Hike Compass Harbor Trail

The Compass Harbor Trail provides an easy walk through the woods to the shore just outside the village of Bar Harbor. 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. Explore the historic site and enjoy a dramatic shoreline with views of Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Island.

• Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
• Terrain: Forested path, 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 over looking 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 the trailhead.

Details

Duration

30-45 Minutes

Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. For an average pace, this hike takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are welcome in Acadia, but rules apply. Federal law requires that all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m) at all times. Collect and dispose of animal waste in trash containers. Find information about service animals, the Bark Ranger program, and a list of locations where pets are restricted from entry at go.nps.gov/AcadiaPets

Activity Fee

No

Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park year round.

Location

Compass Harbor

• The Trailhead: Where to Begin

  • Compass Harbor Trailhead

• Getting to the Trailhead

  • By car: Start from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. At the four-way intersection, turn left. Turn right at the stop sign onto Maine Route 3. Continue south, then turn left onto Cottage Street. Proceed straight and turn right onto Main St (Maine Route 3). Head south for 1 mile to reach a small dirt parking lot on the left.

  • By bus: There is no public transportation to this trailhead.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Compass Harbor Trail is mostly accessible. It starts relatively flat and wide with few hazards. Eventually, there is increased slope along with roots and rocks growing prevalent across on the trail surface. Near the historic site, there are about 20 large stone steps. Go straight rather than left at the first junction to utilize a fairly level trail to the historic site. Near the shoreline, the trail is rocky and uneven.

There is no restroom at the trailhead.

Tags: acadia national park, mount desert island, bar harbor, east side, compass harbor trail, frenchman bay, less than half day, coastal, hiking, loops

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile before hiking.
• Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
• Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
• Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.
• Be careful when walking along rocks on the coast. They can be slippery when wet.
• Help protect the fragile environment surrounding the historic site and stay on the designated trail.

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)

Tags: acadia national park, mount desert island, bar harbor, east side, compass harbor trail, frenchman bay, less than half day, coastal, hiking, loops