Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond shoreline at Acadia National Park with smooth water, granite rocks, and forested hills.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44°19′54.6″N 68°15′18.4″W
Accessibility: Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; western half more difficult

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: The Bubbles, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond Path, Jordan Pond House
Nearby Facilities: Jordan Pond House; restroom facilities near parking; parking area nearby
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.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Family Friendly Notes: Flat loop around the pond; keep children close; watch for slippery surfaces
Recent Updates: Island Explorer shuttle operates mid-June to mid-October; parking dynamics noted with peak-season crowds
Attraction Type: Glacial Lake
Elevation Feet: 274
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Hulls Cove Visitor Center along Park Loop Road
Accessibility Level: Partial accessibility; eastern half easier; wheelchair access near Jordan Pond House, western half more difficult
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
Parking Availability: Jordan Pond House lot fills quickly; Island Explorer shuttle available mid-June to mid-October
Road Type: Paved Park Loop Road
Seasonal Access: Park Loop Road open year-round; winter services limited; Island Explorer seasonal
Entry Fees: Varies
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
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
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
Photography Spots: Jordan Pond House lawn; along the Jordan Pond Path for shoreline reflections
Stargazing Quality: Excellent under dark skies; low light pollution
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential; sunrise on the eastern side then light shifts across the pond
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Flush toilets near Jordan Pond House; pit toilets near parking area
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Spotty
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Jordan Pond Path trailhead at Jordan Pond House
Connecting Trails: The Bubbles Trail, carriage roads nearby, Jordan Ridge
Nearby Services: Jordan Pond House restaurant; restrooms near pond; parking facilities
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
Wildflower Peak: Mid-July to August
Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October
Geological Formation Type: Oligotrophic tarn
Scientific Interest: Unusually clear water (61 ft visibility) and glacially formed topography; important drinking water source; visible glacial signatures
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; mid-day busiest
Best Season: Spring through fall
Weather Patterns: Mornings cool; afternoons can be windy; rapid weather shifts in the mountains
Peak Fill Times: Jordan Pond House parking fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive before 7-8am
Busiest Season: Summer and autumn weekends
Waterfall Height: 0
Lake Size: 187 acres
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
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

Photos

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.