Last updated: August 10, 2026
Place
Echo Lake
Photo by Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia, NPS
Quick Facts
Amenities
6 listed
Beach/Water Access, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Trailhead
Echo Lake is a popular spot for water and land recreation, located west of Somes Sound and north of Southwest Harbor. Small watercraft can be launched from Ikes Point along Route 102. Trail access to Beech Mountain and other connector trails starts from the end of the parking lot.
The beach area is wide and has plenty of space to relax, explore, or swim. There is no lifeguard on duty.
An Acadia parking pass or a valid NPS Entrance Pass is required to park at Echo Lake Beach. An automated parking pass machine is located at the changing rooms.
Visitors can also take the free Island Explorer Bus to Echo Lake Beach. The bus stops at the Island Explorer bench area, which is marked with a sign. Buses arrive and leave at regular times throughout the day.
A wide paved path on the right side of the parking lot connects the accessible parking spaces to the beach. The path goes down a small hill and leads to accessible restrooms, a changing room, and a wooden walkway across the sand.
During the summer visitor season, a beach wheelchair with large inflatable tires is available for public use at Echo Lake Beach. To request the wheelchair, please email us at least five days before your visit so staff can arrange to meet you there.
For a list of national parks across the United States that offer mobility devices for loan on beaches and trails, visit the page about Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids.
The beach area is wide and has plenty of space to relax, explore, or swim. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Getting to Echo Lake Beach
From State Route 102, visitors will find a large parking lot with five accessible parking spaces. Each accessible space is marked with a sign and blue paint on the ground.An Acadia parking pass or a valid NPS Entrance Pass is required to park at Echo Lake Beach. An automated parking pass machine is located at the changing rooms.
Visitors can also take the free Island Explorer Bus to Echo Lake Beach. The bus stops at the Island Explorer bench area, which is marked with a sign. Buses arrive and leave at regular times throughout the day.
A wide paved path on the right side of the parking lot connects the accessible parking spaces to the beach. The path goes down a small hill and leads to accessible restrooms, a changing room, and a wooden walkway across the sand.
What to Expect
A paved path from the main parking lot leads to the beach area. Along the path, visitors will find:- Restrooms, with a larger stall intended for wheelchair users
- Water fountains
- Changing rooms, with a larger stall intended for wheelchair users
- A foot rinsing station with a bench
During the summer visitor season, a beach wheelchair with large inflatable tires is available for public use at Echo Lake Beach. To request the wheelchair, please email us at least five days before your visit so staff can arrange to meet you there.
For a list of national parks across the United States that offer mobility devices for loan on beaches and trails, visit the page about Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids.