Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?

Acadia National Park is special, it may sound cheesy, but there is just something about it. It’s hard not to fall in love with the place, where the mountains touch the sea. There’s a reason it’s known as the crown jewel of the North Atlantic. I consider this park my “home” National Park, or at least it was for the 7 years that I called New England home. It’s a place I love to explore with the huskies, but let’s talk about: is Acadia dog-friendly?

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The Big Question: Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?

In fact, Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the United States! It’s a great place to bring your pups, find out more below!

Know Before You Go: Pup Edition 

• Dogs should be kept on a leash (6 ft max) at all times 

• Dogs should never be left unattended 

• Clean up after your pup! (This is a pet peeve of mine)  

• Dogs are permitted on most trails, but there are a few exceptions (see below)

• Most campgrounds at Acadia are dog-friendly (Duck Harbor is the exception)
  • There is a 4-dog maximum per campsite. 

Keep In Mind: Pup Edition 

• Ticks are prevalent and are worst in spring and fall. Mosquitos are also horrible in the summer, so make sure to bring pet-friendly bug spray and tick repellent. And treat your dogs for heartworm. Yes, they get heartworm from mosquitos (I had no idea). You can find our favorite pet-friendly tick and bug spray.

• Make sure to bring plenty of water with you if you are hiking on trails, particularly longer trails. Loki always gets insanely thirsty while hiking. I always make sure to carry plenty of water in my backpack. I always carry this insulated bottle and this collapsible bowl with me.
  • Bring treats or a snack for the pups if the trails are long. My pups love these and these.

• Keep your dogs at a respectful distance from wildlife, including turtles and birds. 

• Never leave your dog unattended inside the park. This includes at campsites!

Even More To Keep In Mind: Pup Edition

• Make sure to bring poop bags and clean up after your dog. You would think this would be a given, but I can’t tell you how many times we’ve come across poop on trails! Trust me, I know it sucks sometimes, Loki leaves some bombs behind, but I always carry those smelly bags until I find a trash can. It’s just part of being a dog person.
  • I love these bags (they are super durable), and this little thing can be a lifesaver!

• It’s never a bad idea to have a dog first aid kit with you. I use this one. 

• Make sure you allow time for your pups to take a break. Hiking with dogs may slow you down a bit at first but it’s worth it to share that time with them! 

Acadia boasts an incredible 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that you can enjoy with your pup(s)!

According to NPS, these Trails Are Off Limits For Pups: 

• Precipice Trail 
• Beehive Trail 
• Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain 
• Beech Cliffs Trail 
• Perpendicular Trail 
• Jordan Cliffs Trail (between Penobscot East Trail and the carriage road)

Many of the trails listed above have rungs, ladders, or steep cliff drops, and this why dogs are not permitted on them.

Important To Know: 

DO NOT GO INTO THE WATER! Pets (and HUMANS) are prohibited from entering most of the water in the park. You see, most lakes in the park are public water supplies, and no swimming is allowed this included both pets and people. Both Sand Beach and Echo Lake are pet-friendly if you go at the right time of year. The exception is during peak seasons for Sand Beach it’s June 15-Sept 8 and for Echo Lake, that’s May 15-Sept 15. 

Have Your Pup Become A Bark Ranger: 

Acadia also offers the Bark Ranger program. You may be thinking, what in the world is a Bark Ranger? Well, the program teaches dog owners about the importance of following the Rules of B.A.R.K. while visiting Acadia. Dogs completing the short program can be sworn in as Bark Rangers and their owners will be eligible to purchase a special Bark Ranger collar tag at the Eastern National Bookstore at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Find out more here. 

Bark stands for 

• B = Bag Your Poop 
• A = Always Wear a Leash
• R = Respect Wildlife 
• K = Know Where To Go

This initiative is important because Acadia is ranked among one of the most dog-friendly National Parks in the US and everyone wants to keep it that way!! I know I do! 

What To Pack For The Pups

• Extra Tags (in case of loss)
• Rabies Vaccine Record – Vet/General Vaccine Record
• Leashes
• Harnesses
• Hammock Seat Cover
• Dog Seat Belts
• Crate/Kennel 
• Dog Bed (I usually bring one for the car)
• Food & Water Bowls
• Food & Extra Water 
• Care Products – I always bring Benadryl, Famotidine, Nose & Paw Ointment 
• Dog First Aid Kit 
• Poop Bags (and please use them) And THIS handy little thing
• Cleaning Supplies (at least carpet cleaner)
• Toys/Kong/Bones/Treats (Freya needs distractions on long roadtrips)
• Ball (its always a good idea to have at least a ball)
• 50 ft leashes for Airbnb yards 
• Towels (esp if you have messy dogs like mine)
• A Current Photo (in case they get lost)
• Backpack 
• Collapsible Water Bowl

Need A FREE Printable Checklist For Your Next Adventure With Your Pups?

