Length: 1.9 mi (3.1 km)
Elevation Gain: 187 ft (57 m)
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Bar Island in Acadia National Park is a popular destination for visitors. This unique island is only accessible to pedestrians during the 1.5 hours before and after low tide. During this time, the seawater slowly recedes, exposing a gravel bar of land that connects the town of Bar Harbor and Bar Island. While hiking across, you can explore small tide pools as well as find beautiful photography opportunities of the Bar Island shoreline. Once on the island, you can explore the coastline or continue along the forested Bar Island Trail. This ascending trail will provide you with open vistas of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. (NPS) Be mindful of your time spent on Bar Island, because if you miss low tide, you will need to either wait 9 hours for the next low tide or contact a water taxi to come and rescue you. (At the time of this writing, Windjammer Cruises, 207-288-2984, will bring you back for $150 per person, or, if unavailable, you can contact Acadia Dispatch, 207-288-8791)
Accessing Bar Island in Acadia National Park
Starting Location: Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor, ME
GPS (DD): 44.39206, -68.21014
You can access the Bar Island Trail via Bridge Street in Bar Harbor, ME. As there is no parking allowed on Bridge Street, you will need to find parking elsewhere. One possible paid parking location is along West Street in Bar Harbor. Some areas have time limits of up to 4 hours, so plan accordingly. You can find more parking information on the Town of Bar Harbor website. If you can’t find parking in Bar Harbor, you can also use the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus to go to Bar Harbor and then walk to Bridge Street from the drop-off location. As the Bar Island Trail is only accessible during low tide, be sure to check the current tide forecast when planning your visit.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you stop, Acadia National Park provides amazing landscape photography opportunities. Be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Acadia National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. If you are able to go, I hope you enjoy your time photographing Bar Island!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Acadia National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Best Easy Day Hiking Guide and Trail Map Bundle: Acadia National Park
- Carriage Roads of Acadia: A Pocket Guide
- Moon Acadia National Park: Seaside Towns, Fall Foliage, Cycling & Paddling (Travel Guide)
- Acadia National Park: The Complete Guide (Color Travel Guide)
- Historic Acadia National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures
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