Acadia National Park is known for possessing many beautiful and equally dangerous natural landscapes. This also includes the multiple lake system found here. There are 24 officially named lakes and ponds in Acadia National Park. And I think, if you are passionate about exploring parks in the form of waterways, you should not miss the list of lakes in Acadia National Park below.
However, with so many bodies of water to explore, it can sometimes be difficult to know which ones are worth visiting during a tour of the best places to visit in Acadia National Park. Furthermore, only some of Acadia’s lakes allow recreational activities such as boating and swimming.
Don’t worry because when you read this article you have come to the right place. I’ve been to Acadia many times a year and have had the opportunity to explore the best things to do here. Therefore, using my experience, I have narrowed down the list of the best lakes and ponds that you should not miss when visiting Acadia. You can rely on this guide to plan the perfect trip. Are you ready? Come explore with me and nationalparkshops.com!
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Introducing the lakes in Acadia National Park
From what I’ve learned from the country’s official information sites, Acadia has 24 named lakes and ponds that add shimmering contrast to Acadia’s rocky and forested landscape. The granite that makes up much of Acadia’s landscape is a significant factor in the presence of numerous ponds in this location and the freshwater streams and watersheds that drain into the ponds. The park is home to 14 Great Ponds (natural ponds or lakes larger than 4 hectares/10 acres) and 10 smaller ponds. Lakes and ponds make up more than 7% of the park’s area with maximum depths ranging from 5 ft to 150 ft.
Pond life in Acadia is vibrant as the ponds are home to countless species of reptiles and amphibians as well as freshwater plants. Lovers, ducks and other waterfowl can be seen feeding on the pond or nesting at the edges and under the surface, and freshwater fish enjoy some of the cleanest waters in the northeast.
For generations, people have relied on lakes and ponds for their sole year-round supply of harvested meat and stone. On any given day, the ponds are home to all sorts of fun activities – boating, swimming and fishing in the summer, skating and ice fishing in the winter. Most importantly, many ponds within Acadia serve as local sources of drinking water and have boating and swimming restrictions among other regulations.
Best 5 must-see lakes in Acadia National Park
As I said, the lake system in Acadia National Park is extremely large. While Acadia boasts many beautiful lakes, I find that there are five lakes in Acadia National Park that stand out the most that you should visit:
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is one of the largest lakes in Acadia National Park east of Mount Desert Island, located in the main area of the Park.
If you plan to see the highlights of Acadia by driving along the famous Park Loop such as watching the Acadia National Park sunrise, you can also catch a glimpse of this beautiful lake by stopping at the Eagle Lake Overlook.
But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Eagle Lake if you want to spend more time there. You can continue to admire Eagle Lake from the shore by biking or by foot along Acadia’s car-free roads. These shipping roads surround most of Eagle Lake’s perimeter.
If you want to get out on the lake, boating and fishing are allowed at Eagle Lake. Canoes, kayaks and motorboats are allowed at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. However, swimming and paddleboarding/boogie boarding are not allowed at Eagle Lake.
The boat launch is located at the north end of Eagle Lake. It can be accessed by car along Eagle Lake Road. If you don’t plan to use the boat launch, you can also explore the south end of the lake by leaving your car in the Bubble Pond parking lot and walking along the carriage road to Eagle Lake.
Bubble Pond
Next up is one of the lakes in Acadia National Park – Bubble Pond. Bubble Pond is a short distance northeast of Jordan Pond, next to the two-way section of Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island. It’s a small pond nestled among curvaceous mountains, with a maximum water depth of 39 feet. Next to the parking lot there is a driveway and a stone bridge that is convenient for walking or cycling.
Once at Bubble Pond, you’ll find several nice places to sit or enjoy the views along the shore. Just choose one of the large rocks, a tree stump, or any other place where you feel comfortable. You can also choose to walk along the walking trail along the right bank when you reach the pond. This can be especially beautiful early in the morning when the sun begins to peek over the mountain on the left. The mountain you will see in the south southwest is Mount Pemetic. On quiet mornings there is often a perfect reflection of the mountain on the surface of Bubble Pond.
However I have a note for you, the small parking lot nearby for visitors to park their cars and go to the lake will be closed from around June 21st until just after October 8th. But don’t worry, The Island Explorer shuttle bus is still operating normally. Check out the Island Explorer Bus schedule for coordinated schedules and maps.
Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is one of the most famous sites in Acadia National Park. I’m sure you’ll want to stop here to admire the natural beauty of Jordan Pond at least once. It has some of the deepest, clearest waters in Acadia and offers iconic views of the hills known as The Bubbles.