12 Fun Dog Friendly Adventures At Acadia 

1. Take A Scenic Drive On Park Loop Road –

The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the main artery of the park and will take you past all of the Acadia highlights! Make sure to give yourself at least a few hours, because trust me, you will want to stop a lot to take it all in. 

2. Take A Hike –

For a list of all my favorite trails to hike at Acadia with Loki and Freya, click here! The huskies and I love the Wonderland Trail right away in the morning or the South Ridge Trail if you are looking for something a bit more difficult. 

Check Out: 10 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes At Acadia

3. Eat Lobster Rolls –

My absolute favorite lobster roll comes from Acadia National Park. I consider myself a lobster roll connoisseur at this point. And BONUS the restaurant is pretty dog-friendly! Check out Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound on the quiet side of the island for the best lobster roll on the planet (in my opinion). Make sure to get ice cream for dessert and share it with the pups. 

Check Out: The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine

4. Eat Even More –

Jordan Pond House has some pretty famous popovers! The outdoor area with picnic tables is dog-friendly. So grab your popovers to go and hang out with your pup while you enjoy the view. You can also hike the Jordan Pond Trail to walk off those popovers! 

5. Visit Cadillac Mountain –

You can’t go to Acadia and not check out Cadillac Mountain. Our favorite hike is the South Ridge Trail. But if you aren’t into hiking you can drive to the top of Cadillac and just enjoy the view! 

Acadia Pro Tip: You will need to make a reservation to visit Cadillac Mountain during peak season. Here’s what you need to know…

• You can make your reservations through Recreation.gov
• Reservations need to be made May 26 – Oct 19
• This is in addition to an entrance pass is required for all locations in Acadia National Park
• Print, download or screenshot your confirmation code to display since connectivity can be spotty approaching the check station
• There is an entry time window for each vehicle reservation – two hours for sunrise and 30 minutes for daytime 
• There is no limit on the length of time visitors may remain parked in the reservation area
• 30% of available vehicle reservations are released 90 days ahead of each calendar date on a rolling basis
• 70% are released at 10 am ET two days ahead of each date to allow visitors a bit more trip spontaneity

6. Check Out Sand Beach –

If you visit Acadia National Park anytime besides peak season (June 15-Sept 8) it is dog-friendly! I don’t know about your pups, but Loki and Freya love digging in the sand and running into the waves. It’s a nice place to relax and enjoy the beautiful rocky coastline. 

7. Take In A Sunrise Or Sunset –

Acadia has some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets I’ve ever seen. You don’t want to miss them! Click here to read more about sunrises at Acadia and being the first to see the sunrise in the US (at the right time of year). Sunsets are amazing at Acadia and there are so many hidden places to take them in! I always make it a game to see how many new places I can find for sunrise or sunset on each trip to Acadia. 

Check Out: The Best Sunrise Spots At Acadia National Park

8. Check Out The Carriage Roads –

There are 45 miles of Carriage Roads through Acadia. Although they were originally intended for horses and carriages, they are not used primarily for biking and walking with pups! The carriage road around Eagle Lake was our favorite. 

9. Visit Downtown Bar Harbor –

Bar Harbor is one of those perfect picturesque New England towns. You won’t run out of restaurant or shopping options downtown! Make sure to check out the 11 Can’t Miss Shops In Bar Harbor. A great pup-friendly option is Bark Harbor (Loki and Freya LOVE the treats here).

Check Out: 11 Fun Things To Do In Bar Harbor, Maine

10. Coffee And Harbor Views Downtown –

Grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich at my absolute favorite quick breakfast place in Bar Harbor – Coffee Hound or Acadia Perk! I love the Maple and the Chai Tea Latte. The Nutella crepe is also delicious. They’ll even make your pup his/her own special drink, just ask! Then head to Agamont Park to enjoy your coffee and take in those beautiful harbor views.

Check Out: One Day In Acadia With Dogs

11. Take A Cruise –

Downeast Windjammer Cruises offers cruises that are pet friendly. How awesome is that? Pups must be kept on a leash at all times and it is ultimately up to the Captain depending on the dog’s size, behavior, and the number of passengers on board. It is not recommended to bring pups for the fishing boat tours or the longer cruises for their own safety. 

12. Check Out Little Long Pond Off Leash Area –

If the pups somehow need to get even more energy out check out Little Long Pond! This 1,000 acre park/off-leash area is sure to wear your pups out! 

Mapping Out 12 Dog Friendly Adventures Acadia:

If you are looking for a stunning National Park to visit with your pups this year, I highly recommend Acadia. I’ve been at least a dozen times now and cannot wait to go back this fall! Acadia has something for everyone and plenty to keep the pup(s) busy, it’s perfect for a dog friendly adventure this summer or fall.

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