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    Bar Island

    4.9 (15 reviews)

    Bar Island Photos

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    Spike
    Mercedes C.

    It's cosmic. I just can't describe it any other way- but it felt as if Moses had just separated the ocean and hubs and I literally- in every sense of the word- walked on dry land in 2021! Bar Island sits between the Skillings River and the town of Bar Harbor. We came here almost noon time in late March to get the inside scoop on tide times but were entranced by the scent, blueness of the ocean and dynamic waves and had to come back. We returned later that same day at 5:30ish when tide was low to experience this phenomenon. Because it was off peak season when we came here, we actually parked by a gravel road feet away from this rarity on high tide. Driving on dry land though, was a whole other story. We could've driven another minute or two to the next patch of land, but this was truly new to us and were so speechless, we didn't know what else to expect. But don't take my word for it. It's sublime. It's a miracle.

    Bar Island - high tide
    Winny L.

    Wow, Bar Island is definitely an interesting spot to visit while in Bar Harbor. Definitely heed the warning of high tide. The first day we went it was high tide...read the warning that is is only safe to cross the bar 1.5 hours before and after low tide. If one gets stranded due to high tide, will be there for 9 hours before the next low tide. Was nice to watch the water...very calming and peaceful just standing there. The next day went early during low tide around 8:30AM and went across and back within 30-45 mins to take pictures. Nice to cross over to Bar Island and take pictures. Went to have breakfast and came back to watch high tide slowly come in.... You can see the tide coming in faster as the land gets covered with water fast... Best to keep an eye on the time and the water.. Enjoy the dry land crossing over but make sure to get back before you get stuck... calling a water taxi for rescue can cost you plenty...

    Annette J.

    This spot is wild! One minute you're on Bar Harbor watching folks kayaking in the water between Bar Harbor and Bar Island and the next they're walking across the sandbar to the island thanks to low tide! Pretty neat. Part if Acadia National Park, Bar Island isn't populated and there isn't much on the island beyond a few beautiful hiking trails and some waterfront but it's still so cool. The experience of walking there across the water alone is worth doing. Lots of great nature to enjoy and the water is blue and beautiful (we watched a number of seagulls have a fresh crab lunch as they became exposed in the low tide). Just make sure you pay attention to the timing so you don't get caught at high tide. A townie told me they recently saw a van get taken into the ocean bc they drove over and didn't take the rushing returning tide into account. OOPS. Water taxis are available to scoop you up if you do get caught tho. But you'll have to pay money. The walking experience is free and memorable.

    Brian F.

    Fun walk on the land bridge over to the island. Very beautiful. Check the tide times. Kids will enjoy. Lots of shells and critters for them to explore. Less people in the morning, afternoons can get very crowded.

    Tanmay T.

    Don't miss the amazing view of the Bar Harbor from the island. It is a small island which is accessible by walk during low tides. I would highly recommend this hike before any moderate-difficult hikes in Acadia. You are walking on pebbles/stones most of the times, so wear shoes accordingly.

    Terry T.

    How cool is it to walk to an island? You can do it here and it's pretty amazing. The name on this page is actually incorrect, the name is "Bar Island." It's a tidal island located across from the town of Bar Harbor and is part of Acadia National Park. The island is uninhabited and heavily forested with walking paths for hiking. For about an hour and a half before and after the low tide the island is accessible by foot via a natural gravel land bridge. You can dig in the sand, find shells and seaweed or just pick up a few rocks for souvenirs. Cross all the way to the island and you can hike the trails and take in the spectacular views of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island. Make sure you take a watch and keep an eye on the time and the tide schedule or you are may find yourself stuck on the island with twelve feet of water blocking your access back to Bar Harbor. Fear not as you can safely cross again at the next low tide which will be another nine hours or so. It's a good idea to have your cell phone in case you get stuck on the island because you can call a water taxi to pick you up. Phone numbers for water taxi service are posted on signs on the island which state cost is approximately $150 and could take up to an hour. If you are in Bar Harbor do make an effort to visit Bar Island. The experience is definitely worth the minimal effort required and it's free.

    Brian S.

