10 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes at Acadia

Acadia is actually one of the most pet-friendly National Parks in the United States. The first National Park east of the Mississippi boasts nearly 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that you can enjoy with your pups. With so many options the possibilities seem endless but there are 5 can’t miss dog friendly hikes at Acadia, in my opinion!

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Cadillac Mountain Reservation System

In case you missed it last season – There is now a Cadillac Mountain Reservation System in place at Acadia. This initiative is in place to limit the number of vehicles that can travel to the Cadillac Mountain summit at one time. Here’s what you need to know:

• This starts April 1 at 10 am (ET) 
• 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

Find out more here.

Know Before You Go:

• There are some exceptions, including most of the water within the park. Most lakes are public water supplies and no swimming of any kind is allowed. This includes both pets and people. Sand Beach and Echo Lake are pet-friendly if you go during the offseason. During peak seasons no dogs are allowed at either location. For Sand Beach, the peak season is June 15-Sept 8 and for Echo Lake, it’s May 15-Sept 15. 

• There are also several trails where the pups are prohibited. These include the Precipice, Bee Hive, Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain, Beech Cliffs Trail, Perpendicular Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail between Penobscot East Trail and the carriage road. 

• NPS does not recommend the following trails for the pup(s), Acadia Mountain, Flying Mountain, Giant Slide, Cadillac Mountain (west face), Bubble and Jordan’s Ponds Path (between carriage road and Featherbed Pond), Norembega Goat Trail, Bubbles-Pemetic Trail, Penobscot Mountain Trail, Upper Beachcroft Trail, and Upper Gorge Trail. 

• Essentially use your best judgment. The trails where dogs are prohibited are for good reason. Most of them have rungs or ladder or open cliff faces that are incredibly dangerous for your furry friend. 

• Dogs are welcomed in all campgrounds and camping at Acadia is a great way to experience the park with your pups!
  • Check Out: The Complete Guide To Camping At Acadia With Dogs

National Park Dog Friendly Rating:

Check Out: Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?

What To Pack For The Pups

• Biodegradable Poop Bags (and please use them)

Toys/Kong/Bones/Treats – Freya needs distractions on long road trips

• Ball (it’s always a good ideas to have at least one ball)

Want A Free Printable Checklist To Help Prepare You For Your Next Adventure?

Let’s get to it – those dog friendly hikes that you just can’t miss on your next trip to Acadia…

10 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes at Acadia

1. Wonderland Trail –

• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 78 ft

The Wonderland Trail is our absolute favorite. It’s a perfect early morning or a late evening peaceful sanctuary. Yes, it’s an easy hike at 1.6 miles but early in the morning or late in the evening you will most likely find that you are the only person there. It IS on the “quiet side” of the island and perhaps why it seems to be so underrated. 

I hung out here for at least an hour and just let Loki play on the pebble beach. We watched lobster boats pass by and Loki was up to his normal craziness. He loved digging in the pebbles. It was one of my favorite moments of the trip. 

Bonus – Head Back For Sunset

Sunsets on the Wonderland Trail are pretty magical. I will say, you won’t have a full sunset view from here, but it’s close and incredibly stunning. If you can’t get a Cadillac Mountain reservation or don’t want to fight the crowds at Bass Harbor Lighthouse for sunset this is a great option.

Loki and I had the entire beach/area to ourselves for this sunset and it was amazing. Although I will say pay attention during this time of the day because the tide comes in pretty quickly! It’s the perfect dog friendly hike at Acadia for sunset!

Check Out: Best Sunrise Spots At Acadia

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 5 out of 5

2. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail –

• Distance: 8.1 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 2,283 ft

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is a wonderful day hike, but it’s an 8 miler so make sure to bring plenty of extra water for the pups and check what daytime temps will be before setting out.

It’s also an option to be dropped off at the top of Cadillac Mountain (now harder because of the reservation system) and hike down the South Ridge Trail which conveniently leads right to Blackwoods Campground. 

Insider Tip: If you can’t get a sunrise or sunset reservation for Cadillac Mountain you can always hike this trail for either sunrise or sunset! Just remember to bring your headlamp!

Another option is to hike part of the trail and turn around. On my trip in 2019, it was a hot day and I didn’t feel like Loki was up to a hike that long. So, I hiked down a few miles and turned around, and hiked back up. It worked out well for Loki and I still got to see some of those gorgeous views. 

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 5 Out Of 5

3. Great Head Trail –

• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 265 ft

There are several options for the Great Head Trail. There is a short version that is only 1.6 miles and considered moderate. It’s a really fun (shorter) day hike and it’s a great trail for both younger and older dogs.

