The compromise that seems to have been made involves a set of private properties that go near to the 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. read more

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Breathe in the sea air along this easy walk along Shore Path. Guests and locals have been strolling along 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. read more

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What a hidden gem this quaint little stroll is! I was walking around exploring the charming town of Bar Harbor, and just randomly stumbled upon this short half mile walk each way! If I wasn't so enamored with the scenery of Bar Harbor, I never would have found this path. Lucky me....because in my opinion, this pleasant path sums up all that is Maine! It starts right by the Bar Harbor Inn Restaurant and Hotel right off the pier, and winds around the backyards of beautiful mansions all the while exuding wonderful views of the water, coastline and beyond! Some of my best photographs from Bar Harbor came from browsing this simple walkway. Along my saunter, there was a cruise ship docked in the water that made the perspectives that much better. Also along the way, you'll have as many opportunities as you'd like to get off the path and step out on the rocks right up against the shore. It's not dangerous at all and absolutely gives you a chance to take a moment, soak up the surroundings, and genuinely appreciate how pretty of a place this is. This Shore Path turned out to be the HIGHLIGHT of my touring around Bar Harbor, lol. It was so unexpected, but I was happy to embrace it. And combined with exploring Acadia National Park for the weekend, it turned out to be a memorable getaway for me. So when visiting Bar Harbor, ABSOLUTELY DON'T FORGET to stop by this Shore Path and walk it. It precisely captivates the true essence of what Maine's rocky coastline is all about! read more

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Great outdoor time. Great views and things to see. It was great in the off-season and would be nice to see again in warm weather.

Incorporated this into my daily morning walk. Great views but can get crowded especially when the cruise ships come in. The morning fog could hide its beauty. Regardless, it worth a visit at least once. Even the kids enjoyed. read more

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We walked this picturesque path before strolling through downtown Bar Harbor. The signs are helpful with some of the history and the view is breathtaking. We were there when the beach roses were blooming so it was a fragrant walk as well as beautiful. Definitely a 'must do' if you like a scenic view. Would be good for those in wheelchairs or with strollers. read more

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Great way to get a view of the harbor and be close to the water. The path has the occasional sign that gives you a brief history/explanation of the buildings, landscape, etc. (Did you know lobster used to be fed to prisoners or used as manure?) It's not a strenuous path at all and thus is perfect for all ages. A bit on the shorter end, but definitely worth it regardless. read more

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Great walk along the shoreline. Well maintained easy path past beautiful inns and mansions. Saw squirrels and a turtle!

As soon as we docked into Bar Harbor from the Regal Princess's tender boat/lifeboat, we immediately came across the Shore Path. Since the path entrance was right next to the lifeboat dock, we decided to start our day by walking on this. As the name suggests, this is a path that runs parallel to the water. Started in 1880, the path itself isn't very long and runs from downtown to a residential area. As we walked, we saw the views of the water. It looked rather gloomy due to the overcast skies and the increasing wind gusts. It would have looked nicer during a sunny day. We even saw our cruise ship and other various smaller boats either docked, anchored or sailing around in the water. Next, we saw some rocks that were available by the water and on the side of the path. The formations that we saw on those rocks looked quite unique. Just be careful when you're climbing on or off of them. Same applies for walking over. In the distance, we were able to see some Fall folliage, even though the weather wasn't that great. Lastly, we saw some views of private residences and inns. Overall, I'd say this is a very good small path. I do recommend walking here if you're visiting, especially on a bright, sunny day. A small path = a small review. read more

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Excellent walking trail that if in the area of bar harbor, you have to do. You will meet a lot of friendly locals who will take the time to point out some notes of history as well as you can join them on their walk. read more

An absolute must if you are in Bar Harbor. This is a very easy walk with beautiful views of the water and islands in the harbor. read more

Shore Path - Hiking Near Me

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A path by the shore The shore path is a trail that starts by the town pier in the center of Bay Harbor and continues for a little over a mile until it suddenly ends. You then have to retrace you steps or take one of the paved streets back to town. The path is very easy to walk on; no steep hills of rocks to climb over. A nice crushed rock surface so it's a good place for people that have their mobility compromised but still want to enjoy a nice walk by the water. The sights on both side of the path are stunning with huge homes with manicured lawns on one side and views of Frenchman Bay on the other. Numerous island, including Bar Harbor and Porcupine Island are visible as well as a multitude of ships, both huge and new and small and old. Frequent elaborate weddings, graduations and other celebrations are held on the lawns along the path. The weather in this area is extremely unpredictable and you might start out in fog, wind and rain and end up in warm sunshine at the end. In the winter fierce storms rip through the harbor and huge waves actually break over the path, making a cool and dangerous contrast to the usually benign conditions in the summer. Certainly not the most exciting place to walk. Go up Cadillac Mountain a few miles to the north if you want some challenging hiking. The Shore Path is a pleasant little stroll right from the center of town that offers the dichotomy of pristine nature on one side and the extravagance of humans on the other. read more

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I didn't even notice this path on my first trip here! The Shore Path (circa 1880, as the sign states) is a cute little path along the waterfront that passes by cannons, a gazebo, private residences, and summer rentals. While it's technically in a tourist hotspot, I feel like it's a gem hiding in plain sight. While I was in town with a friend, we were drawn more towards the ice cream and neon lights. On a second trip, I stumbled upon this path while looking for a place to watch the sunset and this was seriously the best! It's nice and quiet, and there are little stops where you can read a bit about the history of lobster fishermen and the Bar Harbor area. If you've got 30 minutes to spare after dinner, take a stroll down the Shore Path! :) read more

This historic path has delighted visitors and locals since 1880. I walked the well maintained path, handicapped and stroller accessible, twice during our recently concluded vacation, each time turning right on Wayman Lane and returning via Main Street. The path, beginning at Town Pier, runs in front of the Bar Harbor Inn while hugging the rocky shoreline as it continues in a southeasterly direction for a 1/2 mile. The views of water traffic including cruise ships, the Porcupine Islands and million dollar estates are spectacular. Opportunities for photos are many, do be sure to include a few of balance rock. read more

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Beautiful path that highlights the best of Bar Harbor's shoreline. It's a mile total. You'll pass some fantastic houses along the way and see the picturesque islands that make this such a magnet for cruise ships. read more

Shore Path - Bar Harbor Shoreline - Hiking Near Me

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This beautiful path along the shoreline is an easy walk to take in the harbor and look at the beautiful homes along the way. The walk back through the village is cool as well and you'll see quaint homes of the yore, including one where Rocker Feller Jr., stayed one summer and his first son was born. Great trivia. read more

Shore Path - Hiking Near Me

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If you are looking to go outside and do something but are not into a wild hike this shore path is a perfect walk that is only a couple miles. It is right on the water and has some amazing views! read more

This path was created in the 1800s. It's a paved, flat easy walk along the water past beautiful homes. Nice for a stroll after dinner.

The Shore Path Trail is a quaint and less than a mile pathway along the waterfront. It offers some gorgeous views of the ocean and some private residences. It definitely is a bit hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town which is nice. There usually isn't a ton of people on the path and it can be a bit narrow at some parts. Don't forget to read the plaque about the Balance Rock and take the typical tourist picture with it! A must do as it takes a short time and gives you a better view of the Atlantic. read more

This is a gorgeous walking path along the ocean. Love seeing up close the granite rocks that form the island. Very relaxing and peaceful. Unfortunately I'm here at a foggy/rainy time. Still pretty but would be gorgeous when sunny. read more