Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly? Tips & Rules

How dog friendly is Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is widely considered one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S. Dogs are allowed on over 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, which is far more access than most parks offer.

While you won’t be able to do every hike, you can still experience most of the park with your dog.

Acadia Dog Rules at a Glance

Here are a few key dog rules to know before visiting:

• Dogs must be on a leash (max 6 feet).
• Dogs are allowed on over 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads.
• Dogs are NOT allowed on ladder trails or steep climbs.
• Some beaches are restricted in summer.
• Dogs are not allowed in public buildings.

Park Fees at Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park charges $35 per private vehicle for a seven-day pass. Motorcycles are $30, and individual visitors on foot or bicycle pay $20.

Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older must pay an additional $100 per person fee unless they are entering with an annual pass or America the Beautiful pass.

If you’re planning to visit multiple U.S. national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful annual pass can be a better value, covering entrance fees across all parks.

Keep in mind that some popular areas, like Cadillac Mountain, require a separate vehicle reservation during peak season, even if you already have a park pass.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do at Acadia National Park

Let’s get into what you likely came here for: dog-friendly things to do at Acadia. We had a lot of fun with our own dog once we had an idea of where she was welcome and where she’d feel comfortable.

I don’t feel like we missed out on much, either, and she’d certainly agree.

The Park Loop Road

Your pup is welcome to accompany you along the Park Loop Road, the most scenic drive in Acadia National Park. The loop is 27 miles through some of the most magical scenery at Acadia, with all kinds of possibilities for short walks to overlooks along the way. 

Note: There are some sections of the road that are one-way only. That means if you miss an exit, you may not see it again for a while. Plot out tops ahead of time so you’re not wasting time doubling back or miss any stops that were on your Acadia bucket list.

Cadillac Mountain

You can bring dogs to Cadillac Mountain. The NPS just doesn’t recommend dogs on the west face of Cadillac Mountain, a steep 3.1-mile ascent to the summit. They’re welcome to drive up to the summit with you, though.

We just did the scenic drive with pullouts along the way. The drive to the summit was harrowing enough without tackling some of the trails that head up the mountain.

Whether you’re traveling with your pup or leaving them at home, you do need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain in the peak-season summer months and through much of October.

That’s a good thing. It relieves congestion in one of the most popular areas of the park.

Make your reservations online before you travel. You won’t be able to get them upon arrival at Acadia with your furry friends.

Little Long Pond

This swim spot is one of the only off-leash areas near Acadia. (It’s just outside the park, so not technically on national park turf. Your pup must be leashed anywhere in the national park.)

To get there, pass Seal Harbor Beach as you enter Seal Harbor. Directly across from Bracy Cove, you’ll see an entrance with a wooden gate. You’ve arrived!

The pond is open year-round from dawn to dusk. If you’d like to swim with your pet, humans are welcome into the water, too. Just be respectful of this special place so that dog owners can continue to use it for years to come.

READ MORE: If you’re on a longer road trip and want to visit my favorite dog-friendly destination on the planet, check this out next!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, or Bass Harbor Head Light Station, isn’t the most picturesque lighthouse in Maine, but it’s dog-friendly if you keep your pet outside.

You’ll have to trek a little under half a mile to get up there, but we were able to handle our visit on tired legs.

There are a few trails that start from here and rocky areas to climb down for looks from below, but make sure your pup is adept at rocks and breakers if you go.  

Honestly, I’m a sucker for any lighthouse in Maine, so if Acadia is your only opportunity for some lighthouse action, you should make this one happen.

READ MORE: We saw a lot of lighthouses around the state. See a few in my fall in New England guide.

Dog-Friendly Trails in Acadia National Park

There are quite a few trails available to visiting dogs at Acadia, so you could spend quite a bit of time in the park with your pet. Here are our favorites based on feedback from Kimmy.

Ocean Path Trail (4.5 miles)

Have your pup practice their summer sunshine poses (or their fall looks) along this scenic trail. It’s out-and-back, so turn around wherever feels right. We did the full trek, starting at Sand Beach and stopping at Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole.

Dogs can go to Thunder Hole, too. Just make sure they’re leashed — they should be on a six-foot leash anyway throughout the park — and won’t mind the potential noise and crowds at this popular attraction.

Fun fact: Thunder Hole is named for the waves that crash against the rocks in the narrow inlet. Water spouts here go as high as 40 feet during ideal thunder conditions.

That can freak out the most well-behaved dog, and both dogs and small kids can have some trouble navigating the rocks.

You’ll know if your dog is able to handle Thunder Hole as soon as you get there. You’ll be able to see down below from an overlook at the parking lot.

