Ship Harbor Accessibility Information

Ship Harbor Trail

NPS Photo by Robyn Smyth

Quick Facts

Location:

Route 102A southeast of Bass Harbor

Amenities

9 listed

Accessible Sites, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

The first loop of Ship Harbor Trail, located on the western side of Mount Desert near Southwest Harbor, is wheelchair and stroller friendly. The first loop of this figure-eight trail is moderately flat and is made up of mainly packed gravel, whereas on the second loop a series of stairs are required. If visitors take only the first loop, it will be about 0.8 miles/ 1.3 km in distance.

Ship Harbor trail is known as an incredible spot for birding, nature walks, and is leashed-dog friendly.

The first loop of Ship Harbor trail is a common path for people with mobility limitations and families with children.

Note: the second loop of the Ship Harbor trail includes a staircase, rocks, roots, and more hazards on the trail surface.

Getting to Ship Harbor Trail

Off state route 102 A, drivers will find a small parking lot and side-of-the-road parallel-parking.  In front of the restroom, one accessible parking space is indicated by a sign and blue paint on the ground. Another is next to the trail entrance indicated by blue striped paint on the ground.

An Acadia parking pass or valid Entrance Pass is required to park at Ship Harbor trailhead.  

What to Expect 

Ship Harbor Trail first loop (0.8 miles/ 1.3 km) at times may have large rocks or roots, and at the entrance of the trail there is a two-inch drop from the parking lot pavement; wheelchair users may need a companion to assist navigating these hazards.

The trail is made up of mostly packed gravel and takes visitors through a forest filled with pitch pines, birch trees and small wildflowers.

One accessible restroom compartment is available at the trailhead parking lot.

Tags: acadia national park, acadia, ship harbor, accessibility, wheelchair accessible

Open Transcript  Open Descriptive Transcript

Transcript

The video shows an asphalt parking lot off Maine 102A. The video starts at the west end of the lot, near the trailhead and kiosk. There is one accessible space, designated by paint on the ground. There is a change in level greater than one inch where the trail meets the parking lot and the asphalt changes to gravel. At the east end of the parking lot, near the vault toilet, there is one van accessible space, designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. There is a concrete path between the parking lot and the restroom.

Descriptive Transcript

The video shows an asphalt parking lot off Maine 102A. The video starts at the west end of the lot, near the trailhead and kiosk. There is one accessible space, designated by paint on the ground. There is a change in level greater than one inch where the trail meets the parking lot and the asphalt changes to gravel. At the east end of the parking lot, near the vault toilet, there is one van accessible space, designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. There is a concrete path between the parking lot and the restroom.

Duration:

31.331 seconds

An accessible description and transcript of the Ship Harbor parking area in Acadia National Park. (July 2025)