I know this might be a controversial take, but I’m one of those people who loves bringing my dog everywhere. No, I’m not that person sneaking him into grocery stores, but if it’s an outdoor adventure? You better believe Jameson is coming with me. I’m always on the hunt for dog-friendly trips where he can tag along because, let’s be honest, adventures are just way better when your four-legged best friend is along for the ride.
The problem is that most national parks in the United States aren’t dog-friendly. And I get it, there are some solid reasons for that:
- Wildlife disruption: Even the best-behaved dogs can chase or scare wildlife, which can mess with their feeding, nesting, and resting patterns.
- Scent disturbance: To wild animals, a dog’s scent can signal danger, causing them to alter their behavior.
- Potential for aggression: Encounters between dogs and wild animals (think bears or coyotes) can lead to dangerous situations for you, your dog, and the wildlife.
But here’s the good news: some national parks break the mold and allow dogs on many of their trails. Acadia National Park is one of them.
That’s why, when planning a long weekend trip, I knew Acadia would be the perfect spot. Even better? My mom and her dog, Finnegan (Jameson’s best bud), joined us for the adventure. A dog-friendly trip is even more fun when you double the dogs.
When to Go
Acadia is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., drawing over 4 million visitors each year. That’s great for tourism but… not so great if you’re hoping for quiet, crowd-free hikes.
Winter is by far the least crowded season, with visitor numbers dropping from around 600,000–800,000 per month in the summer to as low as 15,000 per month from December through March. The trade-off? Freezing temperatures, icy trails, and road closures.
Summer (July and August) brings the best weather, with daytime temps ranging from the upper 60s to mid-80s—perfect for hiking, though a little warm if your dog is heat-sensitive. That said, everyone knows it’s the best time to visit, so expect serious crowds, packed parking lots, and traffic jams.
Fall, on the other hand, is the sweet spot. September and October bring gorgeous foliage, cooler temps, and slightly thinner crowds. That’s when I visited, and the weather was perfect—mid-60s to low 70s, which meant Jameson was comfortable on long hikes. However, it was still very crowded.
Since Jameson and I are early risers when we travel, we managed to avoid the worst of it. We hit the trails around 7:00 am, and at that hour, it felt like we had the park to ourselves. But by 9:00 am things descended into total chaos. Cars circling for parking, trails packed with people, long lines of traffic—honestly, not fun. So if you want to actually enjoy Acadia, set your alarm and get an early start. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Where to Stay
For the best experience, I recommend staying in Bar Harbor, the charming gateway town to Acadia. Staying as close to the park as possible will make those early morning hikes and scenic sunrise views much easier to catch. Fortunately, Bar Harbor offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler—whether you’re looking for a cozy seaside cottage, a pet-friendly glamping retreat, or a luxurious waterfront hotel.
We chose to stay at the Atlantic Eyrie Lodge, which is just a 15-minute walk from the park. This dog-friendly hotel sits on a hill overlooking Frenchman Bay, offering stunning panoramic views right from your balcony. One of the highlights of our stay was enjoying the picturesque sunrises without even leaving our room. The property also features a seasonal outdoor saltwater pool, perfect for unwinding after a long day of hiking. Plus, the lodge welcomes pets with open arms, making it an excellent option for those traveling with their four-legged companions.
If you’re looking for something different, Bar Harbor has plenty of other dog-friendly accommodations, including:
- Under Canvas Acadia: A luxury glamping experience where you and your pup can sleep under the stars with modern comforts.
- The Inn on Mount Desert: A centrally located inn with dog-friendly rooms and easy access to both the town and the park.
- Terramor Outdoor Resort: A stylish retreat blending nature and comfort, offering pet-friendly tents and communal fire pits for a true Maine wilderness vibe.
No matter where you stay, having a home base close to Acadia will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable visit for both you and your pup.
What to Pack for Your Dog
Packing for your pet should be straightforward, with just a few extra items beyond the everyday essentials.
- Food and Water Bowls
- Along with food and water bowls for your accommodation, bring a collapsible bowl for on-the-go hydration.
