Bar

Part of [Acadia National Park](https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm), Bar Island is connected by a gravel bar to the mainland just north of the Bar Harbor town pier. It is accessible to hikers and beachcombers within two hours on either side of low tide, and is a popular destination for residents and tourists during the busy summer season. At mid-tide or higher the island is free of pedestrian traffic, save for those who ventured across the bar and misjudged the incoming tide!

Open for day use only, the island is a great picnic site for boaters exploring upper Frenchman Bay. A beach on the southwest side where the bar connects to the shoreline provides a good landing option. From here visitors can take the Bar Island Trail, which climbs roughly 150 feet to a rock ledge affording wonderful views of downtown Bar Harbor and northeastern Mount Desert Island. The ascent is relatively easy and the path is well defined. Visitation rules for Bar Island are the same as for other day use sites in [Acadia National Park](https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm). Pets must be attended and restrained on a six-foot leash at all times, camping and fires are not permitted, and disturbing plants, animals, rocks, or other natural or historic features is prohibited. Please practice Leave No Trace when you visit.