Schoodic Peninsula

The Schoodic Peninsula is known as the "Quiet Side of Acadia" but also offers many shoreline views with a wealth of history behind them. Most are dog-friendly but bring a leash. Always carry pet waste bags with you. Pick up as you go and carry waste with you.

For the locations in Acadia National Park, you can review the pet policy with a list of ideal locations to take a pet and those that are off-limits.

Frazer's Point Picnic Area

Winter Harbor's Frazer Point is a scenic stop in Acadia National Park that offers stunning views of Frenchman Bay while visitors can walk the rocks or the grassy fields surrounding the head. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and birdwatching. A fishing pier is busy throughout the year.

Thomas Frazier is the first documented, free African American resident of Frazer Point in what we now call Acadia National Park.

Schoodic Point

At the southern tip of the Schoodic Peninsula is Schoodic Point. Even as a writer, it's hard to find words that encapsulate this experience. Tiers of flat rock shelves lead to the powerful current and waves that crash among the rocks in an endless cycle. Bring your camera, as this is one of the most photographed places on the peninsula.

Blueberry Hill

This is another rocky shoreline stop in Acadia, but also the start (or end) of several trails that lead to the Schoodic Head summit, 440 feet above sea level. That doesn't sound very high but wait until you see the views. Try to take in a sunrise at this perfect location and welcome the day with your dog on a leash.

Grindstone Point

Outside the park, you can drive through the affluent Grindstone Neck, which was once planned as a resort destination to rival Bar Harbor. The plans faded, but the wealth didn't. At the end of the road, you'll come to Grindstone Point, with more flat shelves of rocks leading to the water and views that soak in the islands, lighthouse, and main section of Acadia across the way.

Forbes Pond Preserve

If the waves are too rough or the leash laws too strict, head to Forbes Pond Preserve. Dogs are allowed off-leash if they respond to voice commands immediately, but leashed dogs are always allowed. There's a picnic area on the shoreline and a kayak launch point.

Jones Pond

Leashed dogs are welcome at Jones Pond and Bradley Memorial Park in Gouldsboro. This is a great watering hole for those staying at the nearby Acadia East Campground or just looking to get away from crowds.

Stave Island

Launch a kayak or take a boat the short distance to Stave Island between Schoodic and Mount Desert Island. Your family and dog have 121 acres to explore, and camping is available. Dogs are allowed on a leash or off-leash if they are under voice control.

Taft Point Preserve

This Frenchman Bay Conservancy property is 65 acres of land with walks through the woods that leads to a half-mile shoreline and dynamic intertidal zone. All the FBC lands are dog-friendly except Tidal Falls. Please respect wildlife, clean up after your pet, and don't disturb other guests.

Francis B. Wood Preserve

This is another FBC dog-friendly land that takes you through streams, bogs, and the shore. The trail loops and takes just 45m minutes without any stops.

FUN FOR THE FAMILY: Look at the activities available through the FBC to keep kids engaged during the trip.

Is the Schoodic Peninsula Safe for Dogs?

You'll need to know the tide schedule here, as many location access points are dependent on low or lowering tides. Ticks are more prominent than you realize, and mosquitos can be intense during the peak of summer. Tick and heartworm prevention is critical to your pet's safety. Always do a full body scam of people and pets when leaving a preserve.

Wildlife abounds in these preserved areas, and that includes anything from a moose to a snake. If your pet gets a little too curious, put them back on the leash in an off-leash area.

The rocks along the ocean can be slippery as ice. Use caution with every step and never get too close to the water or turn your back on waves.

Parking at Schoodic Peninsula

All the options listed above have free parking areas, but each one comes with a limited number of spots. Get there early if you want the best parking options.

Schoodic Peninsula Benefits

You'll find smaller crowds on this side of Acadia National Park. It's a very dog-friendly area and offers unique opportunities to explore that might be more congested on Mount Desert Island.