View of Bar Island from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine

Bar Island - Acadia

Bar Island, part of Acadia National Park, is directly north of the West Street town pier in Bar Harbor, Maine. It was included in the authorized boundary of Acadia in 1986 by P.L. 99-420. At low tide, the island becomes accessible by foot or by an all terrain type vehicle across a natural gravel land bridge. Visiting there will provide a spectacular view of Mount Desert Island with Bar Harbor in the foreground. Look for Bridge Street on the north or ocean side of West Street to gain access. Before going, check for the local times of low tide and allow yourself enough time so that you will not get stuck on the island. Plan on having no more than a maximum of 1.5 hours before and after the low tide. Be sure to take a watch, cell phone, and wear hiking shoes or boots as it can be wet. Get ready for a wonderful and alternative nature fantasy tour within Acadia National Park.

Low & High Tides/Sunrise - Sunset Times
Late afternoon fog over Bar Island with Bar Harbor lobster boats
The sand bar that appears at low tide connecting Bar Island to Bar Harbor, Maine
The view of Bar Harbor, Maine and Champlain Mountain from Bar Island

After Crossing

Once you cross over to Bar Island via the natural land bridge, you will climb over some rocks before reaching a wide path (more like a small vehicle access road) that goes up a gradual incline to the left through a wooded area. This goes for a short distance, then makes a hard right turn up another inclined section. If you look closely to the right near the start of this road, you should see a small foot path that goes up through the woods. Taking this path will cut off quite a few steps but is a little steeper climb. Having a walking stick of some kind or even an extended photo tripod can help. (Guess what? You are no longer in Bar Harbor! Read the Interesting Fact below.)

On Bar Island

The wide path or access road crosses the interior of the island leading to the right side as viewed from the Bar Harbor pier. You may be having a good conversation with friends and family but I suggest being very quiet. You might be surprised at what you will see. One of the earlier times when I visited Bar Island, I was walking along and decided to pause to look through some of my camera gear to prepare for when I reached the high ground. I happened to look in front of me in the woods and was surprised to see a deer no more than 10 feet away from me, calmly watching what I was doing. They are so well camouflaged that they can be difficult to see at a glance.

Left at Fork

Further ahead, you will come to a split in the road or path. Going to the right takes you to the former location of the home of the journalist and author, Jack Perkins. The National Park Service purchased Perkin's 12 acre property in 2003. In 2010, the main house, guest house, and shed were removed.

Taking the left at the fork will lead you up to a higher observation point that opens up to a breathtaking panoramic view where you hopefully can get some fantastic photos of Bar Harbor with Champlain Mountain and Cadillac Mountain in the background. Trees can grow quickly so some may obstruct the view. Enjoy!

Beaches Hiking Trails Park Loop Road

Interesting Fact

Bar Island is actually part of the municipality of Gouldsboro, located on the mainland near the Schoodic Peninsula. Gouldsboro was originally a very large coastal plantation that was incorporated in 1789 while Maine was still part of Massachusetts. According to author Charles McLane in his book titled Islands of the Mid-Maine Coast (1997 ISBN 0004481840) Bar Harbor attempted multiple times to gain authority over Bar Island. It seemed logical since the two are joined by a natural land bridge at low tide. However, a 1903 Court ruled that Bar Island shall remain part of Gouldsboro under its 1789 articles of incorporation.

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