Top 19 Lakes in Acadia National Park

For swimming, Echo Lake is the most popular choice. It features a designated swimming section with a sandy shoreline and offers clear, relatively warm water during the summer months. While many lakes in Acadia are drinking water sources and prohibit swimming, Echo Lake provides a refreshing exception.

Yes, Acadia National Park offers excellent biking opportunities around its lakes, primarily on its historic carriage roads. The Eagle Lake Carriage Road is a popular 6-mile loop offering continuous scenic views. Another great option is the Witch Hole Pond Carriage Road, known for its excellent surfacing and accessibility for families. You can find more cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Acadia National Park guide or the MTB Trails in Acadia National Park guide.

For breathtaking scenery, Jordan Pond is a must-visit, offering iconic views of The Bubbles mountains and the historic Jordan Pond House. The Wooden Bridges — Jordan Pond Path provides stunning vistas down the entire length of the pond. Eagle Lake also offers continuous scenic views along its encircling carriage road, while Bubble Pond provides a tranquil setting with views of the surrounding mountains.

Boating and kayaking are permitted on several lakes. Eagle Lake, Long Pond, and Seal Cove Pond are popular choices for these activities. While boating and fishing are allowed on Jordan Pond, swimming and paddleboarding are prohibited as it serves as a drinking water source. Long Pond also offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards at its northern boat launch.

Absolutely. The Jordan Pond Path is a year-round hiking trail along the shoreline of Jordan Pond, featuring sections of raised wooden boardwalk. The Eagle Lake Carriage Road is also a wide, well-maintained path perfect for walking. For a quieter experience, Bubble Pond offers a tranquil setting for walks. Many of these trails are marked as family-friendly.

Several lakes offer good fishing opportunities. You can fish in Bubble Pond, where brook trout are often sought. Long Pond and Seal Cove Pond are also excellent choices for a less crowded fishing experience. Fishing is also allowed on Jordan Pond.

Acadia's lakes, shaped by glaciers, offer diverse natural features. Jordan Pond is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the distinctive rounded peaks of The Bubbles. The Tarn, a glacial meltwater lake between Dorr Mountain and Huguenot Head, is notable for its biodiversity, especially its frog population, though it has become increasingly swampy. Many lakes are surrounded by forested hills and mountains, providing habitat for various wildlife.

Jordan Pond is the deepest lake in Acadia National Park, reaching a depth of 150 feet. It is also the second largest lake in the park by surface area, after Eagle Lake.

Yes, many of Acadia's lakes serve as local drinking water supplies, leading to specific usage restrictions. For example, swimming and paddleboarding are prohibited in Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake to protect water quality. Always check posted signs at each lake for specific rules and regulations regarding activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.

Beyond activities directly on the lakes, the surrounding areas offer extensive opportunities for hiking and biking. You can explore trails like the Jordan Pond Path or the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail near Echo Lake. The park's extensive carriage roads, such as those around Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond, are perfect for both biking and walking. For more ideas, refer to the Hiking in Acadia National Park guide.

Yes, the historic Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant located within Acadia National Park. Situated right on the shores of Jordan Pond, it is famous for its popovers and jam, offering a delightful afternoon tea experience with stunning views of the pond and The Bubbles.

Eagle Lake holds the distinction of being the largest freshwater lake entirely within Acadia National Park. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and the popular 6-mile carriage road that encircles it.