Jordan Pond in Acadia

Jordan Pond is a glacier formed tarn with a maximum water depth of 150 feet (46 m). There are steep inclines on the left and right sides (West and East). The water is exceptionally clear with an average visibility depth of 46 feet (14 m) but this has been measured as high as 60 feet (18 m), the most ever recorded in the State of Maine. Swimming is not allowed. However, non-motor-boats such as canoes and kayaks are permitted. The kayak and canoe launch site for this is via the Jordan Pond North parking lot, a short distance from the restaurant. Carriage Roads are adjacent to the restaurant and pond area. Auto access to the restaurant is provided via the Park Loop Road.

Shore Trail Carriage Roads Lodging

Jordan Pond House

Jordan Pond House, the only full service restaurant within Acadia National Park, is located in a spectacular park setting overlooking the magnificent Jordan Pond with the North and South Bubbles in the distance. It is a modern full-service restaurant offering lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. Weather permitting, you may continue the late 1800's tradition of having afternoon tea & popovers on the lawn while savoring the breathtaking view. Estimates are that approximately 60% of all park visitors will make a stop here. Dining reservations are recommended by calling (207) 276-3316. The facility is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., late May through late October.

Gift Shop & Deck

Also, at the same location is a two-story gift shop offering a wide selection of park related items and memorabilia as well as some boots, clothing, refreshments, etc. There is a second-floor exit that provides access to an observation deck that overlooks the lawn seating area as well as the waterfront with mountains in the distance. The observation deck may also be accessed via an outside stairway in front and behind the building. Give it a try for some nice photographic opportunities or relax on the chairs provided. Both businesses are operated by private concessionaires on national park land. This location also has public rest rooms accessed from the back of the gift shop area.

The Shore Trail - Hiking

A path leads down to the water from the restaurant and joins with a hiking trail that goes to the left and to the right. Going right will take you to the North parking lot and further around the East side of Jordan Pond. If you go left at the bottom of the hill, you have an option to walk on the Carriage Road or walk on the walking trail close to the western edge of the shore. The National Park Service has done a great job constructing a boardwalk along this trail in sections. For people wanting to hike the Shore Trail, you may want to park in the North parking lot. No swimming is allowed nor are pets allowed in the water as this is the water supply for Seal Harbor.

Towns & Villages Lodging Acadia Map

View of Jordan Pond and the Bubbles from the western side

Jordan Pond location on Mount Desert Island, Maine

Photo Workshops

Throughout the year, various photographers offer workshops in Acadia National Park, especially during the autumn season. Jordan Pond is frequently featured, with images capturing the iconic Bubbles in the distance, which have become classic representations of the park. The unique setting of the pond, nestled between two mountains on its eastern and western sides, results in delayed morning sunlight reaching the water. This delay is advantageous for photographers who wish to capture a sunrise along the eastern coast of Mount Desert Island and still find good lighting later at Jordan Pond. Conversely, in the afternoon, the pond falls into shadow sooner as the sun sets behind the western mountain. Be sure to consider this when planning your photography sessions in the area.

How to Get Here

As shown on the map, Jordan Pond is situated adjacent to the western side of the Park Loop Road, which allows two-way traffic in this area. There are multiple routes to reach Jordan Pond, depending on your starting point on Mount Desert Island. If you enter the Park Loop Road from the northeastern side of the island, simply follow the loop until you arrive. Alternatively, a faster route from Bar Harbor is to head west on Route 233 and access the Park Loop Road from there. Proceed directly south, passing the entrance to Cadillac Mountain, until you eventually reach Jordan Pond on your right. If you are on the southern side of the island, take the Stanley Brook Road entrance to Acadia National Park in Seal Harbor and head north. This will connect you with the Park Loop Road just south of the Jordan Pond House. Be aware that during peak season, finding a parking spot can be challenging. Fortunately, there is an additional parking area on the north-side of the Jordan Pond House.

Note: The Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus has a drop-off and pickup point here that cycles every 30 minutes during normal hours and season. Refer to their Jordan Pond schedule 5.

Beaches Hiking Trails Down East

More Stats & Facts

Located in Seal Harbor in town of Mount Desert in Hancock County.
Pond Information - Water Supply for Seal Harbor
- 187-acre glacier formed tarn with 150 (46 m) maximum water depth
- Closed to pets in water, swimming, windsurfing, and Scuba Diving
- Fish: Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout (Togue) and Brook Trout
- Restrictions: Motors over 10 horsepower prohibited
- Shoreline: 3.6 miles (5.8 km)

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries: (207) 434-5925
Wildlife Division: (207) 434-5927

GPS Coordinates:
Restaurant: Latitude 44.320484; Longitude -68.253658
Parking - North Lot: Latitude 44.321547; Longitude -68.251892
Parking - South Lot: Latitude 44.319896; Longitude -68.253908
Boat Ramp: Latitude 44.322836; Longitude -68.253771
Cadillac Mountain: Latitude 44.368891; Longitude -68.238506

Photo Planning

Most of my photography in Acadia National Park is done early in the morning, which requires careful planning to capture as many images as possible before the light changes. If I start shooting on the East Coast, I know I have a bit of time before heading to Jordan Pond because the mountains between them create a shadow. This delays the sunlight from reaching above the treetops. When my primary goal is photographing Jordan Pond, I aim for a calm surface, which usually occurs just before sunrise when the wind is minimal. The mountains provide some wind protection for a short time, but this disappears as the sun rises. Your choice of where to start will depend on what you intend to photograph. Opt for the restaurant parking if you want shots from the higher elevation of the observation deck, images of the Jordan Pond House, or if you want to access a full-service restroom before heading down to the pond. Choose the North Parking area for the quickest access to the pond or if you’re carrying a lot of heavy gear. There, you'll find a basic outhouse-style bathroom facility.

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