- Food
- Pack your dog’s regular food, enough for the number of days you’ll be traveling, plus a little extra. If you’re doing a lot of hiking, your pal may be extra hungry at meal time!
- Towels
- Your dog is going to get dirty outdoors. Bring a towel or two to dry and clean them off before they get into your car or your accommodation.
- Stain Spray
- Even house-trained dogs can have accidents in a new, unfamiliar place. Be prepared by packing some light cleaning supplies, especially in accommodations with carpeting or rugs.
- Leash / Harness with I.D. Tags
- Ensure your dog’s collar or harness has accurate I.D. information with your contact details. If you plan to let your dog off-leash on trails (where permitted), consider getting a GPS device for your dog’s collar, as well.
- Bedding
- Jameson sleeps in bed with me, but I still bring his bed on trips for any downtime he needs.
- Toys
- Pack some of your dog’s favorite toys for comfort and relaxation.
- Poop Bags
- Be considerate on the trails and in the towns just as you would at home – always clean up after your dog!
- Canine First-Aid Kit
- While you likely won’t need it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A first-aid kit will prepare you for anything from scrapes and cuts to ticks and poison ivy.
- Medical Records
- Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and bring a copy of their medical records. It’s also a good idea to research local veterinarians in the area in case of an emergency.
- Outerwear
- Depending on the weather, pack a raincoat or winter coat for cooler temperatures, and booties to protect your dog’s paws if you’re doing a lot of hiking.
Dog Friendly Things To Do in Acadia National Park
Explore the Trails
Acadia National Park is a paradise for hikers and their pups, featuring over 100 miles of pet-friendly trails and carriage roads. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed walk or a moderate trek, here are some great dog-friendly hikes to consider, including a few we did ourselves:
- Jordan Pond Path (3.3 miles, easy)
- Gorham Mountain Loop (3 miles, moderate)
- Ocean Path Trail (4.1 miles, easy)
- Great Head Trail (1.8 miles, moderate)
- Thunder Hole to Sand Beach Trail (1.7 miles, easy)
- Acadia Mountain and Man O War Trail (2.7 miles, moderate)
- Ship Harbor Trail (1.4 miles, easy)
Trails Where Dogs Are Not Allowed
For safety reasons, pets are not permitted on the following trails:
- Beehive
- Precipice
- Beech Cliffs Trail
- Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain
- Perpendicular Trail (Mansell Mountain)
- Jordan Cliffs Trail between Penobscot East Trail and the carriage road
Trails Not Recommended for Dogs
While not officially restricted, these trails are highly challenging and may require carrying your pet over difficult terrain:
- Acadia Mountain
- Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path (between the carriage road & Featherbed pond)
- Bubbles-Pemetic Trail
- Cadillac Mountain- west face
- Flying Mountain
- Giant Slide
- Norembega Goat Trail
- Penobscot Mountain (Spring) Trail
- Upper Beachcroft Trail
- Upper Gorge Trail
Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Built in 1858 and sitting atop a rugged shoreline, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and scenic views in Acadia, and one you might not even realize you’ve seen before – it’s been featured on an America the Beautiful quarter and postage stamps. The lighthouse grounds are open year-round and are dog-friendly. A short trail wraps around the area, providing incredible coastal views.
Pro tip: For the best view of the lighthouse, take the path on the left side of the parking lot, leading down to the cliffs. Parking is free but limited (only 27 spots), so plan accordingly, especially around sunset and other peak times. Roadside parking is strictly prohibited.
Watch the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
From early October to early March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the entire country to see the sun rise – how cool is that? It’s the highest point on the eastern seaboard in the U.S. and offers panoramic views of the coastline. There are two ways to reach the summit:
- Hiking: The North Ridge Trail (4.4 miles roundtrip) and South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles roundtrip) lead to the top.
- Driving: Cadillac Summit Road offers a scenic three-mile drive to the peak. Along the way, you’ll pass a number of scenic, paved pullouts reserved for short-term parking to enjoy the views.
