Long Pond

Long, quiet lake for easy paddling with mountain-framed views

InsideAcadia National Park

Overview

Long Pond is the park’s longest pond—a four-mile, glacier-carved ribbon of water on the quiet west side. It feels worlds away from Acadia’s headline crowds, with big scenery and a low-key vibe.

On the Water

The pond’s long, narrow shape and sheltered setting make for mellow paddling—great for canoes and kayaks. You’ll share the water with motorboats, so expect occasional wakes. Near the south-end launch, there’s a municipal water-supply intake: within 1,000 feet of it, swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are not allowed.

Hiking Links

A lakeside Long Pond Trail offers easier shoreline strolling and links to the steeper Perpendicular Trail up Mansell Mountain. Note: the trail doesn’t loop all the way around the pond.

Access and Launches

South end (inside the park): small sandy boat launch with limited parking.
North end (outside the park): public boat launch if the south lot is full.

Remember that nearly half the shoreline is outside park boundaries and may be private or local land—don’t land where access isn’t permitted.

Fishing and Wildlife

Anglers find a surprisingly diverse fishery here, including landlocked salmon, brook trout, rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, golden shiner, alewife, and more. Casual visitors often spot ducks, gulls, and the occasional deer along the shore.

How it Formed

Like many Mount Desert Island lakes, Long Pond sits in a north–south valley sculpted by the last continental glacier—think long, narrow waters with mountain shoulders rising steeply at the southern end.

Best time to visit

Early mornings and weekdays are the quietest on the water and at the small south lot.
Pick clear days if you’re hiking—the area can fog in and mute the views.
Photographers get soft light along the shore in early morning and late afternoon.

Know before you go

Life jackets: carry a PFD for everyone; children 10 and under must wear them.
Mixed ownership: respect private stretches of shoreline.
Expect mixed use with motorboats (no posted horsepower limit at the ramp).

Pros

Calm, sheltered water ideal for kayaking and canoeing
Quieter west-side spot framed by steep mountains at the south end
Two launch options (small south-end park launch; public north launch)

Cons

Very limited parking at the south-end launch
Portions of shoreline are private and may not allow landing
Motorboats are allowed, so expect wakes and mixed use

Tips

Use the south-end park launch early; it has only a handful of spots.
If the south lot is full, head to the public launch at the north end.
Stay clear of the municipal intake zone near the south ramp; no swimming or SUP there.
Carry PFDs for all; kids 10 and under must wear them.
Stick to public shore—much of the shoreline is private or local land.