Jordan Pond

Q: Is it worth the 3.3-mile loop around the pond?

Yes. The loop exposes you to the lake’s glassy water, beaver activity, and panoramic views of glacially carved granite—worth the effort for most visitors.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the Jordan Pond Path?

Dogs are allowed on leash on the trail but not in the water; keep dogs under control and respect wildlife and water-protection rules.

Q: Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

The water is genuinely crystal clear and blue due to low nutrients and glacial flour; the hue is real, not photo-enhanced.

Q: Is swimming allowed at Jordan Pond?

Swimming is not allowed because Jordan Pond is a public drinking water supply and must be protected.

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Type

Glacial Lake

Accessibility

Partial accessibility; eastern half easier; wheelchair access near Jordan Pond House, western half more difficult

Best Season

Spring through fall

Busiest Season

Summer and autumn weekends

Features

Oligotrophic tarn; 61 ft water visibility; 150 ft max depth; 187 acres; 3.6-mile shoreline

Elevation

274 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Clear blue water sits in a granite-ringed bowl, reflecting pines and surrounding peaks. A 3.3-mile Jordan Pond Path loops around the shore, with the Jordan Pond House lawn offering expansive views. This pond is a glacial tarn carved by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet, yielding Maine’s deepest water visibility—up to 61 feet—thanks to constant cold turnover. The lake remains unusually pristine because it stays cold and well mixing limited.

Quick Facts

Type

Glacial Lake

Elevation

274 ft

Access

Partial accessibility; eastern half easier; wheelchair access near Jordan Pond House, western half more difficult

Main Features

Oligotrophic tarn; 61 ft water visibility; 150 ft max depth; 187 acres; 3.6-mile shoreline

What You'll See

Clear water; granite shores; Jordan Pond Path encircling the pond; Jordan Pond House lawn; beaver lodges at the north end; loons and gulls

What Makes It Special

Deepest water visibility in Maine (up to 61 ft); primary drinking water source for Seal Harbor; exceptionally clear oligotrophic conditions

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall offer the easiest access and best light. Morning light lingers on the eastern shoreline before moving across the pond; afternoons can be congested. Arrive early or use the Island Explorer shuttle (mid-June to mid-October) as parking fills quickly.

Safety Considerations

Gravity on surrounding trails; no swimming due to drinking-water protection; hypothermia risk in mountain weather; slippery granite and uneven footing on trails

Visitor Tips

Arrive before 8am; Jordan Pond House lot fills quickly.
Use Island Explorer shuttle mid-June to mid-October to dodge parking stress.
Stay on the Jordan Pond Path; swimming is prohibited to protect drinking water quality.
Wear sturdy shoes; uneven granite and boardwalks demand good footing.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Glacial Lake

Elevation: 274 ft

Distance from Entrance: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Hulls Cove Visitor Center along Park Loop Road

GPS: 44°19′54.6″N 68°15′18.4″W

What Makes It Unique:

Deepest water visibility in Maine (up to 61 ft); primary drinking water source for Seal Harbor; exceptionally clear oligotrophic conditions

Water Feature Details

Size: 187 acres

Flow/Best Viewing: N/A

Fish Species: Not applicable

Geology

Formation Type: Oligotrophic tarn

Scientific Interest:

Unusually clear water (61 ft visibility) and glacially formed topography; important drinking water source; visible glacial signatures

Getting There

Directions:

Drive Park Loop Road to Jordan Pond House; follow signs to the parking area; use Island Explorer shuttle during peak season

Access Type: Partial accessibility; eastern half easier; wheelchair access near Jordan Pond House, western half more difficult

Road: Paved Park Loop Road

Seasonal Access: Park Loop Road open year-round; winter services limited; Island Explorer seasonal

Parking: Jordan Pond House lot fills quickly; Island Explorer shuttle available mid-June to mid-October

Entry Fees: Varies

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Jordan Pond Path trailhead at Jordan Pond House

Connecting Trails:

The Bubbles Trail, carriage roads nearby, Jordan Ridge

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Eastern shore along Jordan Pond Path for reflections; Jordan Pond House lawn for panoramic views

Photo Opportunities:

Sunrise reflections on the eastern shore, late-morning light on the pond, and golden-hour colors from the Jordan Pond House lawn

Best Photo Spots:

Jordan Pond House lawn; along the Jordan Pond Path for shoreline reflections

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential; sunrise on the eastern side then light shifts across the pond

Stargazing: Excellent under dark skies; low light pollution

Facilities

Restrooms (Flush toilets near Jordan Pond House; pit toilets near parking area)
Picnic Areas
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Spotty

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Gulls, loons, mergansers, frogs, beavers; peregrine falcons may nest on granite cliffs

Best Wildlife Viewing: Beaver activity year-round; loons most vocal in summer

Wildflower Peak: Mid-July to August

Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Spring through fall

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; mid-day busiest

Road Opens: Park Loop Road open year-round; Island Explorer operates mid-June to mid-October

Busiest: Summer and autumn weekends

Parking Fills: Jordan Pond House parking fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive before 7-8am

Snow Until: Snow can linger into late spring near higher elevations

Winter Access: Limited; winter trails and reduced services

Weather:

Mornings cool; afternoons can be windy; rapid weather shifts in the mountains

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

The Bubbles, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond Path, Jordan Pond House

Nearby Services:

Jordan Pond House restaurant; restrooms near pond; parking facilities

Insider Tips

Arrive early to secure parking; shuttle helps during peak season.
Watch for beaver lodges on the north end.
Respect water quality; no swimming; enjoy the crystal clarity from the path.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; western half more difficult

Family Friendly:

Flat loop around the pond; keep children close; watch for slippery surfaces

Nearby Facilities:

Jordan Pond House; restroom facilities near parking; parking area nearby

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. The Jordan Pond House lot fills quickly, especially in summer. Use the Island Explorer shuttle when possible to avoid parking stress.

Is it worth the 3.3-mile loop around the pond?

Can I bring my dog to the Jordan Pond Path?

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

Is swimming allowed at Jordan Pond?

📖 National Park Service — Acadia National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 grokipedia.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 mainetrailfinder.com 📖 photosbyravi.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 acadiamagic.com 📖 maineboats.com 📖 thepeakseeker.com 📖 nationalparkphotographer.com 📖 acadiaeastcampground.com 📖 mainebyfoot.com 📖 friendsofacadia.org 📖 lonelyplanet.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 tm2maine.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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