West Side of Mount Desert Island

 

Ashley L. Conti/Friends of Acadia

The Quiet Side

The west side of Acadia is a quieter, more secluded area of Mount Desert Island — great for visitors looking to explore the park's beauty and natural resources while avoiding larger crowds. Families and skilled adventurers alike can engage in hiking, boating, swimming, camping, wildlife-watching, ranger programs, and more on these mountains, coastlines, lakes, ponds, and trails.

This area stretches from Pretty Marsh Picnic Area in the northeast corner to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse on the southern-most tip of the island — totaling roughly 10,000 acres. It is bordered by Seal Cove Pond, Hodgdon Pond, Echo Lake, Long Pond, Somes Sound, the Atlantic Ocean, and local communities of Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor.

Visit Mountains, Lakes, and Ponds

Just a short drive from the communities of Somesville and Southwest Harbor, visitors can explore various mountains on the west side of Mount Desert Island. Heavily wooded hiking trails through forests, along ridge lines, and up summits offer secluded recreation to Beech Mountain, Acadia Mountain, St. Sauveur Mountain, Valley Peak, and Flying Mountain, as well as Western Mountain (comprised of two major summits, Bernard Mountain and Mansell Mountain).

Long Pond, Echo Lake, Hodgdon Pond, and Seal Cove Pond provide recreational opportunities to experience the park on water. Visitors can bring their own boat or rent from local outfitters, and swimming is allowed at Echo Lake Beach. Check boating information for specific regulations and trip-planning.

Getting Around

Areas on the west side are within a 20-45 minute drive from Hulls Cove Visitor Center, depending on traffic and time of year. Be aware of speed limit changes and check alerts for road and trail closures, especially during winter. Cell service is unreliable, so plan accordingly if using GPS or other navigation.

• By bus: The fare-free Island Explorer operates seasonally (late June to mid-October) stops at Acadia Mountain, Echo Lake Beach, and Seawall Campground. Check bus schedule for routes and timetable.

 

 

Explore the West Side Safely

Cell service is not reliable in this area of the park. Be aware of unpredictable weather, terrain, and potential road closures.

• Stay on designated paths and away from marked re-vegetation areas.
• Drive carefully along roadside parking areas where pedestrians cross to and from trailheads.
• Some roads are unpaved or locked seasonally. Check park alerts for road closures before venturing out.
• Exposed granite on trails and cliffs can be slippery when wet. Stay cautious of footing.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife. Dispose of all trash properly or pack it out with you.
• Dogs (or any pets) must be leashed at all times, and are not allowed at Echo Lake Beach from May 15 to September 15.
• Swimming is only allowed in designated areas. Respect posted signs for public water supply.
• Visit our safety page for more tips.

 

 

Bass Harbor Marsh

Learn more about beautiful Bass Harbor Marsh and efforts by researchers and volunteers to stem the tide of invasive species.

Hiking in Acadia

Many choices and challenges await you on hiking trails across Acadia.

For Kids

Learn about all the ways that young people and their families can experience Acadia in their unique and special way.

 

 

See also:

• Visitor Centers
• Park Loop Road
• East Side
• West Side
• Schoodic Peninsula
• Isle au Haut
• Outer Islands