Best Dog Friendly Trails Acadia National Park – With over 100 miles of hiking trails, vehicle trails, and free pet transportation, visiting Acadia National Park with dogs is a real treat for the whole family!
Getting to Acadia National Park requires commitment. Located in the northeastern corner of the United States, this is not a place where you just happen to be. Boston is the closest big city and it’s a 250 mile drive!
Best Dog Friendly Trails Acadia National Park
But like most things that require some effort, the return on Acadia far outweighs the investment. And for those traveling with pets, this is one national park that is guaranteed not to disappoint!
Videos Of Dachshunds Hiking At ‘banff National Park’ Have Us Green With Envy
Glaciers created this amazing landscape over thousands of years. It left behind rounded mountain peaks and deep valleys, which now contain freshwater lakes and ponds. The ice surface layers advance and recede, revealing the pink granite that makes this area so unique.
Now you and your dog can contemplate these monumental forces while taking in the stunning beauty of Acadia.
No matter your preferences or ability level, you’ll find fun ways to explore Acadia National Park with your dog. For those who love to walk, there are 100 kilometers of trails for pets – from downhill trails to mountain climbs.
If walking or cycling is more your speed, a 45km historic carriage ride awaits you and your pooch.
Discover The Best Dog Friendly Campgrounds Near Unity, Maine
And if you’re partial to driving, the 27-mile scenic drive offers spectacular views. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs as you hit the road.
Acadia is one of the most beloved national parks in the country, so make plans to experience it with your best friend! In addition to most trails and all vehicle routes, pets are welcome in most public areas and in parks and on free rides around the island.
Acadia National Park Pet Policy Pets must be on a leash at all times and all trash must be cleaned up and disposed of properly. Pets are welcome on 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of drive-thru roads throughout the park. In Isle au Haut, animals are only allowed to roam during the day. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, ranger-led programs, Duck Harbor Campground, Wild Gardens of Acadia and Sand Beach (June 15-September 8) and Echo Lake. Coastline (May 15 – September 15) Due to difficult terrain, some trails are closed to animals. The park’s lakes are public water supplies. Animals and people are prohibited from swimming in them. Make your dog a bricklayer
Dogs have the opportunity to become bark rangers in Acadia National Park. This program teaches dog owners the importance of following the B.A.R.K. While visiting Acadia.
Hiking The Precipice Trail: The Photos & Tips You Need To Know
Dogs who complete this short program can be sworn in as Bark Rangers. And their owners will be eligible to purchase a special Bark Ranger collar tag as a memento of their visit. Tags are available at the National Library of the East at Hulls Cove Visitor Centre.
With so much to explore in Acadia, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
Driving the park’s loop road is a great way to get your bearings when visiting Acadia. Although it is only 27 km, plan to appreciate the views with two to three hour stops, and maybe a short walk with some viewpoints.
This is where you get the best views of countless beaches and rolling hills, so allow plenty of time to take it all in.
A Ride Around Jordan Bubble Pond Loop In Acadia
Jordan Pond House Restaurant is located on the west side of Park Loop Road in Seal Harbor overlooking Jordan Pond. Dogs can join you on the veranda or picnic table on the lawn for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. The food here is famous for baked popovers, homemade ice cream and fresh Maine seafood!
If you’re stuck on an ice cream popover (and I highly recommend it!), the trail around Jordan Pond allows you to burn off some of those calories.
The path goes around the lake. The west side is rocky, while the east side is an easy path. But the good news is that both sides offer beautiful views, with the North Bubble and South Bubble in the background.
Built between 1913 and 1940, the 45 km carriage road runs through the heart of Acadia. Its construction was paid for and supervised by John Rockefeller Jr. So that he and others can enjoy the park on non-motorized roads. Originally designed to accommodate horses and carriages, these streets are now popular with pedestrians and cyclists.
Bar Harbor, Maine Pet Friendly Lodging
The park office will provide a vehicle road map that highlights the 17 rock bridges. Each bridge is unique in design and includes streams, waterfalls, paths and rocks.
We chose the six mile route around Eagle Lake. It was a great way to experience the tranquility of the park with Buster and Ty.
Looking forward to the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain? More than 1,500 meters above sea level, it overlooks the island’s twin bays and the Atlantic Ocean.
From late May to late October, a car reservation is required to reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Sunrise passes are available starting at 10 a.m. ET two days before the tour date and sell out quickly. The day can be booked up to three months in advance and is easy.
America’s 5 Most Dog Friendly National Parks
Note that car reservations for Cadillac Summit Road are in addition to your park admission pass. Fortunately, you can purchase both before you leave home at Recreation.gov.
In addition to being one of the most animal-friendly national parks, Acadia is also one of the ten most popular parks. More than 4 million tourists visit the park every year. And that many people in one place means that it can be crowded. If you’re looking for a break from the crowds, consider taking a day outside the park to explore these areas.
Little Long Pond is a 1,000-acre park just outside Acadia’s borders. Formerly owned by the Rockefeller family, the land was donated and managed by the Land and Garden Conservancy.
Dogs can become sedated while swimming in pools, walking through woods and bushes, or walking on trails and driveways. Just be sure to follow the directions of dog owners during your visit!
Dreaming Of Travel With Your Dog? Check Out Our Dog Friendly Wanderlust Dream List 2021
There are no road signs to describe this place. Then check out the exclusive harbor at Bracy Cove between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
Many visitors to Acadia never venture beyond the park’s Loop Road and the town of Bar Harbor. Although it’s a fun little town, it can feel very crowded – especially if you’re trying to navigate with your dog.
When you’re ready for a break from the crowds, head to Bass Harbor. Stop by Bass Harbor Head Light Station and then dine on seafood on the beach road. The patio is pet friendly, the seafood is right off the dock, and the view can’t be beat!
Most of Acadia National Park is located on a desert island near Bar Harbor, Maine. A mountain desert island.
Interesting Facts About Acadia National Park
This peninsula differs from the desert mountain island in many ways – but mostly it is less crowded. You can also drive the Schodok Loop Road, which is open year-round and runs one way from the campground for about 6.5 miles. Or take a loop from Winter Harbor to Scodick Point and then Beach Harbor, extending your trip to 10 miles. Along the way, you will find plenty of scenic and coastal stops.
From the Skodak Loop Road, you’ll find trails for the Skodak Trail System that range from easy to difficult. Cyclists have more than 8 kilometers of trails and pets are also welcome.
Acadia is located near Bar Harbor, which is quite a beach town. This means that many local seafood shacks and some shops are closed for the winter.
High season in Bar Harbor falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If access to all the restaurants and shops is important to you, then you’ll want to plan your trip now. Summer temperatures are cool and typically in the 70s during the day.
Shenandoah National Park: Dog Friendly Appalachian Mountain Trails
If you love the snow, don’t mind the more limited lodging and dining options, and want to feel like you have Acadia to yourself, plan your winter trip. You’ll find many trails in Arcadia National Park that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Acadia National Park is on our short list of favorite places to visit with dogs. This will be the perfect place for your next vacation! We hope this view inspires you to explore all the park has to offer.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and hear about our latest news and activities.
Please