Important: If you plan to drive up to Cadillac Mountain from mid-May to mid-October, a vehicle reservation is required. Here’s what you need to know to get one:
- 30% of reservations become available 90 days in advance of the reservation date
- 70% of reservations are released two days before at 10:00 am ET
- Sunrise reservations have a 90-minute entry window; daytime reservations have a 30-minute entry window
Drive Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road is a scenic drive showcasing Acadia’s highlights:
- Sieur de Monts: The park’s historic heart, honoring George Dorr, the “Father of Acadia”
- Sand Beach: The only sandy ocean beach in the park, a popular stop for visitors
- Thunder Hole: A dramatic sea cave known for its roaring waves (check times!)
- Otter Point: A scenic coastal spot with granite cliffs and ocean views
Take the Land Bridge to Bar Island
Twice a day, for about 1.5 hours before and after low tide, a natural land bridge emerges, connecting Bar Harbor to Bar Island. This unique experience offers tide pooling and an easy hike with views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Jameson and Finn had a blast splashing around the shallow water here!
Caution: Be mindful of the tides! If you lose track of time, you’ll have to wait nine hours for the path to reappear.
Explore the Schoodic Peninsula
For a more secluded adventure, visit the Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia on the mainland. This hidden gem offers stunning rocky coastlines, tide pools, and quiet hiking trails, perfect for a peaceful escape. Just an hour’s drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, it provides the beauty of Acadia without the crowds. When I went in late afternoon, Jameson and I were nearly the only ones there!
There’s not a whole lot around this area in terms of shops, restaurants, or places to stay (hence why it’s remained a hidden gem from tourists) but it’s definitely worth the visit.
Spend Time in Downtown Bar Harbor
Spend some time strolling around Downtown Bar Harbor and its Main Street, home to colorful, charming local shops, many of which welcome dogs. Browse a large selection of Maine-made gifts, crafts, and souvenirs while enjoying the town’s vibrant atmosphere. You’ll also find numerous dog-friendly restaurants and cafes.
Take a Cruise Around Frenchman’s Bay
For a unique perspective of Acadia, consider a schooner tour with Downeast Windjamme Cruises. These dog-friendly cruises offer breathtaking views of the coastline and last 1.5 to 2 hours. Snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on board.
Pro tip: For the ultimate experience, dress your pup as a lobster for extra fun and guaranteed attention!
Become a Bark Ranger
Acadia offers a special Bark Ranger program, promoting responsible pet ownership. Dogs who complete the short program can be sworn in as official Bark Rangers and receive a special collar tag at the Eastern National Bookstore at Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
The rules of B.A.R.K. are simple:
- Bag your poop
- Always wear a leash
- Respect wildlife
- Know where to go
Stop by the campground ranger station, Sieur de Monts Nature Center, or Hulls Cove Visitor Center to pick up an activity checklist and start your Bark Ranger journey!
Where to Eat and Drink With Your Dog
Dining with your dog in Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas is a treat, but it largely depends on the season. Most restaurants that welcome dogs do so in their outdoor seating areas, which may not be available in colder months. If you’re visiting during the off-season or on a rainy day, be prepared with backup plans, as indoor dining with dogs is generally not permitted.
Another important note: Some restaurants have restrictions on the number of dogs allowed per table. During our visit, a few spots informed us that they only permitted one dog per table, so if you’re traveling with multiple pups, you may need to split up or find an alternative dining option.
Here are a few dog-friendly restaurants we enjoyed:
- 2 Cats: A beloved breakfast spot known for its homemade biscuits and generous portions. The outdoor patio is a great place to start your day with your pup.
- Atlantic Brewing Company: This local brewery not only serves great craft beer but also has a spacious outdoor patio and beer garden where dogs are welcome. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring Acadia.
- Jordan Pond House: Famous for its popovers and stunning views of Jordan Pond, this Acadia eatery offers outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
- Mama Di Matteos: A cozy Italian restaurant with a patio where you can enjoy fresh pasta and seafood while your dog relaxes nearby.
It’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm pet policies, as rules can change seasonally or at the discretion of the restaurant.