    An island that a town was named after. I dislike the star rating system for Yelp and wouldn't even use it if I didn't have to. It's so subjective that it means virtually nothing. Only the verbal description has any meaning. For a place like an island or park or beach there is no service or product; the place just is. You either appreciate it or you don't. Now that the editorial is over I can unequivocally say that this an absolute gorgeous island. It doesn't matter when you go because it takes on a different persona month by month. Ocean, wood, rock and wind makes for an exhilarating combination. You reach the island by going over a half mile long causeway. It tends to be under water a high tide so some care must be taken to manage time. Out of the vast hordes of people visiting Bar Harbor, very few actually make it across the causeway to the actual island that the town was named after. That's too bad because it's an incredible place that is easily accessible. It's part of the Arcadia National Park system and is heaven for hikers or especially sea yakers that enjoy rough, cold conditions. Once on the island you have several options. You can walk the extremely rocky beach that circles the island and be really close to the water and waves the whole time. It's a real ankle breaker so you better have good boots. Only a couple of miles but very slow going and more crawling that actual hiking. Or you can go inland and climb to the summit. A easy hike but one that gives fantastic views of Cadillac Mountain, the town, various boats and cruise ships and other islands in the distance. Or you can hike across the island and visit the swamps, huge boulders and flora that calls the island home. A wonderful place that is impossible to get tired of. The views are always stunning and invigorating and changes from season to season and even day to day. The island has a wonderful personality and is extremely welcoming and friendly. Just make sure you watch the tide.

    Looking at Bar Harbor from Island shore.

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    Acadia National Park - Jordan Pond @ Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park

    4.8(612 reviews)
    4.6 km

    Acadia National Park has been on my list of "must visit" parks for years. I've been talking to…read morevarious friends about a trip there for a while. While searching for a last-minute 4-day weekend birthday trip - the timing seemed to work out to visit Bar Harbor and Acadia. I was here from 30 April - 03 May and loved it. Not everything was open, but enough was open that I was able to explore and see most of what I wanted in Acadia (Cadillac mountain opened ON 30 April so, we were able to drive to the top, park and walk around without a permit/pass before season starts in a few weeks. We hiked Beehive, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, Homan's Trail and a few other short park and walk items. By far, my favorite was Beehive as it's just scary/steep enough to give you a thrill, gorgeous views. I also loved Homan's trail - easy and short, but beautiful rock work. The ranger also told me that one of the women who originally donated a ton of the land for Acadia and wanted to do so anonymously was last name Homan, so this is honor of her. And what a beautiful trail it is! The visitor's center is small but as always, friendly and helpful rangers who helped me prioritize my must-sees and map out the best use of time/driving to get to everything I wanted to do in two short days. Schooner Point lookout is also an easy/quick stop off before entering one of the park entrances - and a beautiful view of the ocean. Bar Harbor is charming and fun and welcoming and at that time in late April/early May - no waits for anything as season is just beginning. Can't wait to come back!

    I'd have to say that Acadia is one of my most favorite national parks…read more So much beautiful nature to see all around when hiking about. The park boasts over 120 miles of hiking trails. There are spots for swimming and kayaking and other water activities. Biking the trails is another great way to see wildlife on their natural habitat, foliage, and more. Granite peaks (like Cadillac Mountain) with spectacular views. A wonderful way to become with nature whilst checking the cost off your must-see list.

    Photos
    Acadia National Park - Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park - Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

    Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park - Acadia National Park

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    Acadia National Park

    Schooner Head Overlook

    Schooner Head Overlook

    5.0(2 reviews)
    1.0 km

    This was something I wanted to explore as I found it online while researching…read more We came here before entering the park and I found the short walk/hike down to the rocks easy (maybe 0.2 of a mile?) and the rocks are flat enough here that you can easily walk around a little and see the view from different angles. No one else was here while I was visiting (01 May) and I was able to take photos and enjoy the ocean. Gorgeous views.

    What a stunning location. Turn before you hit the park entrance pass station,and you'll come out in…read morea parking lot that was, at the time we visited, nearly empty. The views from the lot are lovely enough, but the short (.25 mile) hike down to the cliff edge is absolutely worth it. If you are severely mobility challenged, you will probably want to stick to the parking lot overlook. If you are comfortable with a paved downhill slope, the views along the water are worth it. As you get to the end of the path, there will be natural rock steps toward the water and tidal pools. Avoid taking early shortcuts -- the path down to the incredible tidal pools is easier if you follow the path to its natural conclusion. I'd recommend wearing sturdy, waterproof shoes with a good grip, and taking extreme caution with every step -- even at the best possible viewing time (maybe an hour or so before low tide) -- the rocks will be slippery and falling is very easy. You will see tidal pools all along the shoreline, and there is a stunning sea cave accessible during low tide. I would continue to the natural end of the path and double back along the shoreline and tidal pools to get to the cave. Otherwise the scramble down is quite rough. The sea cave is worth the effort if you arrive prior to low tide. However, this is an area where the dangers of rising tide are acute. Be safe. Be smart. And enjoy!!

    Photos
    Schooner Head Overlook - Sea cave at low tide

    Sea cave at low tide

    Schooner Head Overlook
    Schooner Head Overlook

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    Moose Point State Park

    Moose Point State Park

    4.5(4 reviews)
    58.8 km

    I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? Kind of. Well marked signs? Not really. Element of surprise? No. For Cumberland County folks, Moose Point feels like a combination of Fort Williams Park and Mackworth Island. It's got grassy knolls to picnic on with views of Penobscot Bay, evergreen groves to meander through via wide and well maintained trails (some of which have benches, some of which have little staircases leading down to the pebbled water's edge), a gazebo for events, and during low tide there are tidal pools to explore (during high tide it's much more difficult to navigate because it's mostly just uneven rocks and not much of a shore). I think this is a beautiful spot in midcoast Maine, and I'm glad there are locations like it throughout the state. Personally, I don't necessarily feel the need to come back (except to get my Maine State Parks Passport Stamp!!!), just because we have something soooooooooooo similar so close. But I can see how it's a draw for so many!

    A hidden in plain sight gem of Maine! Moose Point State Park is sandwiched between route1 & the…read moreocean. We visited just before the season &, as such, parked outside the gate & walked in. There are many picnic table to enjoy lunch, a group pavilion, a playground & hiking trails to enjoy the ocean views. It would be well worth the $3/person fee in-season to enjoy this park. In particular, go in to the right ocean corner of the open area past the playground & there's a level easy walking path along the ocean out to a point with 270' water views. Give enough time to take pictures. We met the park ranger & had a lovely conversation about the local birds & the park's resident fox. Allot 1-2 hours, bring a picnic lunch & bring your camera.

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    Moose Point State Park
    Moose Point State Park

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    Park Street Playground - Park view from parking lot

    Park Street Playground

    4.6(8 reviews)
    0.6 km

    Playground has something for everyone. Equipment is all new and well taken care of. Nice wood chips…read moreno dogs allowed so no pee or poop to worry about. Kids could complete a whole obstacle/ninja course. Kids are 7 and 5.

    This is the nicest playground I have ever seen. If I could rate it 10 stars, I would…read more It was so clean, well kept and huge. Plus, it's all fenced in which is a must have in my opinion for a perfect park. The equipment was great for a variety of ages - my two year old had a blast! There are restrooms across the street by the baseball field that also has a water fountain and a place to refill water bottles, which is so handy. There are trash cans, plenty of benches and a couple of picnic tables to use while your kiddos burn some energy. There is a small parking lot by the park, or I'm assuming you could park across the street by the ball field. There are also hooks to hang jackets or diaper bags. No dogs allowed - which even as a dog owner/lover, I prefer for kid parks because not everyone cleans up after their fur kids, and I don't want to have to worry about that nonsense when letting my kid play. Also, there is one of those "free library" cases out front. Love seeing these pop up all over the place. I didn't get to peek at what was inside, but love the idea. But anyway, great park! Wish I would've stumbled upon it earlier in our week here!

    Photos
    Park Street Playground
    Park Street Playground - Picnic table, bench and trash can - more throughout the park

    Picnic table, bench and trash can - more throughout the park

    Park Street Playground - Small area with some musical stuff inside

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    Small area with some musical stuff inside

    Shore Path

    Shore Path

    4.7(20 reviews)
    0.4 km

    The compromise that seems to have been made involves a set of private properties that go near to…read morethe shore, but then a path that is open to the public right on the shoreline. It is a narrow space but plenty wide enough to walk in two directions. The views are majestic, so thankfully people that didn't invest in waterfront property have access to them. The length of the path is modest and it adjoins other parklands, and there is no reason not to stop by when in town.

    Breathe in the sea air along this easy walk along Shore Path. Guests and locals have been strolling…read morealong this peaceful path since the late 1800s. Start at Agamont Path and follow the trail along the edge of Frenchman Bay. It winds past the historic and once exclusive private Reading Room, now the restaurant of the Bar Harbor Inn, former private residences and summer homes, including The Briars (Nelson Rockefeller's birthplace), and Balance Rock. During the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 to 30,000 years ago, a glacier creeped along the mountains in Acadia carving the landscape, creating what became lakes as the ice melted and moving huge boulders known as glacial erratics to where they sit precariously today. Balance Rock is a beautiful example of a huge rock that was picked up and moved by the glacier many miles from where it was originally. Geologists estimate that it may have come from a location near Bangor which is 40 miles away. The pink or white roses that grow along the Shore Path are Rosa rugosa which are native to China and Japan. Rugose means "corrugated" or "wrinkled" and refers to the wrinkled leaves. This is in contrast to native Maine roses that have smooth leaves. After the rose hips bloom and the blossoms fade out, the fruit of the rose can be eaten. They are a good source of Vitamin C. So nice to be able to spend a tranquil summer morning walking along this scenic walkway.

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    Shore Path - Museum in the Streets

    Museum in the Streets

    Shore Path
    Shore Path

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    Bar Island - parks - Updated May 2026

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