Jordan Pond Nature Trail (0.8 miles) 

Dogs are allowed at Jordan Pond if you know where to go. This easy loop is just under a mile with minimal elevation gain, so it’s a great leg stretcher for you and your pup.

Consider this one more of a walk through the woods than a hike. Hike this one early in the morning if you don’t want to share too much of the trail with other walkers.

Jordan Pond Path (3.1 miles) 

If you love the idea of hiking Jordan Pond but feel like you’re missing out on the nature trail, this is just as easy…but longer. Start this one with your pup early as well, as it does get crowded on those boardwalks.

Wonderland Trail (1.4 miles)

This easy trail is family- and dog-friendly, and especially fun at low tides if you’re into tide pooling. There were some rocky sections along the way, but nothing that our pup couldn’t handle.

We found a flat section toward the end of the trail that allowed for a perfect rest and lunch stop with our pooch. This one usually isn’t busy, either, unless you’re here at sunset.

The Carriage Roads

Acadia National Park has 45 miles of carriage roads for you to enjoy that are all dog-friendly. Back in the day, these were used for those traveling via horse and carriage, so you know they’re good enough for your mutts.

The roads were built to keep people on designated trails and to give them scenic views as they did so. As they’re not as well-maintained as some of the popular hiking trails in the park, they can experience closures in inclement weather.

Check out the NPS website before you head out to make sure your chosen carriage trail is open. The park’s carriage road map is the best way to pick and choose hikes along the carriage roads.

These are open to bike traffic, too, so you’ll need to share the paths with cyclists.

If you want to do as the Obamas did — they had the help of mountain bikes — take the carriage road from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking lot to Paradise Hill.

You’ll get views of Frenchman Bay from here. Continue to Witch Hole Pond and the Duck Brook Bridge.

More Things to Do With a Dog at Acadia National Park

We only had the day at the park with Kimmy, so we left quite a few options for next time. Here are a few more dog-friendly trails and stops at Acadia:

• Bar Island Trail: You’ll need to watch the tide schedule on this two-mile trail, as it’s only accessible during low tide. You’re walking along a land bar for the duration of your hike, and once the tide comes in, that strip of land goes with it.
• Gorham Mountain Loop: You’ll tackle nearly 600 feet of elevation gain with your pup on this three-mile trail, so make sure this isn’t your dog’s first rodeo. Some of that elevation gain comes in the form of rocky climbs.
• Great Head Trail: This 1.9-mile trail is rated moderate for both humans and their furry companions thanks to some rock scrambling at the start. There is about 300 feet of elevation gain on this one, but the payoff is impressive ocean panoramas.
• Jesup Path and Hemlock Loop: This flat, 1.7-mile path takes hikers and their pets along a loop through birch and hemlock forest. It starts out as a boardwalk trail, but you’ll go off-road as you continue for views of Dorr Mountain.
• Ship Harbor Trail: This 1.4-mile loop trail gives you and your pup the opportunity to see some of the park’s best bird life. Loons, herons, osprey, and eagles are all commonly spotted here.

Where Dogs Are NOT Allowed at Acadia National Park

Let’s get the bad news out of the way next. Dogs are not allowed on trails closed to pets at Acadia. Those include the following trails:

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

Dogs also aren’t allowed inside public buildings, most of the lakes in the park, the Duck Harbor Campground, and the area around the Sieur de Monts spring. 

If you’re traveling with a pup that loves the beach, Echo Lake is off-limits to pets from May 15-Sept. 15. Sand Beach is closed to pets from June 15-Sept. 8.

You’ll find that most of these trails are hikes that aren’t appropriate for even the most well-behaved dog. They may involve ladders, be near public water supplies, include steep drop-offs, or be trails near vulnerable wildlife. It’s all for the best.

Spots That Aren’t Recommended for All Dogs

The National Park Service (NPS) also lists a number of trails that aren’t recommended for pets. These hikes may include steep ascents or descents, rock scrambling, or challenging sections where you may need to use your hands to get to the end. 

This doesn’t mean pets aren’t allowed in these spots. Just exercise some additional caution.

I like to use my AllTrails app if there are any questions about a dog-friendly trail. Read through the comments on the app if you go this route, even if the main description labels a hike as dog-friendly.

Some may be good for experienced hiking dogs, but others may be sketchy for younger pups or skittish dogs.

Fun fact: Even though ours is super skittish about things like roofers, and blowing leaves, she seemingly has no fear on trails. We’d have to decide on hikes for her.

Per the NPS, trails not recommended for dogs include:

• Acadia Mountain Loop
• Flying Mountain Trail
• Giant Slide Loop
• Cadillac Mountain West Face Trail
• South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop
• Norumbega Goat Trail (aka Norumbega Mountain via Goat Trail) 
• Pemetic Mountain Loop
• Penobscot East Trail
• Upper Beachcroft Trail
• Upper Gorge Trail

Where to Eat With Pets at Acadia National Park

We love packing our lunches when we’re out exploring our national parks, but there are quite a few dog-friendly eateries in Acadia for you to choose from when hunger strikes.

