Acadia National Park, an iconic, dog-friendly national park located in Maine, is known for its stunning coastal views, rugged landscapes, miles of carriage roads, and variety of outdoor activities.

Perfect for Dog Owners because Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the United States. Not only is the town of Bar Harbor very pet friendly, but most of the trails and places in the park allow dogs.

We spent the month of August in Bar Harbor with our pup Luna. She hiked almost every trail and went almost every restaurant (she also ate her fair share of lobster) having her with us was a breeze.

Long story short, here are the main points for the pet policy at Acadia National Park:

Federal law requires that all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2m) at all times.
Collect and dispose properly of animal waste.
Do not leave your pet unattended.

This guide is to help dog owners navigate Acadia with confidence by providing practical tips, trail suggestions, pet policies, and local insights.

1. Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit:
1. Spring (April - June)

Pros: Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming wildflowers.
Cons: Some trails and facilities may still be closed or muddy from snowmelt.
Best For Enjoy quieter trails and cooler weather, ideal for active dogs that overheat easily

2. Summer (July - August)

Pros: Warm weather, all trails and park amenities are fully accessible, and water spots are ideal for a dog dip.
Cons: High tourist and peak season means crowded trails and limited parking; certain trails may be off-limits to dogs due to safety concerns.
Best For Exploring early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler, and taking advantage of dog-friendly patios in nearby Bar Harbor.

3. Fall (September - October)

Pros: Breathtaking fall foliage, cooler weather, and fewer crowds after Labor Day.
Cons: October can get chilly, especially in the evenings, and some amenities may close by late fall.
Best For Scenic hikes through vibrant autumn colors; this is an ideal season for dogs to enjoy long walks without the summer heat.

4. Winter (November - March)

Pros: Beautiful snowy landscapes, near-empty trails, and unique winter scenery.
Cons: Harsh weather, limited access to certain trails and park facilities, and fewer dog-friendly accommodations open.
Best For Experienced outdoor enthusiasts with well-prepared dogs who enjoy cold-weather hikes and snow-covered landscapes.

Overall Best Time: Fall (September to October) and Spring (May to June) often offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and seasonal beauty for a dog-friendly adventure in Acadia.

Pet-friendly lodging:

Additional fees may be associated with bringing a pet to these places. Most establishments do require the animals to be with you at all times. You should check on these and other rules.

Atlantic Eyrie https://www.atlanticeyrielodge.com/
Balance Rock Inn
Bar Harbor Regency
Bar Harbor/Acadia Cottage Rentals
Belle Isle
Best Western
Day Inn
Canterbury Cottage
Eden Rentals
Eden Village
Gallaghers Travels
Hanscom Motel & Cottages
Harborside Hotel
Harborview Motel & Cottages
Hinckley’s Dreamwood Cottages
Kimball Terrace
Llangalan Inn
Otter Creek Inn
Seasider
Rose Eden
Ryan Estate Rentals (fenced-in play area for dogs)
The Moorings Inn Waterfront
Tide Watch Cabins
West Street Hotel
Wonder View Inn

Park Campground that permit pets:

Blackwoods
Seawall campground
Schoodic Woods campgrounds

Getting Around

- The Island Explorer is a fare-free bus that has routes across the east side of Mount Desert Island, southwest harbor, and parts of the Schoodic Peninsula. It operates Summer to Fall and is perfect for your furry friend. Especially if you are concerned about parking lot availability during high season. Find the Maps and Timetables here: https://www.exploreacadia.com/

What to Pack for Your Dog:
- Water
- Portable bowls
- Leash (6ft or less)
- Dog Boots (for rougher trails)
- Waste bags
- We added an air tag to Luna’s collar for this trip since we were doing so much hiking in case of emergency.

Here is an: amazon travel dog list of things I use for our dog.

2. Top Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Acadia:

Ocean Path Trail: easy out-and-back trail along Park Loop Road, can even stop by Thunder Hole.
Jordan Pond Nature Trail: An easy trail with scenic views around Jordon Pond. No dogs or people are permitted to swim in Jordan Pond as it serves as the public water supply.
Cadillac Mountain Summit: The top of Cadillac Mountain is accessible by car with short, dog-friendly trails around the summit. Make sure you have a vehicle reservations to drive up.
Great Head Trail: A moderately challenging trail with breathtaking coastal views.
Carriage Roads: Perfect for a leisurely walk, with miles of trails.
Wonderland Trail: On the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, stop by the perfect spot for lunch at Charlotte’s legendary lobster pound for the best lobster rolls and dog-friendly outdoor seating
Bar Island Trail: Walk the tide-made path to Bar Island during low tide.

