In Maine, we’re surrounded by hiking options. In the mountains, around the lakes, through for forests – just about everywhere, you’ll find unexpected trails and the opportunity for exploration. You have to get off the beaten path for many of them, but we recently came across one that is actually completely hidden for part of the day. The Bar Island Trail in Acadia is only accessible during low tide. If you can time your visit right, it’s one of the most lovely in the area and it will give you a certain sense of pride to have done something nature hides successfully.

The Bar Island Trail is a gravel sand bar connecting Bar Harbor with Bar Island.

hughderr / Flickr It is only accessible for about 3 hours when the tide is low and can be reached by heading to the trailhead at Bridge Street in town. Another option is to park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and then hop on the Island Explorer Bus to the Village Green. Once there, head along Main Street towards West Street before making a right on Bridge Street.

Another option for getting to the trail is to simply park on the sand bar, which we definitely do not recommend.

tooiake / Flickr While you can drive directly on the trail, you won’t be able to drive onto the island itself. But, even more importantly, it’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying yourself in the beauty of Maine. If that happens, you could be stranded while your car enjoys the sights from the other side. Best to just get there the old fashioned way - using your feet.

The best part of this easy trail is its short window of availability.

jstephenconn / Flickr To enjoy the three hours of exposure, head to the trail an hour and a half before and after the exact low tide to be sure to catch it.

While the tide is out, many small pools become visible.

Eric0188 / Tripadvisor While the trail itself is rather short, you could easily spend hours exploring the many tidal pools. Take some time to look around and find shells, small sea life and rocks. Remember that you’re free to touch anything, but you’re not allowed to remove anything from the park. So, always put these new little sea creature friends back where found them.

The sand bar is mostly underwater, so the terrain will be very soft.

thatpatti / Flickr We think going barefoot is best, but if you wear shoes make sure they’re comfortable. And, be prepared for some sinking and slipping in places. It’s certainly not dangerous or harrowing, but you’ll enjoy yourself more if you’re comfortable.

The Bar Island Trail isn’t going to impress people with goals of climbing huge mountains.

breatheindigital / Flickr It’s short and easy and perfect for a casual stroll with great views of Frenchman Bay.

The journey across the sand bar is wonderful, but Bar Island is just as beautiful.

bgdiver1963 / Tripadvisor The uninhabited island is home to wonderful scenery and about a mile of trails.

While the views are wonderful, we love it at sunset.

upupandaway3 / Tripadvisor You may not be able to see as far, but there’s something magical about the hazy pink surrounding the area.

Once you’re on the island, you’ll want to continue to explore.

jstephenconn / Flickr The trail will begin to go through the forest on an abandoned road.

Continue along and head right when the opportunity presents itself.

Mike Engling / Google Maps

Soon you’ll find an area with a lovely a view of Bar Harbor.

Taoab / Google Maps Heading towards the left, the trail will slowly go higher where eventually you’ll find yourself at the highest point on the island.

From here you’ll be treated to yet another gorgeous view of Bar Harbor.

Michael Rau / Google Maps

But remember to time your trip correctly!

photommo / Flickr Otherwise, you’ll either be forced to wait around for the next low tide in about twelve hours. Or you’ll be left to swim across.

Google Maps

If you love Acadia National Park as much as we do, check out this beautiful hike in, what we think, is the best National Park in the east!

hughderr / Flickr

It is only accessible for about 3 hours when the tide is low and can be reached by heading to the trailhead at Bridge Street in town. Another option is to park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and then hop on the Island Explorer Bus to the Village Green. Once there, head along Main Street towards West Street before making a right on Bridge Street.

tooiake / Flickr

While you can drive directly on the trail, you won’t be able to drive onto the island itself. But, even more importantly, it’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying yourself in the beauty of Maine. If that happens, you could be stranded while your car enjoys the sights from the other side. Best to just get there the old fashioned way - using your feet.

jstephenconn / Flickr

To enjoy the three hours of exposure, head to the trail an hour and a half before and after the exact low tide to be sure to catch it.

Eric0188 / Tripadvisor

While the trail itself is rather short, you could easily spend hours exploring the many tidal pools. Take some time to look around and find shells, small sea life and rocks. Remember that you’re free to touch anything, but you’re not allowed to remove anything from the park. So, always put these new little sea creature friends back where found them.

thatpatti / Flickr

We think going barefoot is best, but if you wear shoes make sure they’re comfortable. And, be prepared for some sinking and slipping in places. It’s certainly not dangerous or harrowing, but you’ll enjoy yourself more if you’re comfortable.

breatheindigital / Flickr

It’s short and easy and perfect for a casual stroll with great views of Frenchman Bay.

bgdiver1963 / Tripadvisor

The uninhabited island is home to wonderful scenery and about a mile of trails.

upupandaway3 / Tripadvisor

You may not be able to see as far, but there’s something magical about the hazy pink surrounding the area.

The trail will begin to go through the forest on an abandoned road.

Mike Engling / Google Maps

Taoab / Google Maps

Heading towards the left, the trail will slowly go higher where eventually you’ll find yourself at the highest point on the island.

Michael Rau / Google Maps

photommo / Flickr

Otherwise, you’ll either be forced to wait around for the next low tide in about twelve hours. Or you’ll be left to swim across.

Google Maps

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