Bar Island Hike – Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine
Distance: A little under 2 miles total
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: 3 of 10. – Most difficult part is keeping track of the tide. You WILL be stuck if the tide rushes in!
Total score: 9 of 10.
Terrain – sand bar and rocky forested island terrain
Trailheads – 44° 17.984’N, 68° 18.977’W
Directions – drive to Maine, trail is at the end of Bridge Street in Bar Harbor. Be careful parking, your car might be underwater when you get back!!!
Parking – in town or at the edge of the bar (but not on the bar)
Standouts – amazing views of Mt. Desert Island and the harbor.
Markings – Follow bar, the follow wooden signs
Description – THE most popular hike in Acadia National Park, but go for it anyway. You start by checking the tide chart, you don’t want to go at high tide, or else there won’t be a trail to walk on (without scuba gear).
Head to Bridge Street, and walk out onto the bar. The bar (which is underwater part of the day) is a fun stretch of rocks and sand. Look for sea creatures, or just enjoy the breezes.
Finally, you’ll hit Bar Island. It’s a 0.2 mile (one way) walk to the viewpoint. Go for it, how often are you in Maine?
Back off of the mountain, just take it all in. This is what Acadia National Park is all about.
Overall recommendation: If you are looking for solitude, this is not where to find it, but this is the most popular hike in Acadia for a reason.
Nearby: The lovely tourist trap town of Bar Harbor. I recommend buying a carved wooden sailor and getting some ice cream.
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