Trail

Bar Island Land Bridge

Trail★ 4.8
Bar Island Land Bridge near Acadia National Park, with a bright warning sign by the shoreline and grassy overlook.

Bar Island Land Bridge is a short, easy half-day outing that sends you across a gravel-sand land bridge to Bar Island and back. The island trail is forested, the land bridge exposed, and the tide is the true boss you must respect. Time your crossing to ride the low-tide window and you unlock tide pools, deer sightings, and old homestead remnants.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.9
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy Stroll
Elevation Gain Feet
215

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.9
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy Stroll
Elevation Gain Feet
215
Estimated Time
45-90 minutes
Trail Surface
Gravel, sand, old dirt road, and forested path; land bridge is gravel and sandy
Trail Features
  • Tide pools on Bar Island
  • Remnants of old homesteads
  • Deer sightings on Bar Island
  • Views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay from Bar Island
Trail Highlights
Tide-pool exploration on Bar Island with a distant Bar Harbor panorama; the payoff is time safe on the island during low tide and the chance to spot marine life

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Bridge Street, Bar Harbor, ME
Parking Lot Size
No official NPS lot; paid parking in downtown Bar Harbor; walk to Bridge Street
Parking Fill Time
High-use with crowds; arrive early or use Island Explorer to cut parking stress
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Fare-free Island Explorer bus serves downtown Bar Harbor; short walk from stop to Bridge Street

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Acadia National Park entrance pass required for park areas May 1–Oct 31; purchase in advance or at park facilities
Fees
Park entrance fees apply
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
No formal seasonal closures; crossing influenced by tide cycles

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No natural water sources; carry sufficient water
Accessibility
Forest trail with uneven surfaces; land bridge exposed

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Tide timing can strand you on Bar Island
  • Ticks on Bar Island
  • Mud on the bar when water recedes
  • Crowded parking and trail congestion during peak times
Hazard Details
Check tide charts; arrive early, move with the tide, and plan an exit before water rises. Tick exposure requires a post-hike check. Mud can immobilize vehicles or hikers on the bar during certain tide states
Cell Service
Unreliable; download offline maps and NPS app
Crowd Level
High-use trail
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends and mid-day; expect congestion in peak season
Best Season
Late spring through fall (May–October)
Best Time To Visit
Arrive 1.5–2 hours before low tide to maximize time on Bar Island; use Island Explorer from downtown Bar Harbor to minimize parking stress.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2L water minimum.
  • Check tide charts before you go; plan your crossing within the low-tide window.
  • Closed-toe shoes with good traction are a must for wet, uneven surfaces.
  • If driving, expect crowded parking; use the fare-free Island Explorer bus when possible.
  • Do a quick tick check after returning to the island trail.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
Trail Markers
Well-marked signs; follow signage toward Bridge Street and Bar Island
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs allowed
Biking Allowed
Not permitted on the Bar Island Land Bridge trail
Shade Level
Forest trails on the island; land bridge exposed to sun
Emergency Contacts
NPS Emergency 911; Bar Harbor Police (non-emergency)
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Bar Harbor typically receives snow from December through March. For Bar Island Land Bridge hiking, plan May through October, when conditions are clear for a straightforward walk.
Mud Season
Spring thaw can leave the ground wet; plan for mud from March through May, with May offering relatively drier conditions as the season progresses.
Bug Season
Ticks present; perform tick check after hike
Insider Tips
  • Check tide chart before you go; arrive 1.5–2 hours before low tide.
  • Photograph sign with tide times for emergencies.
  • Avoid peak hours to reduce crowds and parking stress.
  • Bring layers; New England weather shifts quickly.
Recent Updates
No recent updates
Family Friendly Notes
Generally suitable for families due to easy rating; tide hazard requires supervision and time management
Nearby Facilities
Paid parking downtown Bar Harbor; Island Explorer bus access; services downtown Bar Harbor
Review Summary
A concise, easy outing with a tide hazard elevating risk. Expect crowds and parking challenges, but the tide pools and Bar Harbor horizon payoff make the effort worthwhile.

Location

Bar Island Land Bridge in Acadia National Park connects the mainland shore to Bar Island along a sandy tidal causeway.Hikers walk the Bar Island Land Bridge along Acadia National Park's rocky shoreline under overcast skies.Bar Island Land Bridge trail near Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park, with sunset over the rocky shore.Bar Island Land Bridge in Acadia National Park spans tidal sands and rocks, linking Bar Harbor at low tide.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears a concern on Bar Island?

Black bears inhabit Acadia, but encounters on Bar Island are unlikely; stay attentive, make noise as you move, and store food securely.

Is it safe to hike this solo?

Go with a buddy if possible. Tide timing adds risk; tell someone your plan and return before rising water.

Do I need a map?

Cell service is spotty; download offline maps and the NPS app before you go; signage on the trail helps, but have a plan.

Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

Restrooms at the trailhead are not documented; plan for a restroom stop in Bar Harbor before/after your hike.

Can I bring kids?

Yes, it's short and easy, but supervise near the tide and keep a tight schedule to avoid getting stranded.

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Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.