Long Pond

Long Pond at Acadia National Park, a clear blue lake flanked by forested hills under a bright summer sky.

Long Pond stretches along Mount Desert Island as a broad, glassy ribbon framed by pines, with Duck Rock lying to the north. The lake is a Pleistocene relic—a glacially carved basin that filled with meltwater to become one of Acadia’s largest lakes. The bedrock here is hundreds of millions of years old, and you’ll spot beavers and deer along the shoreline in the quiet hours.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44.354726° N, 68.362856° W
Accessibility: Moderately strenuous; not wheelchair-friendly

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Duck Rock; Mount Desert Island views; Great Notch Trail; surrounding Acadia landscapes
Nearby Facilities: Vault toilets at boat ramp; limited parking
Best Time To Visit: Spring through fall; morning light offers calm reflections; summer is the busiest with limited parking.
Tips Advice: Observe the Duck Rock vantage to the north for glacial-scale framing
Wear boots; sections of Long Pond Trail are rooty and rocky
Boating requires life jackets; children 10 and under must wear them
Parking fills on crowded days; arrive early or expect to park farther up the road
Insider Tips: Arrive early in peak season; parking fills quickly
Duck Rock vantage north offers strong framing
Bring a light jacket for cool mornings

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Rooty trail sections; hold hands near water; supervise children around the shoreline
Attraction Type: Glacial Lake
Elevation Feet: 58
Accessibility Level: Moderately strenuous in parts; not wheelchair-friendly
How To Get There: Access via Long Pond Trail; parking at the south end of Long Pond Road or the Gilley Field lot; trailheads at the boat ramp and related junctions
Parking Availability: Limited parking at the south end; an additional lot about 0.4 miles west at Gilley Field; parking can fill up
Seasonal Access: Spring through fall
Main Features: Glacial lake; 4 miles in length; 897 acres; max depth 113 ft; Duck Rock outcrop with northward views
What Youll See: Shoreline with pines, clear water, Duck Rock to the north, beaver activity, wetlands, and rooty trail sections along the shore
Unique Characteristics: One of Acadia’s largest lakes; 897 acres; sustained by glacial processes that formed its elongated basin
Safety Considerations: Gravity hazards on connecting trails; slippery needle-covered surfaces; cold water risk in swims; wear sturdy boots; PFDs required for boating; keep distance from wildlife; cell service unreliable
Best Viewpoints: Duck Rock vantage along the Long Pond Trail; shorelines along the pond’s western edge
Photo Opportunities: Golden-hour reflections on the water; Duck Rock framing; wide-angle pond panoramas
Photography Spots: Duck Rock northward viewpoint; shoreline perspectives along the Long Pond Trail
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential; calm mornings
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Spotty; not guaranteed
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Long Pond Trail; Great Notch Trail
Connecting Trails: Long Pond Trail connects to Great Notch Trail; loop options via Duck Rock paths
Nearby Services: Vault toilets at boat ramp; parking; no potable water
Common Wildlife: Beavers; mink; river otters; white-tailed deer
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning or dusk
Geological Formation Type: Glacial lake formed by glacial carving
Scientific Interest: Glacial geomorphology; lake depth; beaver-wetland dynamics
Best Visit Times: Early spring or fall; mornings ideal for wildlife and reflections
Best Season: Spring through fall
Busiest Season: Summer (June–August)
Lake Size: 897 acres
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors note Long Pond’s broad shoreline and glacial geology; wildlife is often seen at dawn and dusk; parking can be tight in summer; the loop trail reveals varied glacial landforms and forest succession.

Location

Photos

Long Pond at Acadia National Park showcases blue lake waters and forested shoreline with morning mist rising over the far shore.

Long Pond shoreline at Acadia National Park features rocky abutments along a calm lake with forested hills.

A kayak glides toward a glowing sunset over Long Pond, framed by a calm lake in Acadia National Park at dusk.

Long Pond at Acadia National Park reflects the surrounding hills with glassy water and a rocky shoreline.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking can fill quickly in peak season; plan to arrive early or use the Gilley Field lot and be prepared to park farther up Long Pond Road.

Is the 4.6-mile Long Pond Loop worth the effort?

Yes. The loop traverses the shoreline and exposes a sequence of glacial features, with beaver activity and varied forest along the route.

Can I boat on Long Pond, and what are the rules?

Boating is allowed; life jackets are mandatory, and children 10 and under must wear life jackets at all times on the water.

Is there reliable cell service near Long Pond?

Cell service is spotty and not guaranteed; plan accordingly and carry maps offline.

Is swimming permitted and safe in Long Pond?

Swimming is not specified as prohibited here; water can be 55–70°F in summer, so treat any immersion as potentially cold and return to shore promptly if conditions change.