Bubble Pond
On Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, Bubble Pond attracts hikers, photographers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. While the park is open year-round, summer is the best time to explore the trails, and winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The basics
This freshwater pond sits between Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond; a small stream runs on the pond's northern end, connecting it with the lake. Though there’s no swimming in Bubble Pond, a trail runs along the edge of the water, and many visitors pass by and admire the view. Hikers enjoy the plentiful options here, most of which are relatively easy with minimal elevation gain.
Things to know before you go
- Motorized watercraft are not allowed on the pond.
- The free Island Explorer shuttle can get you to Bubble Pond from various spots in the park. The shuttle is available from late June through mid-October.
- Acadia National Park has year-round entrance fees, and in the summer and fall, timed reservations are required if you wish to visit Cadillac Mountain.
- No swimming—by people or dogs—or paddleboarding is allowed in Bubble Pond.
- The parking lot at the pond has accessible restrooms. The carriage roads surrounding the lake are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
Bubble Pond is just a short drive from Bar Harbor and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Take the Park Loop Road, and you'll reach a parking lot at the Bubble Pond Bridge; the Island Explorer shuttle also stops at this location. The parking lot is sometimes closed in the summer, making the shuttle your best bet.
When to get there
The parking lot at Bubble Pond gets very congested, so plan to arrive before 8am or after 5pm if you intend to drive into the park. To speed up your entry, purchase your park pass and print it out before you arrive. During the busy season, the Island Explorer shuttle is the best way to reach Bubble Pond and avoid the stress of parking.
Other points of interest in Acadia National Park
Acadia's Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise most of the year, and visitors flock here to take in stunning views of Maine's craggy coastline. Follow the park's 27-mile (43.5-kilometer) loop road to experience the varied landscape, and stop at Thunder Hole to hear the waves crash into the small cavern. For impressive beach views, head to Sand Beach and hike the trails.
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