Shore Path, Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, ME
A level seaside footpath along Frenchman Bay, starting in the middle of Bar Harbor and passing grand old houses and open lawns. It is an easy walk with views of the Porcupine Islands, pleasant at any hour and good before dinner.
The Shore Path runs along Frenchman Bay from Ells Pier in the center of town to Wayman Lane and is just under 1.2 km (0.75 mile) long. It came about around 1880 through the cooperation of the Village Improvement Association (VIA) and property owners, and the VIA still maintains it today. Along the way you will see old inns, summer residences, gardens, Balance Rock and the Porcupine Islands. According to the VIA, the surface is gravel, with stone benches along the way. Cycling is not allowed.
Allow about one to one and a half hours for the round trip. Because the path crosses private land, please respect residents’ peace and privacy. After severe storm damage in January 2024, the path was rebuilt and officially reopened in June 2025 (as of October 2026). You can reach Ells Pier on foot from the town center.
- Nearest town
- Bar Harbor, ME
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 44.3890, -68.2040
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Blackwoods CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Shore Path, Bar HarborTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Hadley's Point CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Shore Path, Bar HarborTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Schoodic Woods CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Shore Path, Bar HarborTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover8 mi from Shore Path, Bar HarborTentsCaravansMotorhomesWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Smuggler's Den CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Shore Path, Bar HarborTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Bass Harbor CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Shore Path, Bar HarborTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Maine · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Shore Path, Bar Harbor?
Shore Path, Bar Harbor is in Bar Harbor, ME, at GPS 44.3890, -68.2040. It is about 10 mi from Southwest Harbor.
Can you camp near Shore Path, Bar Harbor?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bar Harbor Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Shore Path, Bar Harbor?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cadillac Mountain (3 mi), Thunder Hole (5 mi), Jordan Pond (5 mi) and Blackwoods Campground (5 mi).
When is the best time to visit Shore Path, Bar Harbor?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)