Jordan Pond

Glacial tarn, 150 ft deep, 61 ft visibility; 3.3-mile loop around Jordan Pond.

Insider tip

Arrive early to secure parking; shuttle helps during peak season.

Insider tip

Watch for beaver lodges on the north end.

The light

Alpenglow potential; sunrise on the eastern side then light shifts across the pond

Heads up

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

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Glacial Lake274 ftmid-June - mid-OctoberRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
Drive Park Loop Road to Jordan Pond House; follow signs to the parking area; use Island Explorer shuttle during peak season
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 25 minutes by car from Hulls Cove Visitor Center along Park Loop Road
Road Type
Paved Park Loop Road
Parking Availability
Jordan Pond House lot fills quickly; Island Explorer shuttle available mid-June to mid-October
Peak Fill Times
Jordan Pond House parking fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive before 7-8am
GPS Coordinates
44°19′54.6″N 68°15′18.4″W

When to go

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.
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; mid-day busiest
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; sunrise on the eastern side then light shifts across the pond
Best Season
Spring through fall
Busiest Season
Summer and autumn weekends
Seasonal Access
Park Loop Road open year-round; winter services limited; Island Explorer seasonal
Road Opening Dates
Park Loop Road open year-round; Island Explorer operates mid-June to mid-October
Snow Lingering
Snow can linger into late spring near higher elevations
Winter Access
Limited; winter trails and reduced services
Weather Patterns
Mornings cool; afternoons can be windy; rapid weather shifts in the mountains
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Glacial Lake
Main Features
Oligotrophic tarn; 61 ft water visibility; 150 ft max depth; 187 acres; 3.6-mile shoreline
What Youll See
Clear water; granite shores; Jordan Pond Path encircling the pond; Jordan Pond House lawn; beaver lodges at the north end; loons and gulls
Unique Characteristics
Deepest water visibility in Maine (up to 61 ft); primary drinking water source for Seal Harbor; exceptionally clear oligotrophic conditions
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise reflections on the eastern shore, late-morning light on the pond, and golden-hour colors from the Jordan Pond House lawn
Photography Spots
Jordan Pond House lawn; along the Jordan Pond Path for shoreline reflections
Best Viewpoints
Eastern shore along Jordan Pond Path for reflections; Jordan Pond House lawn for panoramic views
Common Wildlife
Gulls, loons, mergansers, frogs, beavers; peregrine falcons may nest on granite cliffs
Best Wildlife Times
Beaver activity year-round; loons most vocal in summer
Geological Formation Type
Oligotrophic tarn
Scientific Interest
Unusually clear water (61 ft visibility) and glacially formed topography; important drinking water source; visible glacial signatures
Stargazing Quality
Excellent under dark skies; low light pollution

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Flush toilets near Jordan Pond House; pit toilets near parking area
Picnic Areas
Yes
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Spotty
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; western half more difficult
Accessibility Level
Partial accessibility; eastern half easier; wheelchair access near Jordan Pond House, western half more difficult
Nearby Services
Jordan Pond House restaurant; restrooms near pond; parking facilities
Nearby Facilities
Jordan Pond House; restroom facilities near parking; parking area nearby
Family Friendly Notes
Flat loop around the pond; keep children close; watch for slippery surfaces

Safety

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

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
The Bubbles, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond Path, Jordan Pond House
Connecting Trails
The Bubbles Trail, carriage roads nearby, Jordan Ridge
Trailheads Here
Jordan Pond Path trailhead at Jordan Pond House

Planning advice

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.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Recent Updates
Island Explorer shuttle operates mid-June to mid-October; parking dynamics noted with peak-season crowds
Elevation Feet
274
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
0
Lake Size
187 acres
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors consistently rate Jordan Pond for crystal-clear water and scenic loop footage; peak-season crowds require planning; the space rewards patient exploration and calm viewing amid granite and pine

Location

Jordan Pond overlook in Acadia National Park, a tranquil glacial pond framed by forested mountains and blue sky.Jordan Pond boardwalk winds through pine and maple trees toward the water in Acadia National Park.Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park reflects the blue sky and surrounding pines along a tranquil shoreline.Jordan Pond shoreline along granite rocks and pines in Acadia National Park on a sunny summer day

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

Is swimming allowed at Jordan Pond?

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

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.