With children
Short enough to enjoy.
Tide pools, boardwalks, and quick wins — eight routes matched to the youngest hiker, not the fastest adult.
See the kid picks ↓Choose for your crew
Hikes for kids—and dogs.
Kid-tested routes, ladder-free dog picks, and the pet rules that matter — choose a topic and read on.
With a leashed dog
Skip the ladders.
Eight ladder-free picks with predictable footing — carriage roads, shaded loops, and quiet shore walks.
See the dog picks ↓
NPS pet rules
Six feet, every step.
The leash rule, off-limits spots, and beach restrictions — including Echo Lake, the island's freshwater swim stop.
Read the rules ↓Photos: National Park Service, Jordan Pond area ↗ · National Park Service, pets in Acadia ↗
With children
Short enough to enjoy.
These routes trade exposure for tide pools, boardwalks, water views, and quick wins. Match the distance to the youngest hiker—not the fastest adult.
1
Wonderland Trail1.4 mi · easy coast and tide poolsWhy #1: the biggest shoreline payoff for the least stress.
2
Ship Harbor Trail1.3 mi · forest, cove, and birdingWhy #2: a true loop with constant scenery changes.
3
Jesup Path2 mi · birch forest boardwalkWhy #3: level footing and a memorable boardwalk.
4
Bubble Rock Trail1 mi · short climb to the famous boulderWhy #4: a quick summit-style reward for capable kids.
5
Jordan Pond Path3.3 mi · mostly gentle lakeside loopWhy #5: beautiful and varied, but longer than it looks.
6
Ocean Path4.4 mi · flexible out-and-back by the coastWhy #6: easy to shorten, though crowds can dilute the fun.
7
Beech Mountain Loop1.2 mi · short climb to a fire tower; supervise closelyWhy #7: short and exciting, with steeper footing to manage.
8
Bass Harbor Head Light Path0.4 mi · shoreline rocks can be slipperyWhy #8: iconic finish, but the rocks are not a carefree walk.
With a leashed dog
Skip the ladders.
These picks avoid iron-rung routes. Conditions and each dog’s footing, heat tolerance, and trail manners still matter.
1
Eagle Lake Circuit6 mi · broad carriage road with easy footingWhy #1: the most predictable footing and room to pass.
2
Wonderland Trail1.4 mi · gentle shore walkWhy #2: short, cool, and rewarding without ladders.
3
Ship Harbor Trail1.3 mi · shaded loop to a protected coveWhy #3: shade and a compact loop help on warmer days.
4
Ocean Path4.4 mi · turn around whenever paws or people are doneWhy #4: maximum flexibility, though peak crowds require control.
5
Jesup Path2 mi · easy boardwalk and woodlandWhy #5: gentle grade, with narrow boardwalk passing points.
6
Jordan Pond Path3.3 mi · leashed dogs permitted; no lake swimmingWhy #6: scenic, but the rockier shore section suits steady paws.
7
Long Pond Trail2.9 mi · quiet shoreline walkWhy #7: quieter water views with more uneven footing.
8
Seawall Shore Walk1 mi · low-key coastal outingWhy #8: an easy add-on rather than a full hiking day.
NPS pet rules
Six feet, every step.
- Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet and collect all waste.
- Pets are prohibited on ladder trails, in public buildings, at Duck Harbor campground, and at drinking-water lakes.
- Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach have pet restrictions; check current signs before entering.
- Bring water, check for ticks, and never leave a pet unattended in a car or campsite.