Name: Bar Island Trail
Rating: 4.1

“A unique trail that leads to incredible views of Bar Harbor.”

— James Kaiser

Features Fall Colors · Views

This trail can only be accessed at times of low tide
Please exercise caution when attempting to reach this trail, as visitors do get stranded on Bar Island. Refer to a tide chart before embarking for the island.

Overview

An out-and-back run to Bar Island with the added excitement of racing against the tides!

Description

Bar Island lies just offshore from downtown Bar Harbor. At low tide, a sandbar connects the island to the mainland. This sandbar gives the town of Bar Harbor its name. To get to the Bar Island Trail, you'll have to wait for low tide.

The sandbar is exposed from about 90 minutes before low tide to 90 minutes after low tide. You'll need to complete your journey before the sandbar is once again submerged, otherwise you'll be stranded on Bar Island.

Not surprisingly, it's better to start out for Bar Island before low tide. To get to the trailhead, head to the end of Bridge Street and cross the sandbar to Bar Island. Follow the obvious dirt road a short distance to the trailhead. The trailhead lies a short distance through the woods and then climbs a small rise.

A short distance from the top of the rise is a lookout that offers fantastic views of Bar Harbor.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Acadia, check out his Guide to Acadia National Park.