Acadia National Park is one of the few national parks across the country that allows your furry friend to explore many of the park’s trails with you. While most parks only allow dogs in cars or on paved areas, Acadia National Park opens the majority of its trails and destinations to your leashed dogs. Not only that, but our upscale, outdoor accommodations are the perfect spot for you and your furry friend to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. Enjoy our pet-friendly property, Under Canvas Acadia, located just 30 minutes from Acadia National Park.
Top Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Wonderland Trial
Distance: 1.6 miles
Wonderland Trail is the perfect family-friendly coastal trail in Acadia National Park. Located on the very southern tip of the island, this area of the park is typically quieter than areas closer to Bar Harbor, ME and provides a relaxing out-and-back journey from the parking lot to the water, where the opportunity to explore tidepools during low tide is abundant. The gravel trail, surrounded by trees, makes for the perfect trail to explore with your four-legged adventurer.
Lower Hadlock Pond Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles
Not far from the very popular Jordan Pond Trail, you can find the less frequented Upper and Lower Hadlock Ponds, with dog-friendly trail systems around both of them. Enjoy the Lower Hadlock Pond Trail for a short 1.7 mile hike around a serene lake surrounded by towering pines. This trail is one of our favorites for a trail run and you will also catch people fishing here as well. If you want to extend your hike, enjoy the full loop around both the ponds which makes for a 3.7 mile round trip hike around both beautiful ponds. Just as a reminder, all waters within the park are public so swimming is prohibited for fur babies and their humans alike.
Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles
Jordan Pond Loop Trail is one of the more popular destinations within the park and for good reason. This pond is set in the center of the national park so it is very accessible and it offers picturesque views of the water and surrounding mountains in the park. One of our favorite times to visit this destination is during the fall when the foliage surrounding Jordan Pond turns all different hues of red, yellow and orange. This is the perfect place to bring your furry friend along and snap a few instagram shots of your Acadia journey together. Remember to tag @undercanvasofficial in your photos for a reshare!
The Carriage Roads
One of the most unique elements of Acadia National Park is the 43 miles of carriage roads that wind through the park. These broken stone roads were used to access areas of the park at the turn of the 20th century and now offer unique ways to explore the park via foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. Explore these unique trails and soak in the history of Acadia National Park with your dog. One of our favorites is Eagle Lake Carriage Loop, which is a 6 mile loop around Eagle Lake with historic stone bridges and structures that bring you back in time.
Sand Beach During Off Season
Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is off limits to dogs during peak season which runs from June 15th through September 8th. However, there is plenty of time to visit the park during the off-season and let your dog explore the picturesque coastline with you.
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound is a traditional 50’s-style lobster shack offering what many consider to be the best lobster rolls in Maine. This nostalgic spot is located on the southern part of the island, outside of the national park and is the perfect spot for a mid-way stop around the park or after a hike at Wonderland Trail. This lobster pound offers outside seating making it a perfect spot for you and your fur baby to enjoy together.
Picnic in the Park
Instead of grabbing food at one of the restaurants through the park, snag a grab-n-go lunch from Under Canvas Acadia before you head out for the day and enjoy it at one of the picnic spots within the park. One of our favorite spots to picnic with the pup is the Pretty Marsh Picnic area. Not only is it shaded, providing you with a cool off during a sunny day, but you will also enjoy views of the water surrounding the island. This picnic area is located on the west side of the park so it is a perfect stop after a morning of hiking before heading out of the park.
Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the United States offering multiple trails, destinations and places to dine in and around the park. Bring your pup along for the adventure and enjoy upscale, safari-inspired accommodations that are plush for humans and fur babies alike. Sleep in canvas tents including king-size beds with luxe linens, ensuite bathrooms with hot, running water, and stunning views of the water. Start planning your dog-friendly Maine vacation today with Under Canvas Acadia!