Best Dog Friendly National Parks – With over 100 miles of trails to explore, wagon roads to explore, and free pet transportation, visiting Acadia National Park with dogs is a real treat for the whole family.
Getting to Acadia National Park takes commitment. Located in the far northeastern United States, it’s no accident. Boston is the nearest large city and is 250 miles away.
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But like most things that require a little effort, Acadia’s benefits far outweigh the investment. And for those traveling with pets, this is one national park that will definitely not disappoint.
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Glaciers have carved this magnificent landscape over thousands of years. What remained were rounded mountain peaks and deep valleys that are now freshwater lakes and ponds. The advance and retreat of the ice erodes the surface layers, exposing the pink granite that makes this area so unique.
Now you and your dogs can glimpse these monumental forces amid the breathtaking beauty of Acadia.
Regardless of your preferences or skill level, you’ll find fun ways to explore Acadia National Park with your dogs. For hiking enthusiasts, there are 100 miles of pet-friendly trails, from flatland trails to mountain hikers.
If walking or biking is more your thing, 45 miles of historic carriage roads await you and your pup.
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And if you enjoy driving, the 27-mile scenic drive offers beautiful views. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs.
Acadia is one of the nation’s favorite national parks, so plan to experience it with your best friend. In addition to the trails and all carriage roads, pets are welcome in most public areas and on the free shuttle that runs around the park and island.
Acadia National Park Pet Policy Pets must be leashed at all times and all waste must be cleaned up and properly disposed of. Pets are welcome on 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads throughout the park. Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods Campgrounds allow pets. Pets are allowed on O O O Island only for day trips. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, ranger programs, Duck Harbor Campground, Acadia and Sand Beach Wilderness Parks (June 15-September 8) and Echo Lake. Coastal (May 15 – September 15) Some trails are closed to pets due to difficult terrain. Most of the park’s lakes are public water supplies. Pets and people are not allowed to swim in them. Make your dog a BARK Ranger
Dogs have the opportunity to become BARK Rangers at Acadia National Park. This program teaches dog owners the importance of following the B.A.R.K. While visiting Acadia.
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Dogs who complete this short program can be sworn in as Bark Rangers. And their owners will be able to purchase a special Bark Ranger collar as a souvenir of their visit. Tags are available at the National Eastern Bookstore at Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
With so much to explore in Acadia, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
Driving the park loop is a great way to get your bearings while visiting Acadia. Even though it’s only 27 miles, plan to spend two to three hours admiring the scenery and maybe walking a bit to some of the sights.
This is where you’ll get the best views of the rugged coastline and sheer cliffs, so give yourself plenty of time to take it all in.
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Jordan Pond House Restaurant is located on the west side of Park Loop Road overlooking Jordan Pond in Sail Harbor. Dogs can join you on the terrace or on the picnic tables on the lawn for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. The cuisine here is known for baked popovers, homemade ice cream and fresh Maine seafood.
If you like an ice cream popover (and I recommend it), then the trail around Jordan Pond gives you a chance to burn off some of those calories.
The road surrounds the entire lake. The west side is rockier and the east side is an easy walk. But the good news is that both sides offer beautiful views, with the Northern Bubble and the Southern Bubble in the background.
Built between 1913 and 1940, the forty-five-mile railroad runs through the heart of Acadia. Its construction was paid for and overseen by John Rockefeller, Jr. so that he and others could enjoy the park on secluded roads without cars. Originally designed for horses and carriages, these roads are now popular with pedestrians and cyclists.
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The park office offers a wagon trail map that highlights 17 rock bridges. Each bridge has a unique design and includes streams, waterfalls, channels and rocks.
We chose the six mile drive around Eagle Lake. It was a great way to experience the tranquility of the garden with Buster and Ty.
Hoping to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain? More than 1,500 feet above sea level, it overlooks the island-studded bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. But you have to plan ahead to be there for sunrise.
A car reservation is required to reach the top of Cadillac Mountain from the end of May to the end of October. Sunrise tickets available at 10am. ET two days prior to your visit date and will sell out quickly. Daytime reservations can be made up to three months in advance and are easier.
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Please note that car reservations for Cadillac Summit Road are in addition to a park admission ticket. Fortunately, you can purchase both before you leave home at Recreation.gov.
In addition to being one of the pet-friendly national parks, Acadia is also one of the top ten most popular. More than 4 million visitors visit the park every year. And having so many people in one place means it can get crowded. If you’re looking for a break from the crowds, plan a day outside the park to explore these areas.
Little Long Pond is a 1,000-acre park just outside of Acadia. The land, formerly owned by the Rockefeller family, was donated and managed by the Land and Garden Conservancy.
Dogs can be left off-leash while swimming in the pool, walking in the woods and meadows, or walking the trails and carriage roads. Just be sure to follow the dog owner’s directions during your visit.
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There are no road signs describing this location. So look out for the distinctive gateway of Bracy Cove between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
Many visitors to Acadia never venture beyond Park Loop Road and the town of Bar Harbor. Although it’s a fun little town, it can feel a bit crowded, especially if you’re trying to navigate with your dog.
When you’re ready for a break from the crowds, head to Bass Harbor. Stop by Bass Harbor Head Light Station, then grab lunch at Seafood Ketch on Shore Road. The patio is pet friendly, the seafood is right on the dock, and the views are unbeatable.
The vast majority of Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor, Maine. For a more relaxed experience, visit 5% of the park located on the Schud Peninsula near Winter Harbor, just 5 miles east of Mount Desert Island.
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This peninsula differs from the mountainous desert island in several ways, but is generally less populated. You can drive the Schoodic Loop Road, which is open year-round and runs one-way about 6.5 miles from the campground. Or make a loop from Winter Harbor to Schoodic Point and then Birch Harbor, extending your trip to 10 miles. Along the way, you’ll encounter several scenic and coastal stops.
From the Schoodic Loop Road, you’ll find trails for the Schoodic trail system that range from easy to difficult. Bicyclists also have over 8 miles of trails, and pets are also welcome.
Acadia is located near Bar Harbor, which is absolutely a beach town. This means many local seafood restaurants and some shops close for the winter.
Peak season in Bar Harbor falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If access to all the restaurants and shops is important to you, you’ll want to plan your trip this time. Summer temperatures are cool and usually hover around 70 degrees during the day.
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If you love snow, don’t mind more limited lodging and dining options, and want to feel like you’re in Acadia, plan your winter trip. You’ll find many trails in Arcadia National Park that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Acadia National Park is on our short list of favorite places to visit with dogs. This will be the perfect place for your next vacation. We hope this overview will encourage you to see for yourself all that the park has to offer.
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