The Bar Island Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Acadia National Park—offering the rare chance to walk across the ocean floor to an island at low tide. But there’s a catch—you only have a few hours to explore before the tide rolls back in, making this hike both thrilling and time-sensitive.

The Bar Island Trail in Acadia

During my visit, this one-of-a-kind trail became one of my favorite experiences in Acadia. Here’s everything you need to know to hike the Bar Island Trail safely.

What is the Bar Island Trail?

The Bar Island Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island via a natural land bridge—which is only exposed during low tide.

What makes it unique?

• Accessible only at low tide (completely underwater at high tide)
• ✔Incredible coastal views of Bar Harbor & Frenchman Bay
• ✔Explore tide pools & marine life along the sandbar

📌 Location: The trailhead is at the end of Bridge Street in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine.

Pro Tip: Check the tide charts before heading out—hikers only have a 3-hour window (1.5 hours before & after low tide) to complete the hike safely.

Hiking The Bar Island Trail

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~160 feet
Duration: 45–90 minutes

The Bar Island Trail is relatively short, about 1.5 miles round trip, but it provides a memorable experience of Acadia’s coastal beauty.

Start the hike by walking down Bridge Street from West Street in downtown Bar Harbor. 

You will then walk across the “land bridge” for .5 miles towards Bar Island.

This is the best part of the entire hike, as you can admire the tidal pools since this part of the hike was entirely underwater a few hours earlier.

Once on the island, continue past the trailhead signs and onto the Bar Island Trail.

The trail gradually ascends through the forest on an old road. At the next junction, turn right for a short spur to an old home site with a view of Bar Harbor.

Return to the trail and bear left towards the highest point on the island. Enjoy views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.

📌 Need tide times? Check the Bar Harbor Tide Chart Here

Return down the trail and across the land bridge to Bridge Street and Bar Harbor.

Another one of my favorite hikes is Acadia National Park’s Scenic Ship Harbor Trail!

FAQS

How Long Does It Take To Hike The Bar Island Trail?

The hike takes 45-90 Minutes to complete.

This leaves you just enough time to enjoy the views of Bar Harbor from the other side and explore the tide pools along the journey.

Make sure to get a lobster roll after your hike. You earned it! Here is myLocal’s Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine!

Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?

Yes! Dogs are allowed on the Bar Island Trail as long as they are on a leash.

When Is Low Tide?

Before taking this hike, check the Tide Chart For Bar Island from Tidescharts.com for current low tide times.

Safe Hiking Window:

• 1.5 hours before low tide
• 1.5 hours after low tide

What Happens If You Get Stranded?

We heard stories about hikers who got stranded on Bar Island. They had to pay hundreds of dollars for a local lobsterman to come and retrieve them.

High Tide Warning: If you don’t return in time, the land bridge disappears under 12 feet of water, stranding you on Bar Island!

If you get stuck, you have two options:

• Call Windjammer Cruises for pickup (207-288-2984).
• Wait overnight (but it’s not an ideal camping experience).

Pro Tip: Set a timer or an alarm to remind yourself when to return!

Don’t get stranded or you will miss out on these 20 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park!

Where Does The Bar Island Trail Start?

📌 Trailhead Location: End of Bridge Street, downtown Bar Harbor, Maine

Parking: Street parking is available in Bar Harbor (arrive early to find a spot!).

I recommend staying at one of these hotels in downtown Bar Harbor!: 13 Great Places To Stay Near Acadia National Park

Explore More of Acadia National Park

The Bar Island Trail is one of the most unique and rewarding hikes in Acadia National Park.

Here are 20 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park: Your Ultimate Guide

Take the scenic hike to Acadia’s Fire Tower On Beech Mountain.

Stroll around Jordan Pond before trying a Popover At Jordan Pond House.

If you want to try some lobster roll shacks, read my guides on Abel’s Lobster and The Travelin’ Lobster, which are a short drive away.

End your day with a unique yet delicious Lobster Ice Cream.

After exploring Acadia National Park, you can visit some of Maine’s State Parks!

Have you hiked the Bar Island Trail? Let me know in the comments!