Be an Acadia Bark Ranger!

Stop at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center or the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to pick up a copy of a checklist and learn more about Acadia’s Bark Ranger program

For more hiking in Acadia read: Trails in Acadia National Park

3. Where Dogs are NOT allowed:

Sand Beach
Echo Lakes Beaches / Echo Lake
Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut
Park Buildings or Public buildings
Ranger-Led Programs
Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts spring
Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain
Cadillac Mountain West Face (from Bubble Pond)
Beech Cliff (from Echo Lake)
Perpendicular Trail (Mansell Mountain)
Any of the ladder trails, which have iron footholds and handholds, ex. Beehive or Precipice

For these activities, you can reserve kennel space for part of your stay Mount Desert Island has Kennels as does the neighboring town of Ellsworth. Be sure to reserve with notice in July and August as it will be much busier in the area.

If you prefer to have a dog sitter come to your hotel or campground, Bark Harbor on Main Street can help with this anything you could need for your pup can be found here.

https://barkharbor.com/

Service animals may accompany their owners to all park locations and programs. Even certified service dogs are not recommended to take on the rung trails.

4. Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit with Your Dog

Trail Etiquette for Dogs:
- Clean up after your pets. Pet waste can leech into groundwater and pass diseases to wildlife.
- Managing your dog’s behavior around other visitors.
- Respect wildlife.
Keeping Your Dog Hydrated and Cool:
- For hot days, bringing enough water, even extra water and finding shaded spots.
Watch Out for Wildlife: Reference Bark Ranger on how to handle encounters with wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, and manage your dog’s curiosity safely.
Ticks - always do a tick check after hiking on you and your pup.
Rough Terrain - some trails have rough terrain, keep an eye on your pups' paws.
Before you go research a vet and pet emergency care just in case.

5. Local Dog-Friendly things to do:

Restaurants and Cafes that Welcome Dogs, pet-friendly patios in downtown Bar Harbor:
- A Slice of Eden Bakery( Covered Patio)
- Café this Way - weather permitting on deck
- Eat a Pita & Café 2 – patio
- Fish House Grill - weather permitting on the deck at Town Pier
- Jordan Pond House - on the lawn in Acadia National Park
- McKay’s Public House - outside, on leash
- Side Street
- Terrace Grill
- Thrive

Looking for more place to Eat in Bar Harbor or Best Breakfast read these :)

Walk the shore path in downtown Bar Harbor

Visit Agamont Park and watch the boats
Go to Little Long Pond dog park for some Off-Leash time
Stop in Bark Harbor right on Main Street for anything pet-related!

5. Day Trips:

Quick dog-friendly side trips to the Schoodic Peninsula or Deer Isle, are ideal for more adventurous dogs and owners.

6. FAQs for Bringing Your Dog to Acadia National Park

Are dogs allowed on all trails?

No. Dogs are not allowed on certain trails due to steep terrain and safety concerns, particularly from May 15 to September 15. Restricted trails include Precipice Trail, Beehive Trail, Ladder Trail, and Jordan Cliffs Trail. Check trail maps or ask a ranger if you’re unsure.

Can dogs be off-leash?

No. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, with no exceptions. This rule is strictly enforced to protect wildlife, and park resources, and ensure safety for all visitors.

What are the seasonal restrictions for dogs?

During the warmer months (May 15 to September 15), dogs are restricted from certain trails as noted above. Additionally, Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach are off-limits to dogs during this period. Some areas may also close seasonally to protect wildlife, such as peregrine falcon nesting sites in spring and early summer.

Are there places for dogs to swim?

No. The main park beaches are not accessible to dogs during the summer. However, outside of the summer season, Echo Lake Beach allows leashed dogs, and nearby off-park areas may offer dog-friendly water access.

Acadia National Park is a wonderful destination for pet owners who want to share a memorable outdoor adventure with their furry companion. With its miles of dog-friendly trails, stunning coastal views, and charming nearby towns. Acadia offers countless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.

While a few seasonal restrictions and trail rules exist, following these guidelines and a little preparation will help ensure a safe, enjoyable visit for everyone.

Whether you're taking in the fall foliage, hiking the scenic Carriage Roads, or relaxing in best friend Bar Harbor, Acadia provides an ideal escape for you and your dog. With the right preparation and respect for park policies, your adventure here will be filled with tail-wagging moments and breathtaking experiences you’ll both cherish for years to come. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!

Exploring Acadia National Park with Your Dog