State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length, Round Trip: 1.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Goldenrod on the Maine Coast
Trail Information
Bar Island is a great little escape from the mainland. Begin on Bridge Street just west of the Town Square on West Street. Be sure to check the tide schedule before venturing out. The tide schedule may be found in the free Acadia Weekly which can be picked up at many local restaurants, shops and hotels. The sand bar to the island is only above water during low tide. You will not be able to cross to the island or back from the island at high tide. The west side of the island is NPS land and the east side is private please respect the owners.
Children or all ages find this trip exciting and the trail up to the top of Bar Island is an easy journey. As you cross the sand bar, turn around and look at the beautiful sights along Bar Harbor’s shore. This is a unique viewpoint. Once you cross the sand bar, you may walk along the rocky shore or head in a westerly direction along a path which travels up to a rock peak. The rock ledge is large enough to enjoy a family picnic lunch. From here you have wonderful views of Bar Harbor, Acadia and blue waters dotted with a fleet of lobster and pleasure boats.
Be sure to keep an eye on the time so you don’t get stuck on the island between tides.
Caution: Because of the exposed edge, keep children away from the rock ledge at the top of Bar Island.
Directions
From Bar Harbor:
Begin on Bridge Street just off West Street. Note: Be sure to check the Town Pier tide schedule at the ocean point on West Street.
