Acadia National Park Pond

Crystal-clear Jordan Pond is a 187-acre, 150-foot-deep glacial tarn beside the Bubbles.

Insider tip

Arrive before 8am for parking;

Insider tip

Check the lawn before a photo; the wind can pick up;

The light

Golden-hour light on Bubbles and pond

Heads up

Slippery rocks, uneven footing, crowds; follow designated paths; no edge barriers

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Geological Formation276 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Turquoise water crowns a circular lake beside the Jordan Pond House lawn and the distant Bubbles. The cirque walls rise steeply around the basin, reflecting light off craggy faces. Jordan Pond is Acadia's deepest, clearest lake and even serves as a public water supply for Seal Harbor. Its origin lies in glacial activity: a Wisconsin-age glacier gouged the basin and left a moraine dam that traps meltwater.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Park Loop Road, turn onto Jordan Pond Road; parking in the North Lot or South Lot; walk to the Jordan Pond House lawn for views.
Road Type
Paved
Parking Availability
Fills quickly; early arrival recommended.
Peak Fill Times
By 8am in peak season
GPS Coordinates
44.3225, -68.2517

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late spring through fall; sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting; plan for crowds and limited parking in summer.
Best Visit Times
Sunrise and golden hours; weekdays to dodge crowds
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Golden-hour light on Bubbles and pond
Best Season
Late spring through fall
Busiest Season
Summer and fall
Seasonal Access
Park Loop Road open year-round; Dec 1–Apr 14 closure; winter access limited.
Road Opening Dates
Park Loop Road closed Dec 1–Apr 14; openings vary by year
Snow Lingering
Snow lingers into spring at higher elevations
Winter Access
Limited; facilities reduced; paths uneven
Weather Patterns
Fog common in shoulder seasons; warm summers; afternoon showers
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Tarn with moraine dam; deep, clear water; surrounding Bubbles and Jordan Pond House lawn
What Youll See
Turquoise water, Bubbles peaks, lawn views; continuous pond shoreline
Unique Characteristics
Deepest, clearest lake in Acadia; public water supply for Seal Harbor
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise over the pond with Bubbles; reflections in calm water
Photography Spots
Jordan Pond House lawn; along the Park Loop Road with water reflections
Best Viewpoints
Jordan Pond House lawn viewing deck; around the Jordan Pond Path
Common Wildlife
Loons, gulls, mergansers, frogs, beavers, occasional moose; peregrine falcons
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning or late afternoon
Geological Formation Type
Tarn
Scientific Interest
Glacial history, high oxygen and clarity; moraine-dam dynamics; cirque formation

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Flush toilets
Picnic Areas
Yes
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Spotty; plan ahead
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Partial; some paths accessible; uneven footing
Accessibility Level
Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; Jordan Pond Path is not fully accessible.
Nearby Services
Jordan Pond House; Hulls Cove Visitor Center; park headquarters
Nearby Facilities
Jordan Pond House; Hulls Cove Visitor Center; park headquarters
Family Friendly Notes
Flat lawns; watch kids near edges; keep away from water's edge

Safety

Safety Considerations
Slippery rocks, uneven footing, crowds; follow designated paths; no edge barriers

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
The Bubbles; Jordan Pond Path; carriage roads
Connecting Trails
Jordan Pond Path connects to Bubbles trails; carriage roads nearby
Trailheads Here
Jordan Pond Path starts near Jordan Pond House; connects to Bubbles trails

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Arrive before 8am for parking;
  • Check the lawn before a photo; the wind can pick up;
  • Do the Jordan Pond Path for full pond views.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 8am for parking
  • Stay to designated paths; rocks get slick when wet
  • The Jordan Pond Path offers continuous views around the pond
  • Bring layers; it can be chilly by the water

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park
Elevation Feet
276
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Lake Size
187 acres
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Reviewers rate Jordan Pond highly for its water clarity and scenery. The lawn vantage by the Jordan Pond House remains a reliable angle for seeing the Bubbles, though parking and crowds surge in summer.

Location

Rocky overlook above a tranquil pond in Acadia National Park, with pine trees and a clear blue sky.Rocky shoreline with evergreen pines frames a tranquil pond scene along Acadia National ParkAcadia National Park Pond at sunrise, with pink-orange sky over the water and distant islands.Acadia National Park Pond along a rocky shoreline with a sandy beach and pine-covered cliffs nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 8am to get parking?

Parking fills quickly; arrive early or plan for overflow; Jordan Pond North Lot and South Lot help during peak season.

Is the Jordan Pond Path easy for someone with limited mobility?

Parts of the loop are uneven; the Jordan Pond House area offers accessible viewpoints, but the full path is not fully accessible.

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

Yes; the loop provides continuous water views around the pond and the Bubbles; footing can be uneven in sections.

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

The water reads blue-green in sun and is exceptionally clear from glacially derived feed; depth and light produce the color.

Can I bring my dog to the Jordan Pond area?

Dogs are allowed on most Acadia trails but must be leashed; check specific leash rules near Jordan Pond House.

Echo Lake

Dark waters in a granite basin. Swim the lifeguarded beach, paddle, or hike Beech Mountain from one lot.

Little Hunters Beach

Fist-sized cobblestones frame a secluded Atlantic beach. Glacier-rounded stones, slippery rocks, cold water.

Shatter Zone

Chocolate chip cookie rocks reveal an ancient volcano's caldera edge in granite.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.