Acadia National Park - Ship Harbor Trail

Trailhead

Starting from Southwest Harbor, continue on ME Route 102 through downtown. Just past the town, turn left on ME Route 102A. In 3.6 miles the Ship Harbor parking lot is on the left.

Description

Ship Harbor Trail forms a figure-8 loop. Bearing right at each junction leads along the shore of a narrow, picturesque cove. After passing along a rocky headland (watch carefully for blue blazes on the rocks), the trail turns right and continues through a thick spruce woods. A right at each intersection leads back to the parking lot.

Other Information

This trail is popular among birders. Along the coast common loons, common eiders, great blue herons, black guillemots, ospreys and eagles may be seen. The inland forest provides shelter for warblers, kinglets, and other songbirds.

Why the area is called Ship Harbor is not certain. It might have been possible, at one time, for small ships to seek shelter in the cove.

At low tide, the rocky headland has numerous tidepools. When exploring the tidepools keep these safety tips in mind. 

• Never turn your back to the water.
• Explore as the tide is going out.
• Be gentle with tidepool creatures.

Dogs are allowed on the trail on a six foot leash.

Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponser an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!

Trail Manager

Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact