Paddling in Acadia National Park
- National Park
- Open 24 hours
- Lakes
- 27
- Rivers
- 35
- Access
- 0
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Shops
- 0
Acadia sits where the Maine coast folds into itself — a mix of ocean, freshwater ponds, and the rocky shoreline of Mount Desert Island.
The paddling here divides cleanly into two worlds: the saltwater coast with its islands, tidal currents, and marine wildlife, and the quieter interior lakes and ponds tucked into the park's granite hills.
On the freshwater side, the park's ponds are the accessible, protected option. Long Pond is the largest and the one most paddlers head to first — canoe and kayak rentals are available right on the water.
Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and Echo Lake are also within the park. Each body of water carries its own motor restrictions: some prohibit internal combustion engines outright, others ban all motors.
Bubble Pond has additional restrictions beyond motors — no swimming, no paddleboarding, no windsurfing — because it serves as Bar Harbor's water supply.
The Bowl, Bear Brook Pond, Aunt Betty Pond, and both Upper and Lower Breakneck Pond are motor-free and have no launch facilities, which means hand-carrying your boat to the water.
Check the current regulations for each pond before you go; the rules vary and are specific. The ocean side is a different paddle entirely. The dozens of small islands surrounding Mount Desert are the draw — lunch stops, seal haul-outs, seabird habitat.
Harbor seals and harbor porpoises are common in the inshore waters. Some islands are closed to landing during eagle nesting season, so pay attention to posted closures before you plan a route.
Tidal currents and Maine's cold water demand respect; this is not a coastline to underestimate. Backcountry camping is not permitted within the park.
The Maine Island Trail Association maintains campsites on private islands in the surrounding area for paddlers looking to extend a trip overnight. Summer temperatures on the water range widely, and the ocean stays cold well into the season.
Wear your PFD — Maine law requires one per person on any canoe or kayak, regardless of length — and dress for immersion, not for air temperature.
Top waters to paddle near Acadia National Park
Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to paddle Acadia National Park and check the forecast before you go.
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Park alerts & road status
Closures and conditions Acadia National Park has posted, from the National Park Service.
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Hours & fees
When Acadia National Park is open and what it costs to get in, from the National Park Service.
Hours
Open 24 hoursAcadia National Park is open year-round. Check our website for park facilities operating hours, such as Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Entrance fees
- Timed Entry Reservation - Location$6
- Vehicle reservations are not required for any other areas of the park, or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bike, or taxi. Vehicle reservations provide a timed entry, but do not require a departure time until 9 pm, when the road closes to vehicles. Reservations do not permit re-entry. Reservations are per vehicle, not per person. Reservations do not assign a specific parking space. Parking is prohibited outside of designated spaces. Cadillac is not served by the Island Explorer bus system.
- Entrance - Private Vehicle$35
- Valid for seven days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. This includes rental cars, RVs, and vans with fewer than 16 passengers. If the vehicle pass is purchased, no other pass is necessary.
- Entrance - Motorcycle$30
- Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Entrance - Per Person$20
- Valid for seven days. Admits one individual with no car (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge.
- Entrance - Education/Academic GroupsFree
- School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.
Parking & getting around
Where to leave the car in Acadia National Park. Lots fill early on busy days, so plan where you will park before you head for the water.
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain summit and Blue Hill Overlook
Echo Lake
Parking lot for Echo Lake Swim Beach, Beech Cliff Trail and Canada Cliffs Climbing. Lot closed to recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailer. Only buses with permits are allowed.
Accessibility: a long ramp leads down to the restrooms and swim beach from the East side of the parking lot.
Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond North lot and boat launch area
Sand Beach Park Lot
Sand Beach Parking Lot serves Sand Beach, Ocean Path, and Great Head Trail. It is closed to buses, RVs, and trailers. The parking lot regularly fills during summer and you may see rangers directing vehicles at the intersection or parking lot. Follow their instructions and if parking is full or temporarily closed, be prepared to visit the site at a different time. Use the right-hand lane parking along the Park Loop Road as an alternative.
Accessibility: While the comfort stations are accessible, to reach Sand Beach visitors must use a set of granite stairs.
Getting around
From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.
Directions on nps.govPaddle smarter with real-time insights
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Paddling near Acadia National Park
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Gateway towns
Where to base yourself for paddling in Acadia National Park.
The main base for Acadia, with lodging, restaurants, outfitters, guided tours, and trails leading directly from downtown.
Quieter village on the west side of Mount Desert Island, with lodging and access to the park's less-crowded western trails.
Small harbor village on Mount Desert Island offering lodging and a calmer alternative base for exploring the park.
Acadia National Park paddling rules
The park's own rules, on top of Maine licenses and regulations. Limits, fees and closures change, so check the park's page before you go.
Life Jackets for All
Everyone on board must have their own Coast Guard-approved PFD. Children 10 and under must wear it at all times while on the water.
Motor Restrictions by Water
Many lakes and ponds in Acadia ban motors entirely or prohibit internal combustion engines. Check the rules for your specific body of water before you launch.
Eagle Lake Speed Limit
Motor boats on Eagle Lake are limited to 10 mph. Swimming, paddleboarding, and oarboarding are not allowed, and pets must stay out of the water.
Drinking Water Protections
Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake supply drinking water for Bar Harbor. No swimming, paddleboarding, or pets in the water, and stay clear of intake zones.
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