Ship Harbor Trail

Q: Is the trail kid-friendly?

Yes; the route is short, mostly level, and suitable for families, with a caution to watch footing near water and on slick rocks.

Q: Do I need a permit to hike?

An Acadia National Park entrance pass is required May 1–October 31; cost is $35 per vehicle for 7 days.

Q: Is parking guaranteed?

No; the small lot fills on summer weekends. Plan to arrive early or use roadside parking if available.

Q: When is tide pool exploration best?

Low tide provides the best access to tide pools along the coast.

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Overview

About This Trail

Mission Brief: Ship Harbor Trail is a 1.3-mile figure-8 loop with mostly level ground and a mix of dirt, gravel, and rocky sections. It is labeled easy and family-friendly, but footing can be slick in coastal zones and around bog bridges. Expect crowds on weekends; arrive early and carry ample water. The payoff comes from tide pools at low tide and plentiful birdlife along the coast.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy Stroll

Trail Highlights

Coastal shoreline and tide pools; a quiet cove; reliable birdwatching along the coast.

Insider Tips

At junctions, taking the right-hand path generally returns you toward the parking area. Save the Ship Harbor side loop for last to catch coastal views. Arrive early on weekends to beat crowds. At low tide, tide pools are exposed for easier observation.

Best Season to Hike

Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry 2 liters of water minimum.
Wear close-toed shoes with traction for slick rocks.
Watch footing on wet sections and perform tick checks after.
Start early to beat crowds; parking can fill by mid-afternoon in summer.

Family Info

Family-friendly with mostly level terrain; caution on slippery rocks near water

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.3 miles

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Difficulty: Easy Stroll

Route Type: Figure-8 loop

Surface: Mixed terrain: packed dirt, gravel, rock/ledge, bog bridging

Getting There

Trailhead: Ship Harbor Trailhead parking lot on Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road)

Parking: Small

Fills Up: Full by mid-afternoon in summer; weekends especially busy

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Acadia entrance pass required May 1–Oct 31; $35 per vehicle for 7 days; online or at park info centers

Fees: $35 vehicle pass (7 days)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service available

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not available

Biking: Not available

Trail Markers: Well-marked junctions; bear right at key junctions to return to parking

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail; carry all water

Shade: Mix of canopy and open coastline

Cell Service: Cell service along Ship Harbor Trail is spotty; download offline maps before you go.

Hazards:

Stay on center of trail during slick sections; perform tick checks after hiking; footwear with traction recommended

Emergency: 911 or Acadia National Park rangers

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: High use

Peak Times: Weekends 9 AM–4 PM

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not available

Family Notes:

Family-friendly with mostly level terrain; caution on slippery rocks near water

Nearby Facilities

Vault toilets at trailhead; park information centers nearby; no shuttle

FAQs

Are bears common on Ship Harbor Trail?

Not specifically noted for this trail; follow standard park precautions and store food securely while hiking.

Is the trail kid-friendly?

Do I need a permit to hike?

Is parking guaranteed?

When is tide pool exploration best?

📖 acadiamagic.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 mainetrailfinder.com 📖 myhikes.org 📖 citrusmilo.com 📖 acadiaonmymind.com 📖 beyondthemoments.com 📖 npplan.com 📖 justgotravelstudios.com 📖 ericsturgeon.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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