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.
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. This trail is popular among birders. Along the coast you may see: common loons, common eiders, great blue herons, black guillemots, ospreys and eagles. The inland forest provides shelter for warblers, kinglets, and other songbirds.
At low tide, the rocky headland has numerous tidepools. When exploring the tidepools keep these safety tips in mind.
Dogs are allowed on the trail on a six foot leash.
Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!
Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:
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.
Acadia National Park, in response to guidance from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, has enacted closures to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Acadia has closed all visitor services, including all restrooms, carriage roads, campgrounds, visitor centers, and the Park Loop Road including Ocean Drive. ANP will offer no services outside those that support resource protection.
The health and safety of the Park's visitors, employees, volunteers, local communities, and partners is the number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. ANP will notify the public when full operations are resumed and provide updates on its website and social media channels.
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