Compass Harbor Accessibility Information

Compass Harbor Trail.

NPS Photo by Robyn Smyth

Quick Facts

Significance:

Historic Cottage Foundation, Coastal Hike

Amenities

3 listed

Beach/Water Access, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

Compass Harbor Trail is an often-wide trail that takes visitors through a large white-pine and mixed deciduous forest, past the site of George B. Dorr’s cottage, and down to the cobblestone beaches of Compass Harbor. This trail starts relatively flat and wide with little hazards. Eventually hazards are present with roots and rocks on the trail surface, increased slope, and will include about 20 large stone steps.

It is considered to be one of the more approachable trails in Acadia National Park, but visitors should watch for tripping hazards and stay aware of their surroundings. 

Getting to Compass Harbor

Compass Harbor Trail is off Main St going South in Bar Harbor. A small, unmarked parking lot is located just north of the intersection of Route 3 and Schooner Road about a mile from downtown Bar Harbor. There is signage stating that visitors should use a valid Acadia parking pass or NPS park pass to park in this area. Next to this signage is a metal gate that should not be blocked, and past that gate is the start of the Compass Harbor Trail.

What to Expect

The land is the former estate of George B. Dorr, who was instrumental in the creation of Acadia National Park as well as its first superintendent. Visitors can follow the “Old Farm” Virtual Tour while walking the trail.

The Compass Harbor Trail is 0.8 miles round trip and consists of a forested path, and rocky coastline.

Hike Description

• Start at the Compass Harbor Trailhead and travel 0.1 miles from the parking area before the first junction.
• Turn left at the junction and follow as the trail circles around to a dramatic shoreline overlooking Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Island.
• From the shore, the trail continues back into the woods to the remains of the former home and grounds of the Dorr estate, including the cottage's foundation, stone steps leading down to the ocean, remnants of a saltwater pool, and the remains of gardens and apple trees.
• Go 0.1 past the foundation to loop back to the first junction.
• Continue 0.1 miles back to the trailhead.

Tags: acadia national park, accessibility, acadia, compass harbor trail, compass harbor

Open Transcript  Open Descriptive Transcript

Transcript

The video shows an unlined gravel parking lot off Maine State Route 3, about a mile south of downtown Bar Harbor. It is surrounded by trees and a compact gravel trail begins in the back right corner. A brown metal gate with a sign that reads “Fire Road Do Not Block” marks the start of the trail. 

Descriptive Transcript

The video shows an unlined gravel parking lot off Maine State Route 3, about a mile south of downtown Bar Harbor. It is surrounded by trees and a compact gravel trail begins in the back right corner. A brown metal gate with a sign that reads “Fire Road Do Not Block” marks the start of the trail. 

Duration:

19.87 seconds

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