MDI Adventures for Dogs & Their Humans
🐾 Welcome to Baycliff! 🐾
We’re so happy you chose to bring your pet along to explore Acadia and Mount Desert Island with you. Some of the best adventures are the ones shared with our four-legged family members, and Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country. Dogs are allowed on about 100 miles of hiking trails and all 45 miles of the historic carriage roads — far more access than most national parks allow.
Whether you’re hiking the carriage roads, watching the sunrise over Frenchman Bay, or relaxing after a day of exploring, we hope both you and your pet feel right at home here.
To help keep Baycliff comfortable for all guests — furry and human alike — we’ve provided a few items for your convenience:
-
A couch cover for pets who may want to join you for TV time or a cozy evening on the sofa
-
A small blanket for use on the chairs
-
Special dog towels to help wipe off paws after rainy walks, muddy trails, or beach adventures
-
Doggie bags for easy clean-up during your stay
-
A water bowl and a few pet-friendly extras to make traveling a little easier
We would truly appreciate your help in using the couch cover or chair blanket whenever your pet is relaxing on the furniture. Thank you for helping us keep Baycliff welcoming for future guests and their pets as well.
As a courtesy to neighboring guests, local wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere of Baycliff, we kindly ask that barking be kept to a minimum whenever possible and that dogs not chase the chipmunks or other small animals around the property. Many guests enjoy watching — and even hand-feeding — the friendly chipmunks, and for some visitors they become one of the most memorable parts of the Baycliff experience. Thank you for helping us preserve the peaceful environment that both guests and wildlife enjoy.
A quick trail note for adventurous pups: while many Acadia trails allow dogs, not all trails are easy on sensitive paw pads. Some hikes feature rough granite, sharp rock, steep surfaces, or long stretches of uneven terrain that can be tough on dogs’ feet — especially after extended hikes. We recommend checking paws periodically during longer adventures and considering easier carriage roads or gentler trails for dogs with sensitive feet.
Oh! Be sure to check out Bark Harbor - Located right on Main Street in downtown Bar Harbor, this locally owned pet boutique specializes in dogs and cats and carries treats, toys, collars, leashes, pet gifts, travel supplies, and Maine-themed pet merchandise. They even have a bakery-style treat counter and lots of fun lobster and nautical-themed accessories.
Below you’ll find some dog-friendly adventures, restaurants, walks, and scenic spots around Acadia and Bar Harbor. We hope you and your pup create wonderful memories together during your stay.
Enjoy your adventures!
Dog-Friendly Adventures Near Baycliff
Downtown Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is unusually dog-friendly. Many shops put out water bowls, numerous restaurants have pet-friendly patios, and you'll see dogs everywhere during the summer. Visitors consistently mention how welcomed dogs are around town. Dogs enjoy the social atmosphere, waterfront walks, outdoor dining areas, and attention from fellow visitors. Water bowls, shaded patios, and dog-friendly businesses make it easy to include your pet in a relaxing day around town.
Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
The historic carriage roads are perfect for dogs and people of all ages. These crushed-stone roads wind through forests, around lakes, over stone bridges, and are generally much easier on paws than rocky mountain trails. They are peaceful, scenic, and perfect for long walks.
Little Long Pond
Often called the local “dog paradise,” Little Long Pond is one of Mount Desert Island’s hidden gems and a favorite among local dog owners. The preserve features peaceful carriage roads, wooded trails, open meadows, pond views, and beautiful mountain scenery in a quieter setting away from the busiest tourist areas. Little Long Pond offers some of the island’s best opportunities for dogs to explore, walk, and even swim. The wide carriage roads are gentle on paws, while the open spaces, water access, and peaceful surroundings make it a relaxing and exciting adventure for both dogs and their humans.
Jordan Pond
The Jordan Pond area is beautiful with mountain views, carriage roads, and shoreline paths. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the nearby Jordan Pond House Restaurant is known for being especially dog-friendly, often providing water bowls for canine visitors.
Bar Island Trails
This is one of the most unique experiences in Bar Harbor. At low tide, a natural sand bar appears and you can walk with your dog from downtown Bar Harbor out to Bar Island. Just be sure to watch the tide schedule carefully so you don't get stranded. Dogs love walking across the sandy land bridge and exploring the wooded island trails and shoreline smells. The open space and changing tides create a fun and exciting adventure that feels very different from a typical hike.
