Last updated: August 20, 2026
Thing to Do
Hike Ship Harbor Trail
Located off Maine 102A down the road from Seawall Campground and Wonderland Trail, Ship Harbor Trail is a figure-8 trail covering 1.3 miles. It is a great trail for families and birders. Common loons, common eiders, great blue herons, black guillemots, ospreys and eagles have been seen here. A variety of habitats can be viewed along the shore, and there is access to a quiet cove and mudflats at low tide. Interpretive signs provide additional resource information.
Start by bearing right at the first junction. The trail will lead along the shore of a narrow cove. After passing the rocky headland, follow blue blazes on the rocks and turn right again. The trail continues through a spruce woods before opening up again and leading back to the parking lot.
Details
Duration
30-60 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 less than an hour.
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
All visitors aged 16 and above must have a park entrance pass. All vehicles must display a pass clearly visible through the windshield. Pass purchase options are described fully online at go.nps.gov/AcadiaPass.
Location
Ship Harbor Trailhead
- The Trailhead: Where to Begin
- Access the Ship Harbor Trail off the trailhead parking lot on Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road).
- Getting to the Trailhead
- By Island Explorer bus
- There is no public transportation for this hike.
- By private vehicle
- Start in Southwest Harbor and continue south on Maine Route 102. Turn left onto Maine Route 102A. Follow signs for parking area on the left side of the road.
- Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road) can close during storms or possible flooding. Check alerts for road closures.
- By Island Explorer bus
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The first loop is ADA compliant. Second loop is mostly flat with occasional log framed steps and plank trail. Restrooms (vault toilets) at trailhead are not accessible.
In front of the restroom, one accessible parking space is indicated by a sign and blue paint on the ground. Another space next to the trail entrance is indicated by blue striped paint on the ground.
At the entrance of the trail there is a two-inch drop from the parking lot pavement. Wheelchair users may need assistance.
In front of the restroom, one accessible parking space is indicated by a sign and blue paint on the ground. Another space next to the trail entrance is indicated by blue striped paint on the ground.
At the entrance of the trail there is a two-inch drop from the parking lot pavement. Wheelchair users may need assistance.
Trail Safety Tips:
- Rocks and roots can be very slippery when wet. Be cautious of footing, especially along the coast.
- 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.
- Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended for better traction over unlevel surfaces.
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.
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- Duration:
- 31.331 seconds
An accessible description and transcript of the Ship Harbor parking area in Acadia National Park. (July 2025)