The other option is the full loop and it’s honestly not that much longer. At 1.8 miles with a moderate rating, it’s very doable for any/all dogs. 

In any case, it’s a great option for a shorter hike with very pretty views of Sand Beach. Although, keep in mind that if you are visiting during peak season your dogs will not be permitted on the beach. I went in the middle of May and the dogs were allowed on the beach. They loved it! 

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 5 Out Of 5

4. Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail –  

• Distance: 3.4 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 95 ft

Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail – For an early morning hike with gorgeous views of the bubbles go straight to Jordan Pond Loop Trail! Morning is the best time to go because this trail becomes incredibly congested as the day goes on. With the boardwalks to keep people/pets off of what is growing below it can be a challenge to keep dogs on the planks and Loki got his feet stuck a few times.

Tip: Keep in mind that this trail is heavily trafficked. Including people who run the plank boardwalks. 

Tip: Also, don’t make my mistake, and honestly, I’ve made this mistake so many times, but I wore my chucks on this hike. It wasn’t intentional, I went out to shoot sunrise and wasn’t planning to hike. I do this all of the time; I find a random trail and end up hiking. I’m just keeping my boots in the car from now on, problem solved!

Tip: the west side of the trail there are some boulders that you will need to climb over. So, this trail isn’t great for flip flops or chucks, or strollers.

Don’t be like me, wear the right shoes! 

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 5 Out Of 5

5. Gorham Mountain Trail –

• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 449 ft

This trail is good for all skill levels and has some stunning views and beautiful wildflowers in the summer. I’ve hiked this trail without dogs before and I would say it would be great for most dogs. If you’ve got older pups the elevation gain may bother them a bit.

You also get really amazing views on this trail for a fairly short hike. It’s a great trail all around.

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 5 Out Of 5

7. Jesup Trail –

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 78 ft

The main draw for the Jesup Trail is the picturesque boardwalk and its ease. If you are looking for a hardcore hike then this is not the trail for you (or your pups). However, if you want a nice relaxing walk through the woods on this very pretty boardwalk then this is the right trail for you.

The trail is also great for birdwatching and it’s suggested that you hike the loop clockwise for both gorgeous views and happy legs!

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 4 Out Of 5

8. Lower Haddlock Pond Trail –

• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 101 ft

Lower Haddlock Pond is a great choice if you are looking for an easy early morning. It’s also fantastic right after it rains because you will get full views of the waterfall. If you visit after it rains, just keep in mind, that the trail will be muddy and your dogs will love it!!

There is also a waterfall on this trail but unless it has rained recently you won’t see much more than a dribble of water. It was completely dried up on my August 2019 morning hike. However, on my early September morning hike in 2021, it was such a beautiful waterfall after some rainfall!

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 4 Out Of 5

9. Ocean Path Trail –

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 374 ft

Ocean Path Trail is a great way to see some Acadia highlights. It’s also a spectacular place to take in a sunrise, and if you’re lucky, you get it all to yourself. I was the only person on Ocean Path at sunrise! But you can also see Thunder Hole, Monument Cave, and Otter Point on Ocean Path.

Keep in mind that parts of Ocean Path run along Park Loop Road. There is a clear paved path in those areas but it’s worth mentioning for pet parents that aren’t comfortable with their pups walking along the road. Early in the morning, you can have most of the path to yourself and honestly, there isn’t much traffic early either.

Even if you go mid-day it’s a great hike for the pups and one of our favorites!

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 5 Out Of 5

10. The Carriage Roads –

Any of the 45 miles of carriage trails – There are around 45 miles of carriage roads that you can enjoy with your pups. Most of these are in heavily wooded areas and make a great escape when it’s raining. While Loki wasn’t allowed in any of the water, he still managed to get wet and muddy on our carriage road walk. 

• Update for 2021: Access to Eagle Lake Carriage Road will be restricted because of a construction/maintenance project.

Well Worn Shoes Rating: 3 Out Of 5

Bonus –

While staying at Seawall Campground or after hiking Wonderland Trail stop at Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound on the quiet side of the island for the best lobster rolls at Acadia. Since the seating is outside, the pups can enjoy it with you! Make sure to get some ice cream to share with them for dessert. 

Or head down to Seawall Picnic Area (less then 5 minutes down the road) for ocean views with your lobster rolls!

Look at this cute little man trying to get some of my lobster! haha Fun fact about Loki – he hates potatoes in any form. He will not eat french fries, tatter tots, anything! haha

Future Trails For Loki and Freya –

• Eagle Lake Loop Trail 
• South Bubbles Trail
• North Bubbles Trail 
• Hunters Beach Trail

Acadia is one of my absolute favorite National Park. It’s an incredible place to share with your pups and I highly recommend bringing them for your next visit!

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