that many local seafood restaurants and some shops will be closed during the winter.
Peak season in Bar Harbor falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If access to all the restaurants and shops is important to you, you may want to plan your trip around this time. Summer temperatures are refreshing, usually reaching 70 degrees during the day.
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If you like snow, don’t mind limited lodging and dining options, and want to experience Acadia, plan your trip in winter. Arcadia National Park offers many trails ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Acadia National Park is on the shortlist of places to visit with dogs. This will be a great place for your next vacation! We hope this view inspires you to explore everything the park has to offer.
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