Last updated: August 5, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike Ship Harbor Trail
![Small harbor with rugged cliffs around edge](/common/uploads/cropped_image/primary/DBEB7E5E-E2B1-257A-4551CB913F15E669.jpg?width=1300&quality=90&mode=crop)
Located off Maine 102A down the road from Seawall Campground and Wonderland Trail, Ship Harbor Trail is a figure-8 trail covering 1.3 miles. It is a great trail for families and birders. Common loons, common eiders, great blue herons, black guillemots, ospreys and eagles have been seen here. A variety of habitats can be viewed along the shore, and there is access to a quiet cove and mudflats at low tide. Interpretive signs provide additional resource information.
Start by bearing right at the first junction. The trail will lead along the shore of a narrow cove. After passing the rocky headland, follow blue blazes on the rocks and turn right again. The trail continues through a spruce woods before opening up again and leading back to the parking lot.
- The Trailhead: Where to Begin
- Access the Ship Harbor Trail off the trailhead parking lot on Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road).
- Getting to the Trailhead
- By Island Explorer bus
- There is no public transportation for this hike.
- By private vehicle
- Start in Southwest Harbor and continue south on Maine Route 102. Turn left onto Maine Route 102A. Follow signs for parking area on the left side of the road.
- Maine Route 102A (Seawall Road) can close during storms or possible flooding. Check alerts for road closures.
- By Island Explorer bus
Park in the Ship Harbor parking lot west of Seawall Campground on Route 102 A. The first one-quarter mile (0.4 km) is a hard-packed surface leading to the mudflats. Access to intertidal pools is over rocky, uneven terrain. Steep grades will require assistance. Total distance is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) round trip.
![View from Ship Harbor Trail Harbor area with rugged cliff edges](/acad/planyourvisit/images/20190604_ShipHarborNatureTrail008.jpg?maxwidth=1300&autorotate=false)
Photo by Nathaniel X. Boëchat, Friends of Acadia, NPS
Located off Maine 102A down the road from Seawall Campground and Wonderland Trail, Ship Harbor Trail is a figure-8 trail covering 1.3 miles. It is a great trail for families and birders. Common loons, common eiders, great blue herons, black guillemots, ospreys and eagles have been seen here. A variety of habitats can be viewed along the shore, and there is access to a quiet cove and mudflats at low tide. Interpretive signs provide additional resource information.
Start by bearing right at the first junction. The trail will lead along the shore of a narrow cove. After passing the rocky headland, follow blue blazes on the rocks and turn right again. The trail continues through a spruce woods before opening up again and leading back to the parking lot.
![Ship Harbor profiles trail profile](/acad/planyourvisit/images/22_ShipHarbor_480_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Note: Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder
Trail Safety Tips:
- Check trail elevation profile before hiking.
- Rocks and roots can be very slippery when wet. Be cautious of footing, especially along the coast.
- Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
- Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
- Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended for better traction over unlevel surfaces.