A DOG FRIENDLY Guide to Acadia National Park

This dog friendly guide to Acadia National Park will help you plan a trip to Acadia that includes your best furry friend in everything you do so that you can get the most out of your time there.

All the activities I mention here were dog friendly at the time we visited. It is always wise to check the park website or business websites for any updates or changes prior to your travels since dog friendly policies are subject to change.

Even if you are traveling without a dog these are all places I would recommend and are worth visiting again with or without a dog.

Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most visited National Parks and is considered a very dog-friendly National Park. There are 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of Carriage Roads where dogs are permitted.

Within the park you will experience a varying environment that includes the ocean, mountains and forests. This variety is what makes the park so unique and one of my favorite National Parks.

Where is Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is located on the Maine Coast. The main and most popular section of the park is located on Mount Desert Island near the town of Bar Harbor. Most people only visit the part of the park that is located on Mount Desert Island. Other parts of the park can be found on the Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut and other outlying islands.

When to Visit Acadia National Park

Mid May through mid October is the best time range to visit Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. Many parts of the park are closed over the Winter.

Spring: Early Spring will let you avoid the summer crowds. However be prepared that the park Visitor’s Centers and services may still be closed in early May and many local businesses may not be open for the season yet.

Summer: Be prepared for crowds and traffic and plan your itinerary accordingly to allow extra travel time. You will get to enjoy the park activities in full swing and this time of year is also good for swimming and water activities.

Fall: The Fall foliage in Acadia is breathtaking. Fall can be less crowded however expect crowds especially around peak fall foliage. Some activities and local businesses will be closed or starting to close for the winter, especially towards mid-October.

What to Wear

Regardless of the season the weather can vary drastically during your visit. Plan on bringing layers with you. It can be hot out on a sunny rock face or cool and windy when out by the ocean.

In Spring and Fall the mornings and evenings tend to be cool with warmer temperatures mid-day.

If you are planning on hiking I would recommend wearing closed toe sturdy shoes or boots with good traction.

What to Bring

I would recommend bringing a day pack to carry your food, water and extra layers. Don’t forget a collapsible bowl and poop bags for your dog. Sunscreen is also a must, even in the cooler seasons. Bug spray and tick repellant is a good idea to have as well.

Within the park Jordan Pond House is the only dining facility. I recommend packing, water, lots of snacks and a picnic lunch so that you do not have to spend time leaving the park and coming back, especially if you are on the Eastern side of Mount Desert Island.

I would also recommend downloading the park map, trail maps and even directions to and from where you are staying onto your phone ahead of time because there is no cell service.

If you are on the Western Side of Mount Desert Island you can find dining options in Southwest Harbor (Beal’s Lobster Pier is my favorite).

If you are out on the Schoodic Peninsula and you did not bring a picnic you can stop in Birch Harbor after driving the 6 mile loop (we stopped at the Pickled Wrinkle).

There are many ways and places to stay for your trip to Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor is the most popular given its proximity to the park. You can find hotels, inns, cottages, glamping, camping, cabin and house rentals. Many places list themselves as dog friendly.

Other nearby towns to check out include Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor and locations along Route 3 which tend to offer a quieter vibe.

Our first trip to Acadia we spend a few nights at Forest Ridge Campground in Ellsworth and the rest of the time at a Hip Camp site close to the Schoodic Peninsula. On our second trip we rented a house in Ellsworth which is about a 30 minute drive to Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia.

Take into account what you want to do on your trip and how long it will take you to get to the various parts of the park from where you are staying. Most people only visit the section of the park that is on Mount Desert Island.

Navigating Acadia National Park

Getting into the Park

A park pass is required for entrance into the park. A standard 7-day pass for a private vehicle is $35.00. However there are various types of passes available for purchase. Find more information about the various passes here to help decide which one fits your needs.

If you also plan on visiting Cadillac Mountain you will also need to purchase a separate timed-entry ticket for $6.00 at Recreation.gov. These tickets can sell out very quickly during busy times. Especially the sunrise tickets.

Some of the tickets for Cadillac Mountain are released for purchase 90 days prior and the rest are released 2 days prior. So if this activity is on your bucket list make sure to plan ahead.

Transportation

If you are driving to the park make sure to download maps of the park onto your GPS ahead of time or have paper maps as there is limited to no cell service in the park. Parking lots fill up quickly during peak season. Parking on the side of the road is allowed in some areas.

There is also a free bus service called the Island Explorer. They advertise that well-behaved leashed or crated pets are welcome on the buses.

Layout of the Park

Mount Desert Island: On the East side of Mount Desert Island you will find Park Loop Road, a 27 mile drive where you will find many of Acadia’s most popular attractions. Part of the road is one way so plan your stops with this in mind. Start with a visit to Hull’s Cove Visitor Center to pick up a park map.

The western side of Mount Desert Island is known as the “Quiet Side” and tends not to be as crowded and offers some beautiful hikes. This is where you will find Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse as well.

Schoodic Peninsula: This part of the park is approximately a 1 hour drive from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. It features a 6 mile loop with picnic areas and pull-offs for viewing. There are multiple hikes you can do as well.

Isle au Haut: Accessed by passenger ferry from Stonington. This area is dog friendly for day trips only.

Things to do at Acadia National Park

Dog Friendly Information

For additional information on where your dog is allowed in Acadia National Park check out their website. You can also find information on how your dog can become a BARK Ranger.

Make sure keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Bring extra poop bags and pick up and dispose of your pet’s waste in designated trash cans and practice leave no trace.

Don’t forget to bring water and a few treats for your dog (and yourself).

Check your dog (and yourself) for ticks after your hike.

A good resource for pet friendly restaurants, lodging and activities in the area is Bring Fido.

Getting to travel with your pet is a privilege. Follow the rules that are in place to help keep you and them safe. Also not every pet is always capable of all activities that are listed as pet friendly so be the best judge of what your dog can handle.

I hope this dog friendly guide to Acadia National Park has set you on the path to planning a memorable trip to this beautiful park!