Ship Harbor Trail

A short, family-friendly hike with spectacular coastal views, birding opportunities, and unique granite outcroppings.

Hiking Easy

Distance: 2.1 km
Ascent: 29 m
Descent: 29 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 1 m
High Point: 15 m
Gradient: 1˚

Just minutes from Bass Harbor, the Ship Harbor Trail and the Wonderland Trail are two of Acadia's best family-friendly hikes. A "figure-8" loop, the path is mostly level through a forested area "that leads to an interesting section of coastline where faults in the sheets of pink granite create numerous tide pools that are fun for children and adults alike to explore," according to this source. This is an excellent trail for birding, and leashed pets are welcome to join.

End of Ship Harbor Trail Photo: daveynin

Description

The trailhead for Ship Harbor Trail is due east of Bass Harbor. The trailhead for the aforementioned Wonderland Trail is just past it. Look for a small pull-off and roadside parking to serve as overflow on busier days.

As an alternative to the out-and-back, local guide Joe Braun suggests that for a longer hike one could continue east along the bay to where the Wonderland Trail comes out. You could then complete the loop with a short road walk between the two trailheads.

Sources: https://www.citrusmilo.com/acadiaguide/shipharbortrail.php https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hike-coast.htm