Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop - Bar Harbor, ME
Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine
Explore one of the most popular pet-friendly trails in Bar Harbor, Maine! The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop is an easy, scenic trail located near the Wild Gardens of Acadia, perfect for dog owners looking for a relaxed outing with their furry friends. This well-maintained trail features boardwalks over bogs, flat dirt and gravel paths, and spectacular views of birch and fern-filled forests. It’s a great way to experience a dog-friendly hiking adventure without steep inclines, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
The paths are especially attractive in the fall and offer cool, shaded forests that provide comfort on hot days. On-site trailhead parking is available, along with seasonal restrooms and access to additional connected trails into Acadia National Park. While not a traditional off-leash dog park, Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop offers a wonderful, pet-friendly walking experience for you and your dog in one of Maine’s most scenic locations.
FAQ
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, from the parking lot there are multiple hiking trails branching in various directions, including more moderate and strenuous hikes.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the trail runs through shaded forested areas, making it cooler on hot days.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead providing easy access to the loop.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available at the trailhead parking lot during warmer months.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The trails can be very busy during peak summer months, but are less crowded in the off-season.
- Is this trail good for kids? Yes, the trail is flat, easy, and kid-friendly, making it a great family option.
Reviews
This was an easy trail. Part of it was on mostly even dirt and the rest was elevated on a boardwalk. Pretty views. Trail starts in wild gardens of acadia.
One of the most beautiful and easy hikes ever. Fall is beautiful out here. If you are planning a trip to Acadia national park, you should definitely visit here.
A good easy walk to do right as you enter the park. The two paths are just beyond the botanical gardens and take you through and around some wetlands in the forest. The rangers alerted us to an owl that was just off the trail, which was cool to see! The boardwalks over the wetlands were much appreciated, and the path on the way back was wide and well maintained. We were here on a very hot day and it was noticeably cooler in the forest too. Definitely a good stop for seeing a different side of Maine than the rest of Acadia shows.
These two trails are gorgeous any time of year. The boardwalks are in great shape; traveling through grassy bogs; also includes dirt and gravel paths. Very busy here during peak summer months. I prefer the off-season hikes here so I can take my time without the crowds. These trails are rated as “easy” with very little elevation gain. During the warmer months there are restrooms available at the trailhead parking lot. From the parking lot there are tons of other trail options branching into many different directions; including moderate and strenuous hikes.
This was a short but pleasant trail off the loop road to the wild gardens. Despite being short and flat, it still offers some spectacular peeks at the parks mountains, and a boardwalk leading through beautiful birch and fern filled forest areas. A great place to start if you have small children or family members that don’t want to climb a mountain.