Dog-friendly National Parks – With over 100 miles of trails to explore, wagon trails to explore, and easy pet transportation, visiting Acadia National Park with dogs is a real activity for the whole family!
Getting to Acadia National Park takes dedication. Located in the northeastern United States, it’s not just a place you can come to. Boston is the closest big city, and it’s 400 miles away!
Dog-friendly National Parks
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But like most things that require a little effort, Acadia’s rewards far outweigh the investment. And for those traveling with pets, this is one national park that is guaranteed not to disappoint!
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Glaciers have carved this magnificent structure for thousands of years. They left behind high mountains and deep valleys containing freshwater lakes and ponds. The ice advances and recedes away from the ground, revealing the dark granite that makes this area so special.
Now you and your dogs can reflect on that great energy while taking in the incredible beauty of Acadia.
Regardless of your preference or level, you’ll find fun ways to experience Acadia Park with your dogs. For those who love hiking, there are 100 kilometers of hiking trails – from the low roads to the mountains.
If walking or biking is more your speed, 45 miles of historic bike trails await you and your dog.
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And if you don’t feel like driving, the 27-kilometer-long road offers amazing views. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs while walking around.
Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country, so plan to experience it with your best friend! In addition to the many trails and all the hiking trails, the animals are welcome in many public areas and on free shuttles that pass through the park and around the island.
Acadia National Park’s wildlife must be kept clean and all trash must be cleaned up and disposed of properly. Pets are allowed on 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of bike paths in Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods parks that allow pets. On Isle au Haut, pets are only allowed on day trips. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, in lifeguard-led programs, at Duck Harbor Resort, Acadia’s Wild Garden, and at Sand Beach (June 15-September 8) and Echo Lake Beach (May 15-September 15). One way is to confine the animals because of the difficult terrain. Many of the lakes in the park are public water facilities. Animals and people are not allowed to swim in them. Make your dog a BARK guardian
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Dogs have the privilege of being BARK Rangers at Acadia National Park. This program teaches dog owners the importance of following the B.A.R.K. while visiting Acadia.
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Dogs who complete this short program can be sworn in as Bark Rangers. And owners will be eligible to purchase a special Bark Ranger collar as a souvenir of their visit. Maps are available at the East Country Library at Hulls Cove Visitor Centre.
With so much to explore in Acadia, here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss.
Driving the Park Loop Road is the best way to get your bearings in Acadia. Although it’s only 27 miles, plan to take two to three hours with stops to enjoy the scenery and maybe a short hike to a few.
This is where you get some of the best beaches and steep cliffs, so give yourself plenty of time to take it all in.
Visiting Acadia National Park With Dogs
Jordan’s Pond House Restaurant is located on the west side of Park Loop Road overlooking Jordan’s Pond in Seal Harbor. Dogs are welcome to join you on the front porch or at the picnic table on the grass for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. The kitchen here is famous for baked popovers, homemade ice cream, and fresh Maine food!
If you’ve splurged on popsicles (and I recommend you do!), the trail around Jordan Pond offers a chance to burn off some of those calories.
The trail goes around the entire lake. The west side is rocky and the east side is easy to walk. But the good news is that both sides offer amazing views with the North Bubble and South Bubble in the background.
45 miles of boardwalks, built between 1913 and 1940, wind through the heart of Acadia. Their construction was paid for and controlled by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. so that he and others can enjoy the park on a non-motorized road. These roads, originally designed for horses and bicycles, are now popular with pedestrians and cyclists.
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The park office will provide you with a map of the bike trail, showing the 17 stone covered bridges. Each bridge is unique in design and features flowing streams, waterfalls, roads and sides.
We chose the six mile trail around Eagle Lake. It’s a great way to experience the tranquility of the park with Buster and Ty.
Are we hoping to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain? At over 1,500 meters above sea level, it overlooks the bay of islands and the vast Atlantic beyond. But to be there in the morning, plan ahead!
From the end of May to the end of October, it is necessary to reserve a car to go to the top of Cadillac Hill. Sunrises are offered at 10:00 a.m. EST two days prior to the visit date, and they sell out quickly. Day-to-day reservations are available three months in advance and are easy to find.
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Please note that parking at Cadillac Street includes a ticket to enter the park. Fortunately, you can buy both before you leave home at Entertainment.gov.
In addition to being one of the most popular wildlife parks, Acadia is also among the ten most popular. Each year more than 4 million visitors visit the park. And that many people in one place means it can be crowded. If you want a break from the crowds, plan to spend the day exploring the areas outside the park.
Long Pond is a 1,000-acre park just outside the borders of Acadia. Formerly the home of the Rockefeller family, this land is donated and managed by Lands and Gardens.
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Dogs can leave their paws while swimming in the pond, chilling in the woods and meadows or walking the trails and bikes. Just be sure to follow the guidelines for dog owners when you visit!
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There are no road signs at this location. Then take a look at the private harbor at Bracy Cove between Seal Harbor and North Harbor.
Most visitors to Acadia never venture into the Park Loop and downtown Bar Harbor. Although it’s a charming little town, it can feel crowded – especially if you’re trying to navigate it with your dog.
When you’re ready to take a break from the crowds, take a drive to Bass Harbor. Stop by Bass Harbor Head Light Station and grab a bite at Seafood Ketch on Shore Street. The patio is wild, the seafood is available, and it can’t be beat!
Most of Acadia National Park is located on a mountain island, near the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. For a quieter experience, visit 5% of the park located on the Schoodic Peninsula near Winter Harbor – just 5 miles east of Mountain Island.
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This part of the peninsula differs from the island of the mountain desert in several ways – but mainly not completely. You can drive the Schoodic Loop Road, which is open year-round and runs one way from the center about 10 km. Or take a loop from Harbor Harbor to Schoodic Point and reach Birch Harbour, extending your drive for 16 km. You will encounter beautiful scenery and beach stops along the way.
Starting at the Schoodic Loop, you’ll find the trails of the Schoodic Trail system, which vary from easy to difficult. Bicyclists also have more than 8 miles of trails, and pets are also welcome.
Located near Bar Harbor, Acadia is truly a beach town. This means that many beach resorts and some shops are close to winter.
The best time in Bar Harbor falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If access to all the restaurants and shops is important to you, you will need to plan your trip around that time. Summer temperatures are mild and typically in the 70s during the day.
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If you love snow, don’t worry too much about lodging and dining, and want to feel like you have Acadia to yourself, plan your trip in the winter. You’ll find many trails in Arcadia National Park that are perfect for snowshoeing and skiing.
Acadia National Park is on our short list of places to visit with dogs. It would be a great place for your next vacation! We hope this page inspires you to experience for yourself what the park has to offer.
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The Most Dog Friendly National Parks In The U.s.
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