Are you wondering if Acadia National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Acadia.
Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in America! You can bring your dog to many places in the park, including most hiking trails.
Hey friend, my name is Ash! I’m a former park ranger, and I can’t wait to help you plan your trip to Acadia.
Let’s talk about what activities you’ll be able to enjoy with your dog in Acadia National Park. As you’re exploring Acadia with your dog, be sure to complete the BARK Ranger program!
Where Can I Take My Dog in Acadia?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
Most Hiking Trails and all Carriage Roads
Dogs are allowed on 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads in Acadia — that is a massive playground for you and your pet!
Most trails allow hiking with a dog as long as he is on a 6-foot leash. Trails you’ll need to avoid are the ladder and rung trails that cannot be safely navigated by your pet. You’ll find a list of those trails here. If the trail isn’t included on that list, then it is open to dogs!
A few trails in Acadia that I recommend for pet owners are the Ocean Path Trail or the Gorham Mountain Trail along the Park Loop Road, the Wonderland Trail on Acadia’s “quiet side”, the Lower Harbor Trail or the bike trails on the Schoodic Peninsula, or the miles of Carriage Roads that travel through the heart of the park.
You can also take your dog on the famous Cadillac Summit Road (vehicle reservations required) to the top of Cadillac Mountain or on an enjoyable short walk along the Jordan Pond Path, which offers spectacular views of the Bubbles.
As you’re out hiking with your dog, please follow Acadia’s general pet regulations:
- Your pet must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- You must clean up after your pet and properly dispose of pet waste.
- Your pet must never be left unattended, including in cars or tied to a post or tree. Summer sunshine can be dangerous to pets left unattended, especially in vehicles.
- Check your pet for ticks regularly.
The town of Bar Harbor, just outside of Acadia National Park, is also extremely dog-friendly if you are hoping to go shopping or dining with your favorite furry friend.
Campgrounds
Not all campgrounds in Acadia allow pets, but the main ones do! You can camp with your dog at the Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds, but not the remote Duck Harbor Campground on the Isle au Haut.
Learn more about your camping options here.
Picnic Areas
Your dog can join you for a picnic in any of the park’s developed picnic areas. This includes the designated picnic areas at Fabbri, Seawall, and Frazer Point, etc.
Island Explorer Shuttle
If you’re hoping to use the free Island Explorer Shuttle to get around Acadia National Park, you can bring your furry friend with you! Well-behaved dogs on a leash or in a crate are allowed on the shuttle. Keep in mind that pets cannot be on the seats or in your lap.
Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Lakes and Beaches
Most lakes in Acadia supply drinking water to local communities, so your pet is not permitted to swim in these areas. Humans are also not permitted to swim in public water supplies either! The most notable place where swimming is not allowed (by pets or humans) is Jordan Pond, but many other smaller lakes and ponds also don’t allow swimming.
Dogs may enjoy Sand Beach with you during the winter, but the beach is closed to pets during the peak season (June-September).
The Echo Lake Swim Beach is also closed to pets during the peak season from May – September.
Ladder and Rung Trails
You can take your dog with you on almost every hiking trail in the park, but there are a few trails that are closed to pets.
These trails are primarily what is known as ladder and rung trails. These trails are characterized by metal rods that are bolted into the cliffs to help you climb. Dogs are not permitted on these trails — they likely wouldn’t be able to get up these obstacles themselves, and it would be extremely dangerous for you to carry them while you navigate the cliffs as well.
Ladder Trails that are closed to pets are:
- Precipice
- Beehive
- Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain
- Beech Cliffs Trail
- Perpendicular Trail (Mansell Mountain)
- Jordan Cliffs Trail between Penobscot East Trail and the carriage road
Some other summit trails are also not safe to hike with your dog. While these trails are not technically closed to pets, it is not recommended to bring them with you.
Consider leaving your pet at home if you plan on hiking any of the following trails:
- Acadia Mountain
- Flying Mountain
- Giant Slide
- Cadillac Mountain – west face
- Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path, between the carriage road and The Featherbed pond
- Norembega Goat Trail
- Bubbles-Pemetic Trail
- Penobscot Mountain (Spring) Trail
- Upper Beachcroft Trail
- Upper Gorge Trail
You can find a complete list of trails that are restricted or not recommended for pets on the official National Park Service website.
Public Buildings and Ranger Programs
Dogs are not allowed in the park’s public buildings, such as visitor centers, museums, restaurants, or gift shops. They are also not able to join any ranger-led programs.
Duck Harbor Campground
Staying overnight at the Duck Harbor Campground is a unique experience — you’ll need to make your way out to the Isle au Haut on a mailboat to reach this campground!
You can dayhike with your dog out here, but you are not permitted to camp overnight with a pet in this campground.
Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts
The Wild Gardens of Acadia are completely off-limits to pets, even if they’re leashed.
Everywhere Else
If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, then you should assume that your dog is not permitted.
Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Acadia?
If you’re hoping to explore a part of Acadia where your dog isn’t permitted, it’s easy to find a great kennel just a few minutes away from most activities in the park!
The closest kennel to Acadia is the Acadia Woods Kennel in Bar Harbor. Just a short drive from the park, Acadia Woods Kennel offers pet boarding, grooming, and supplies for any of your dog’s needs while you’re exploring Acadia.
You can also drop your furry friend off at Nothing to Wag About, just 10 minutes outside of Acadia National Park in Trenton, Maine. This pet daycare service also offers bathing and grooming services, complete with friendly staff who are dedicated to looking after your pet.
Traffic and crowding in Acadia can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour or more to enter the park or catch the shuttle?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Acadia Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Acadia?
You’ll find several dog-friendly hotels in Bar Harbor, including the Little Fig Hotel, which is minutes away from shops, restaurants, and the waterfront!
Also consider the Eden Village Motel and Cottage, which has a few pet-friendly rooms. These quaint cottages feature a self-check-in process and are perfect for couples.
Ellsworth is a town you’ll pass by as you drive to Acadia, and it has some options for pet-friendly hotels if you can’t find what you want on Mount Desert Island. For instance, the Ramada by Wyndham in Ellsworth lets you bring up to 2 well-behaved dogs for $30 per night for the first pet and an additional $10 for the second pet.
Additionally, the Colonial Inn in Ellsworth allows dogs and is a nice option.
What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in Acadia?
You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.
Taking a pet somewhere they aren’t allowed can cause danger to your dog, yourself, and local wildlife, even prompting closures in some instances.
Park rangers and park volunteers patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Acadia National Park regularly.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to Acadia?
Service dogs that are recognized by the ADA are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. Service dogs must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the owner’s disability.
Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify as service animals in Acadia National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.
Enjoy exploring Acadia with your favorite furry friend!
More Acadia Trip Planning Information
How to Get to Acadia — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Acadia? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.
The Ultimate Acadia Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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