Keep in mind that many places around here are seasonal. If you visit in the fall, you may be stuck with car sandos.

Here are a few of the standouts:

• Jordan Pond House: If you’re already taking in the scenery at Jordan Pond, this Seal Harbor teahouse is great for popovers with a view. Dogs are only allowed at their outdoor tables. Dining with your pooch is seasonal. 
• Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound: The legendary part is the lobster roll at this Seawall Road seafood shack. It’s a footlong, people. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor picnic tables. 
• Seafood Ketch: Enjoy New England comfort food like fried fish and shrimp baskets along with harbor views at this casual eatery. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio when the weather calls for it.

Packing for Pets at Acadia National Park

Whether you’re joining other dogs in Acadia National Park or traveling elsewhere with your pooch, you should travel prepared to ensure an enjoyable trip for you and your pet.

Here’s my short doggie packing list whenever we’re hiking with our pup:

• Doggie waste bags: No one likes talking about poop. No one likes stepping into it, either. We love the Earth Rated brand, but please, just pick up after your pets.
• Water and travel bowls: If we’re hiking, we bring along collapsible bowls for ease of travel and efficient sipping.
• Paw protection: If you’re hiking in the summer, protect your pup’s paws with easy-to-carry paw pad protection.
• Treats: You know you’re bringing snacks along for yourself when you’re out on the trails. Don’t forget about your pooch in that equation.

The BARK Ranger Program

If you travel throughout the national parks with your dog quite a bit, you’ve probably heard about the BARK Ranger program. 

Stop by any campground ranger station, the Sieur de Monts Nature Center, or the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to learn about how to get pups sworn in as an Acadia Bark Ranger.

Kimmy already had her tag from another park, but it’s all generally breezy and common sense. To become BARK Rangers in good standing, pups must follow these simple rules:

• B: Bag your poop.
• A: Always wear a leash.
• R: Respect wildlife.
• K: Know where to go.

Note: If a sign says “no dogs,” by the way, that’s one of those national park rules that’s there for the safety of you and your dog. There may be some sketchy wildlife out there or vulnerable wildlife that don’t want your dog sniffing around their habitat. Follow posted rules, don’t assume you know better, and leave no trace.

Dogs at Maine State Parks and Beaches

Dogs are allowed in Maine state parks with some restrictions. Pets are not allowed at the Sebago Lake State Park campground on Naples Bay at any time, but they’re allowed at other campgrounds if they’re leashed, no matter the time of year.

Dogs are usually only allowed on beaches in Maine during the off-season. That means you’ll likely see restrictions outside of about Oct. 1-March 31. 

If you’re visiting Maine beaches outside of the late spring and summer months, you’ll probably still need to keep them on a leash unless you’re on a designated dog beach.

It really just depends on where you’re going and when you’re going. Always do your diligence when you’re visiting anywhere with your pup. Part of being a responsible traveler is knowing the rules of a destination before you go.

Pet-Friendly Hotels Near Acadia National Park

We stayed in Burnham, a small town in the middle of Maine, for our Acadia trip. It was about an hour and 40 minutes each way to the main entrance of the park, with more driving from there depending on what we had planned for the day.

I don’t regret it, as lodging closer to the park was exorbitant at the time we looked to book. If I did it again, though, I’d definitely choose to stay closer and for a few extra days.  

That way, we could split our time between pet-friendly Acadia National Park activities and trails where we could leave the pup back at the pad.

The key there would have been booking well ahead of our trip. If you’re more organized, stay in Bar Harbor. The Days Inn by Wyndham Bar Harbor and Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages are two dog-friendly options.

Browse the map below for more options in Bar Harbor:

There are also three campgrounds with easy access to the park that permit pets:

• Blackwoods Campground on the east side of Mount Desert Island
• Seawall Campground on the west side of Mount Desert Island
• Schoodic Woods Campground on the Schoodic Peninsula

If you’re seeking a Schoodic Woods Campground permit, one of the hardest tickets to come by at Acadia, make your reservations in advance with the NPS.

A campground permit with pets is typically available at any of the campgrounds around two months in advance of travel.

Traveling to Acadia with a dog can be very rewarding.

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t super fun seeing the park through Kimmy’s eyes. She was just so excited about being there that her energy was infectious, even helping me power through any fatigue I was feeling from a day of hiking.

You won’t be able to do everything at Acadia if you bring your dog, but you will be able to do quite a bit. I would have no issue bringing her back there to explore more of the park’s dog-friendly spaces.