If you have more time on your trip to explore Acadia, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Many visitors stop here to eat at the Jordan Pond House (the park’s only restaurant). If you don’t want to wait long for your food, consider bringing your own picnic to enjoy.
Boating and fishing are allowed if you want to spend time on the water in lakes in Acadia National Park, specifically Jordan Pond. Just be sure to check the specific rules surrounding these activities since Jordan Pond is a source of drinking water. For this reason, swimming (for both humans and pets) and boating/paddleboarding are not permitted in Jordan Pond.
More specifically, there is a very interesting activity I will suggest for you here. Return to Jordan Pond at night because it is one of the best places in Acadia National Park to stargaze. You can access Jordan Pond at its south end, where there is parking off Park Loop. Some Island Explorer shuttle routes also stop here if you don’t want to jostle for parking.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island. Technically, only the southern portion of Echo Lake is within Acadia National Park. However, I still think it deserves to be on the list as one of the lakes in Acadia National Park that offers a beautiful setting to visit and explore. And this is also the perfect place to enjoy water activities.
Echo Lake is among the limited lakes suitable for swimming within Acadia National Park. The southern part of the lake features a designated swimming section and a sandy shoreline. The ideal months for swimming are July and August, as the average water temperature exceeds 70 degrees.
In addition to swimming, you can partake in boating and fishing at Echo Lake. The boat launch event occurred at Ikes Point. Unlike some other lakes, both boating and pets are permitted at Echo Lake since it does not serve as a source of drinking water. Echo Lake is conveniently located along Route 102. If you prefer not to drive and park there, the Island Explorer shuttle stops at the southern edge of Echo Lake.
Long Pond
Long Pond is also one of the lakes in Acadia located on Mount Desert Island, just west of Echo Lake. There is another Long Pond in Acadia on Isle au Haut, but it is not the Long Pond I want to introduce to you!
The aptly named Long Pond is the longest pond in Acadia National Park, so there are plenty of ponds for visitors to explore. There are boat launches at both the north and south ends of Long Pond. Rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards at National Park Canoe & Kayak Rental at the northern boat launch. Remember that the north boat ramp and east shore of Long Pond are outside the park boundaries, so avoid trespassing on private land in these areas.
Long Pond is also a great place for fishing. Landlocked trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass and string pickerel are all found in Long Pond.
Can you swim in the lakes of Acadia National Park?
Possessing an extensive network of lakes and ponds, it’s sad to tell you that in Acadia National Park, swimming in the lakes is mostly prohibited, although there are some limited exceptions to the rule. this switch. The primary reason for these restrictions is that water from lakes in Acadia National Park serves as an important source of drinking water, and allowing swimming could affect the quality of that water.
But there are exceptions, the park does provide specific areas where visitors are allowed to swim, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. One such place is Echo Lake Beach, which stands out as one of the few places where swimming is allowed. This beach has sandy shores and clear, warm water, which is especially attractive during the summer. I discovered that Echo Lake Beach is a great choice for a day out with the family, The gentle slope and calm waters create a safe environment for young children to play and enjoy.
It is important to always verify park regulations and guidelines before swimming, as this will help ensure that you remain in the designated swimming area.
Maps of Lakes in Acadia National Park
FAQs about Lakes in Acadia National Park
Can you swim in Eagle Lake, Acadia?
The answer is no. Swimming in Eagle Lake is not allowed. Eagle Lake, along with many other lakes in Acadia National Park, serves as a source of drinking water, so swimming is restricted to protect water quality. While you can’t swim in Eagle Lake, there are designated swimming areas within the park where you can take a dip. Echo Lake Beach is a popular spot for swimming, offering a sandy beach and clear, warm water during the summer months.
Are the lakes in Acadia National Park accessible year-round?
The accessibility of the lakes in Acadia National Park can vary throughout the year. During the winter months, some lakes may be frozen, making them inaccessible for certain activities like swimming or boating. It’s always best to check with the park’s visitor centers or website for the latest updates on lake conditions and accessibility.
Is camping allowed near the lakes?
Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds within Acadia National Park. While there are no campsites directly on the lakeshores, several campgrounds are conveniently located near the lakes, providing easy access to water activities. Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds are popular choices, offering a range of amenities and close proximity to the park’s lakes and trails.
Conclusion
Overall, the lakes in Acadia National Park offer a peaceful and picturesque escape to immerse yourself in nature. Swimming may be limited, but designated areas like Echo Lake Beach offer a refreshing alternative. So, if you want to explore the combination of beautiful scenery, peaceful scenery and other diverse activities at the lakes of Acadia National Park, don’t miss my guide. Although it is only based on my own experiences, I am sure it will be a good guide for you. What are you waiting for, make a plan and go.
