For something so simple, walking to Bar Island requires a surprising amount of coordination.

The renowned sandbar connecting downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island is especially popular during the summer months and an easy destination for tourists, beginner hikers, and locals looking for a leisurely walk along the shore. It offers the beachside, salty-air, slow-paced kind of adventure that makes coastal Maine so magical. The best part is, you can take on as much, or as little, as you feel like doing –walk partway across the bar, search the tide pools, hike to the island’s highest point, or spend time exploring the quieter trails.

Before you go, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your visit, and, more importantly, avoid getting trapped on the island when the tide comes in.

Bar Island is actually part of Acadia National Park. Although there is no separate fee or reservation for the hike, the National Park Service states that visitors must have a valid park entrance pass. Although, there are no active rangers on the island to check, necessarily.

At low tide, a half-mile sand bar emerges from the water, connecting Bridge Street in downtown Bar Harbor to the island. The bar is generally accessible for approximately 1½ hours before low tide and 1½ hours afterward. The complete Bar Island Trail is approximately 1.9 miles, including the walk across the sand bar and the forested trail leading to the highest point.

Tip 1: Check the Tides

This is the most important tip of them all: check the tides before you go!

Use the US Harbors tide chart for Bar Harbor to find the predicted low tide for the day of your visit. From that time, calculate your approximate three-hour access window, beginning 1½ hours before low tide and ending 1½ hours afterward.

Weather and other conditions can affect actual water levels, so treat that window as a limit rather than a challenge. Give yourself plenty of time to return to Bar Harbor, and plan to be completely off the sand bar.

Tip 2: Don’t Get Stranded (Obviously!)

If the tide covers the sand bar while you are still on the island, you could be waiting approximately nine hours, or more, for it to emerge again.

Park rangers do not routinely provide free boat transportation for stranded visitors. You may need to arrange and pay for a private water taxi, which could be quite expensive and may not arrive immediately.

Tip 3: Bring Hiking and Beach Gear

This hike is actually quite unique because you travel across a rocky beach before reaching the forested island trail. Depending on when you arrive and that day’s conditions, you may encounter wet or uneven ground. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction. Waterproof hiking shoes can be helpful, particularly if you begin crossing before the sand bar has fully emerged. You may also want to bring sandals or a change of shoes in a backpack.

We packed water, sunscreen, snacks, and extra footwear. Shorts or pants that can be rolled up are also useful in case you encounter shallow water near the edges of the bar.

Tip 4: Keep Track of the Time

Bring a phone, watch, or another reliable way to monitor the time. If your phone battery does not hold a charge well, pack a portable charger.

Tip 5: Hike to the Highest Point First

The highest overlook is relatively small and can become crowded, particularly during the summer. Going there first gives you a better opportunity to enjoy the view and take photographs before more visitors arrive. Once you have visited the overlook, you can make your way back toward the less-traveled areas or find a place to stop for lunch.

Tip 6: Be Prepared to Carry In and Carry Out

There are no restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking fountains, or water-bottle filling stations on the island. Bring everything you will need, and plan to carry everything back out. Consider packing a small bag for your trash, along with enough water for the entire hike.

Tip 7: Leave Time to Explore

Some of our favorite discoveries were away from the main overlook. In the woods, we encountered the remains of an old double-sided fireplace and what appeared to be portions of a former cellar or foundation.

We also found beautiful views of Frenchman Bay, the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, the Terrace Grille, and the Margaret Todd—a four-masted schooner operated by Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines. These sights truly created a picture-perfect collection of quintessential Bar Harbor landmarks.

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For current trail conditions, regulations, and safety information, visit the National Park Service’s Bar Island Trail guide.