Maine has more than 3,000 islands dotting its coastline. Some are uninhabited and include just a few feet of sand and trees. Others house some of the state’s most luxurious hotels. Then there are some in the middle; not too small, not too big—just perfectly sized for a moderate adventure on two feet. That’s right! You can actually walk to an island in Maine. It’s easy and leads to some beautiful trails to explore. Just make sure to watch the clock, as the trail to Bar Island is only accessible during low tide!

Bar Island is located just off the coast of Bar Harbor, across a body of water known as the Mt. Desert Narrows.
Google Maps
But, if you take a closer look, you'll see that the Mt. Desert Narrows is shallow. How can a boat cross it to get to the island?
Google Maps
Easy! They don't. For three hours every day, low tide will allow you to access it by foot.
Rene / TripAdvisor
There's a clearly marked trail head that begins at Bridge Street in Bar Harbor. If you're staying in town, set your GPS to walk here for the trail start.

You can also head to the Hulls Cove Visitors Center in Acadia National Park, then take the Island Explorer Bus heading to Village Green. When you've arrived at Village Green, head down Main Street to West Street. Here, you'll make a right on Bridge Street.
There are ways to drive onto the sandbar, but this means you'll need to keep exact track of the time and the tides or risk your car floating away.
tooiake / Flickr
The low tide exposes the gravel trail for about 3 hours every day, which is more than enough time to get to Bar Island, do some exploring, and come back before it's underwater again.
Carol71 / TripAdvisor
If you're not from the area, timing your visit is a great way to get a better understanding of how tides work. See the end of this article for a link to the tide tables that can help you plan the best time to visit Bar Island.
While the short window of low tide can be daunting, it's a big part of what makes this trail so cool!
sradmd / TripAdvisor
The low tide time listed on tide tables will reveal the time that the trail is most exposed, which means you have about 1.5 hours before and after that time to enjoy the path.
breatheindigital / Flickr
Because the path is submerged underwater for most of the time, there are lots of tide pools and sea life to enjoy along the way.
rhiggs79 / TripAdvisor

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This is a great way for kids and grownups to learn about the ecology of Maine, but remember not to disturb anything by picking it up.
PCMomof2 / TripAdvisor
The path will also be soft and sandy in places, so be sure to wear footwear that can handle this type of terrain. Going barefoot is a great way to have fun and cool down.
It can be a lot of fun to walk into the water. Unless it's because you've timed things wrong and have found yourself having to swim!
Craig Z / TripAdvisor
But, with the signs warning you of the dangers you should be fine.
threeredheads / TripAdvisor
The trail is close to the mainland, making it a great way to look back at Bar Harbor and see the nature that exists all around you.
Brenda B / TripAdvisor
While some trails in Maine are best left for sunny days, fog and clouds add to the atmospheric nature of this one.
Bill B / TripAdvisor
Once you've reached Bar Island, be sure to explore some of the trails that meander through the area.
threeredheads / TripAdvisor
The trail follows an abandoned road, which you should follow until you come to a place where you can head toward the right.
Bill and Donna / TripAdvisor
From here you'll find viewing points to see Bar Harbor at its finest.
If you head towards the left, you'll begin going uphill to the highest point on the island. The views here are just as gorgeous.
Michael Rau / Google Reviews
You'll know that the tide is beginning to come back in when the trail looks less wide than it did earlier.
directorfantasies / TripAdvisor
This is a good time to make sure you're heading back. The tides in Maine move quickly and if you're cutting things too close you could get stuck. So, be sure to take nature seriously. You can always do it again tomorrow.

Walk across to Bar Island on the Bar Island Trail in this video from SimpsonInTheWorld:

Walking to Bar Island is a fun unique adventure everyone should try at least once. To find the Bar Harbor high and low tides, check out the US Harbors website.

Another unique hike to take in Maine leads to this fun, wobbly bridge. It’s unexpected and easy enough to do in just an afternoon with kids.

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More to Explore

Maine Hiking Trails And Nature Walks

Chris Muras | December 13, 2023

What are some unique hikes in Maine?
When hiking in Maine you don't have to be a seasoned backpacker - there are plenty of hikes you can enjoy when you have 30 minutes to wander. Here are some unique hikes in Maine that don't require a heavy backpack:

  • Peggity’s Path, Northport, ME: When you find a hidden gem like this 1.4-mile loop trail in the McLellan-Poor Preserve it is something to treasure. Since it isn't a hugely popular trail there is a good chance you'll have it all to yourself. Just imagine gently flowing streams, moss-covered rocks, and the aroma of pine-fresh air. Pretty much everything you want in a Maine hiking trail - plus the quiet zen-like vibe of your own private trail.
  • The Wells Reserve, Laudholm, ME: The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is a delightful spot with several interconnecting trails to explore. If you take the entire 2.3-mile loop you'll tour each of the smaller trails that meander through the estuary on a wooden boardwalk and through the trees until you reach the coast. You can then spend some time wandering the beach in search of shells, driftwood, or interesting stones.
  • China School Forest, China, ME: The wonderful thing about Maine is that you don't have to set out on an epic hike to Katahdin to have a good time. This little-known spot is located behind the China primary and middle schools. As you hike through the woods you'll come to a wooden boardwalk that leads out into a pond with scenic views all around. Not only is this a fun trail for a family walk, but it was designed with kids in mind. The Gathering Place can be found when you walk through a birch tree archway to a clearing with wooden benches and an interactive play area. There you'll find directions for a treasure hunt and a treehouse you can explore.

If you want to challenge yourself to hike the best hiking trails in Maine, check out this guide to some of our favorites. If you want all the latest info on each hike, check out AllTrails+.

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