Last updated: August 20, 2026
Thing to Do
Hike Wonderland Trail
Located between Seawall Campground and the Ship Harbor Trail on Maine Route 102A, Wonderland Trail is an old gravel fire road which leads to the ocean. It is a family-friendly coastal trail, popular for birding and tidepooling at low tide. When exploring this area, never turn your back on the water. Explore as the tide is going out, and be gentle with any creatures in the tidepools.
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
- Terrain: gravel fire road, rocky sections, coastline
Hike Description
- Start from the parking area and follow the trail along a old gravel fire road.
- The road is mostly flat with minimal roots and rocks, leading through a spruce forest before opening up to Jack Pine.
- The coastline access starts close to the end and opens up to a rocky shoreline. Use caution on the rocks, especially when wet. Views of the Duck Islands to the southeast and Great Cranberry Island to the northeast can be seen from the shore.
- After seeing the coastline or tidepooling during low tide, return back the same way to reach the parking area.
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
Wonderland Trail
- The Trailhead: Where to Begin
- Wonderland Trailhead is located off the trailhead parking lot on Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road).
- Getting to the Trailhead
- By car: Start in Southwest Harbor and continue south on Maine Route 102. Turn left onto Maine Route 102A. In 3.1 miles the Wonderland Parking Lot is on the left. Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road) can close during storms or possible flooding. Check alerts for road closures.
- By bus: There is no public transportation to this trailhead.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Accessibility Information
The Wonderland Trail is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing in areas.
There is limited parking in a small lot. Street parking is also available. No accessible parking spaces are designated.
There is no toilet at the trailhead. The closest accessible toilet is at the Ship Harbor Trailhead, a short drive south.
There is limited parking in a small lot. Street parking is also available. No accessible parking spaces are designated.
There is no toilet at the trailhead. The closest accessible toilet is at the Ship Harbor Trailhead, a short drive south.
Trail Safety Tips
- 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.