Part of Acadia National Park, Bar Island Land Bridge is a unique hiking trail on Mount Desert Island that connects Bar Harbor with Bar Island for only a few hours a day. You have to go between 1.5 hour before and after the low-tide point during the day, otherwise the trail is underwater, completely covered by ocean. The low-tide point changes daily so make sure you check the Bar Harbor tide chart before your visit.
The trailhead starts from the intersection of Bridge Street and West Street in downtown Bar Harbor. The exposed land bridge provides many opportunities for investigating small tide pools and the marine life inside such as sea snails, crabs, and even starfish.
Once on the island, the Bar Island Trail gradually ascends through the forest on a dirt road to various open sections with views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. The trail is about 2 miles in total (round trip) and is considered a relatively easy hike, suitable for beginners. The terrain includes mostly gravel sand bar, old dirt road, and forested path.
Visitors need to be mindful of the time they spend on the island, otherwise they can be stranded for 9 hours until the next low tide. If stranded, water taxis may be hired for approximately $150 and may take over an hour to arrive. To arrange for a water taxi, call Windjammer cruises at 207-288-2984.