Little Long Pond - Seal Harbor, ME
Little Long Pond – Dog-Friendly Trails in Seal Harbor, Maine
Little Long Pond in Seal Harbor, Maine, is a beautiful and tranquil destination known for its pet-friendly hiking and walking trails. Nestled behind the beach and bordered by a crystal-clear pond, this park offers paved paths, scenic stone staircases, lush forests, and picturesque meadows full of wildflowers. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll or an invigorating hike with your canine companion, this spot promises a uniquely serene experience—far less crowded than more well-known areas of Acadia National Park.
What sets Little Long Pond apart for dog owners is its welcoming attitude toward off-leash dogs, provided they have solid recall. The park’s extensive trails and natural swim areas make it a dog’s paradise, allowing for both exercise and aquatic fun. Families with children will also find it a suitable destination, and the well-maintained grounds ensure a memorable outing for all. However, responsible pet ownership is essential to keep this special place accessible to all, as some visitors have reported incidents with dogs not under reliable control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash if they have solid recall and are under control at all times.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs without solid recall or whose owners wish to keep them leashed must be on a leash or long line.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features several hiking and walking trails, including adjoining trails like Friendship Trail and Richard’s Trail.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs can swim in the pond under owner supervision.
- Is this park good for kids? Yes, the park is noted as being good for children and families.
- Are there paved paths? Yes, there are paved trails for walking and jogging.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors remark on the park being beautiful and well maintained.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trails pass through dense forests providing plenty of natural shade.
Reviews
Nice paved trails. Very quiet and right behind the beach. Nice little walk for some fresh air.
Experience incredible stone staircases, dense forest against a crystal clear pond, a hilltop full of wild daisies, and a magical hidden doorway (Richard’s Door) along this trail. We hiked a total of about 5 miles via the adjoining Friendship Trail and Richard’s Trail and saw only 1 other person along the way. Definitely a less traveled magical spot in AcadiaNational Park.
BEWARE OF IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS…Such a beautiful, well maintained preserve, and so wonderful that access is granted to dogs and humans alike and awesome that dogs with solid recall are allowed off leash! Unfortunately have had really awful experiences here with irresponsible dog owners allowing their dogs off leash that were not properly trained. Went with my own pup (on a leash while walking, and on a long line while swimming) just a few days ago. He was charged by nearly every off leash dog we encountered. Only one off leash dog that we encountered (out of nearly a dozen) had solid recall/off leash skills.
This is not a dog park. If your dog does not come to you the FIRST time they are called and return to you IMMEDIATELY they do not have solid recall and need to be on a leash/long line. There are people enjoying these lands that do not want to interact with dogs, and dogs/owners that do not want close interactions with other dogs. Not to mention the impact on delicate pond bank areas and threat to wildlife that comes with irresponsibly managed off leash dogs. Please be courteous so people (and dogs) can continue to have access to this beautiful area.
This park is dog heaven. We have been coming here for years. Paris has been off leash each time and we have never encountered any problems with other dogs leashed or otherwise. It is rare that we meet people walking that don’t have dogs. Sad.
Great place to take your dog for a hike. The boathouse is precious.