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One of the top-rated things to do on a Maine getaway is to stroll the Bar Harbor Shore Path. While it won't cost you a dime, only your investment in time, the return on your investment will be immeasurable!
Built in 1880 by "Mainers," the walkway offers a front-row seat to the Atlantic, sea breezes, and ships sailing into the harbor. Today, the trail is covered with packed gravel and stretches a 1/2 mile along the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island.
On your walk, let your imagination wander back to the Gilded Age, when prominent families built grand summer estates with sprawling gardens. Landowners and the town reached an agreement to keep the path open to everyone, enabling walkers to admire the ocean views and nearby mansions.
Throughout the years, Atlantic storms pounded the pathway, but a dedicated group of locals placed protective boulders and maintained the walking surface. Thanks to these dedicated servants of old, the walkway has been preserved for generations to come.
The route begins near the town pier at Agamont Park and winds past massive granite rocks and wild rose bushes. Along the way, you'll see Porcupine Islands out in the water, while schooners and lobster boats navigate harbor waves.
While the pathway is short, the idea is to savor the steps, stopping to spot Bar Island or to relax on a park bench. The gazebo adds a vintage feel to any walk and makes for an ideal photo setting.
When you need something to eat or a cool beverage, you're only steps away from some of Bar Harbor's premier dining spots. Galyn's has been serving seafood and steaks in its revitalized 1890s building. Side Street Cafe is a family-owned homey spot known for its lobster rolls and comfort food, while Havana offers fine dining, blending Latin and American flavors.
This pedestrian walkway provides an authentic connection to the area's coastal heritage. You feel the history with every step on the crushed gravel.
Bar Harbor Shore Path: Fun Facts & Cool Features
An interesting feature is the crushed-stone surface, which offers a comfortable walking experience. It also handles the extreme Maine weather, making upkeep inexpensive and easy.
Wildflowers line the landward side of the trail, where the scent of beach roses mixes with salt air. Granite benches dot the route, encouraging relaxation and allowing views of the sunrise over Frenchman Bay.
The John B. Ells Pier is adjacent to Agamont Park and is a serene setting home to private sailboats and tour companies. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co offers seasonal trips at the pier, while Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines is your go-to for sailing, fishing, and private charters.
Historical plaques on the walkway share details about the famous families who built the adjacent mansions. If you wish to continue diving into local history, visit the Abbe Museum, just a few blocks away. Here, you'll learn about the culture and history of the Wabanacki people.
With Agamont Park at one end and Grant Park at the opposite, planning a picnic is easy! Agamont is also home to the gazebo and two cannons aiming out into the bay, while Grant is where Balance Rock resides. A retreating glacier left this massive boulder behind thousands of years ago, and it looks ready to topple over!
Also worth exploring are the tidal pools at low tide, filled with crabs and sea stars. A land bridge to Bar Island is also visible, adding yet another adventure to pursue. If you plan on hiking to the island, check the tide charts so you're not stranded.
Including this coastal trail on your Bar Harbor vacation is an absolute must. The walkway offers a peaceful escape, rich in local heritage, with dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby attractions and restaurants.
Local Tips
- Arrive before sunrise for spectacular and uncrowded photo ops of Frenchman Bay.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the crushed gravel surface.
- Bring a light jacket. The waterfront's ocean breeze is cooler than in town.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at any of the park benches.