Pretty Marsh
Looking for a quieter side of Mount Desert Island? Take a scenic drive through Pretty Marsh, where winding roads, peaceful coves, and working waterfront views offer a glimpse of old coastal Maine. It's a wonderful area for photography, birdwatching, and escaping the crowds.
Cadillac Summit Road
Many visitors don't realize dogs are allowed at the summit area. If your pet enjoys car rides, driving up for sunrise or sunset can be a special experience without requiring a hike.
Tidepool Exploring at Seawall
The quieter Seawall area on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island offers a rugged stretch of coastline with crashing surf, tide pools, and beautiful ocean views. At low tide, guests can carefully explore shallow pools filled with tiny sea creatures, shells, and colorful seaweed while enjoying the fresh ocean air. Dogs enjoy the open shoreline, cool sea breezes, and exciting new smells along the rocky coast.
Jordan Stream Path
Jordan Stream Path is a peaceful wooded trail that follows a gentle stream through the forest near Jordan Pond. Stone bridges, bubbling water, and shaded pathways create a relaxing and scenic walk that feels tucked away from the busier parts of the park. The cool stream and shaded forest help keep dogs comfortable during warmer weather. The softer terrain is easier on paws than some of Acadia’s rocky mountain trails, and many dogs enjoy walking alongside the flowing water.
Dog-Friendly Swimming Spots 🐾💦
If you’re looking for the best place to let your dog safely cool off and enjoy the water, we highly recommend Little Long Pond.
Little Long Pond
Head to Little Long Pond in Seal Harbor. With designated dog swimming areas, easy walking trails, carriage roads, mountain views, and plenty of room to explore, it's one of Mount Desert Island's favorite destinations for local dog owners and visiting pups alike.
Many guests discover that it becomes one of their favorite spots on the island — not just for their dogs, but for themselves as well. Of all the places on Mount Desert Island, Little Long Pond is probably the closest thing to a true “dog paradise.”
Areas Where Dog Swimming is Restricted or Not Recommended:
After a day of hiking and exploring Acadia, many dogs love the chance to cool off in the water. While Mount Desert Island has plenty of beautiful ponds, lakes, and shoreline access, it’s important to know that not all water areas allow dog swimming — even if dogs are permitted on nearby trails.
Some lakes and ponds are protected water supplies, while certain beaches and swimming areas have seasonal pet restrictions. We always recommend checking posted signs and respecting local guidelines to help preserve these beautiful natural areas for everyone.
-
Jordan Pond – Beautiful for walking, but not a dog swimming area
-
Eagle Lake – Protected water supply area
-
Bubble Pond – Scenic stop, but not intended for swimming
-
Echo Lake Beach – Seasonal dog restrictions during summer months
Dining with Your Dog
🦞 Seafood & Waterfront Dining
-
Bar Harbor Lobster Pound — Classic Maine lobster pound atmosphere with outdoor seating and plenty of room for dogs. A favorite for visitors looking for an authentic lobster dinner.
-
The Chart Room — Waterfront deck overlooking the harbor. One of the most frequently recommended dog-friendly seafood restaurants near Bar Harbor.
-
The Travelin Lobster — Outdoor picnic-table dining only, making it especially easy with dogs. Fresh lobster and seafood in a casual setting.
🍔 Casual Dining
-
Side Street Cafe — One of the most popular restaurants in Bar Harbor. Their dog-friendly patio is well known, and they even have rules posted specifically for canine guests.
-
Tap & Barrel Tavern — Large outdoor deck, relaxed atmosphere, and dogs are welcome outside. Great spot after a day in Acadia.
-
Blaze — Wood-fired pizza, burgers, tacos, and a heated outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. A favorite among Acadia visitors with pets.
-
Paddy's Irish Pub & Restaurant — Waterfront location with a dog-friendly patio and outdoor heaters.
🥞 Breakfast with Your Dog
-
Cafe This Way — Charming outdoor seating and one of the best breakfasts in Bar Harbor. Known for blueberry pancakes and creative breakfast dishes.
-
2 Cats Restaurant — A local favorite for breakfast with pet-friendly outdoor seating.
🌊 Views
-
The Terrace Grille — Beautiful outdoor waterfront dining overlooking Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. A wonderful lunch stop with your dog after exploring Acadia.
-
Beal's Lobster Pier — One of the most scenic dog-friendly lobster spots on Mount Desert Island, right on the working waterfront.