Top 17 Lakes around Northeast Harbor
Best lakes around Northeast Harbor are accessible from this coastal village, which serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park. The area features numerous freshwater bodies, providing diverse outdoor activities and scenic landscapes. These lakes are significant natural features within the park, offering various recreational opportunities. The region's geography includes glacial formations and mountains that frame many of these water bodies.
Best lakes around Northeast Harbor
- The most popular lakes is The Bowl, a lake that is an ancient…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Wooden Bridges — Jordan Pond Path
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The Tarn
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Jordan Pond Path
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Eagle Lake Carriage Road
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The Bowl
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Tips from the Community
The Tarn pond to the east of Dorr Mountain was formed from a glacial meltwater lake. For many years the pond was used to farm trout. The dry summers in the 1990s reduced the water volume and led to an increase in aquatic plants. The pond is now increasingly swampy and is no longer used for fishing. https://www11.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/hancock/the_tarn.pdf
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The Jordan Pond Path is a year-round hiking trail along the shoreline of Jordan Pond. Hiking trails to the Penobscot, Sargent, Pemetic Mountains, and the Bubbles begin at this trailhead. Parking is available at the Jordan Pond House and along Park Loop Road at the Bubbles-Pemetic Trailhead. We hiked the trail along the east shore in May 2024 as we descended from Sargent Mountain and returned to the parking lot at the Jordan Pond House. We had to skip the hike over the Bubbles Divide because there is construction going on on this trail. https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-jordan-pond-path.htm
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The Jordan Pond Path is a year-round hiking trail along the shoreline of Jordan Pond. Hiking trails to the Penobscot, Sargent, Pemetic Mountains, and the Bubbles begin at this trailhead. Parking is available at the Jordan Pond House and along Park Loop Road at the Bubbles-Pemetic Trailhead. We hiked the trail along the east shore in May 2024 as we descended from Sargent Mountain and returned to the parking lot at the Jordan Pond House. We had to skip the hike over the Bubbles Divide because there is construction going on on this trail. https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-jordan-pond-path.htm
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The mountain lake ‘The Bowl’ is idyllically located between ‘Champlain Mountain’ in the north and ‘The Beehive’. We hike to the mountain lake in early June after a steep descent from the Beehive and walk south on the ‘Bowl Trail’ to ‘Gorham Mountain’ and later along the ‘Ocean Path’ to ‘Otter Point’.
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A lonely bridge in the middle of the wild landscape, with this somewhat unusual design.
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At almost exactly 10K the Eagle Lake Carriage Road is a great place for a family ride. The road is wide and even when busy you should have any easy time navigating around other trail users. There are numerous spots to get close to the water and have a rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes for visitors around Northeast Harbor?
Visitors frequently enjoy Jordan Pond, known for its crystal-clear waters and the iconic Jordan Pond House. Eagle Lake is the largest freshwater lake and offers extensive recreational opportunities. Echo Lake is a popular spot for swimming, and The Bowl is an ancient glacial lake nestled between Champlain Mountain and the Beehive summit, offering scenic views.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities near Northeast Harbor?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. The Bowl is a family-friendly picnic and scenic spot. The Tarn, a glacial meltwater lake, is known for its frogs, making the nearby Kane Path a fun walk for families with small children. The Jordan Pond Path is also a comfortable, family-friendly hiking trail.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. The Jordan Pond Path offers a year-round hiking experience along the shoreline of Jordan Pond and serves as a starting point for trails to Penobscot, Sargent, and Pemetic Mountains. Upper Hadlock Pond also has hiking trails along its south and west shorelines, connecting to a Carriage Road. For more options, you can explore running trails around Northeast Harbor, which include routes like the Little Long Pond loop.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Northeast Harbor?
Echo Lake is recognized as Acadia National Park's most popular freshwater swimming destination. However, it's important to note that some water bodies, including Jordan Pond, serve as local water supplies, and swimming may be restricted. Always check for posted usage restrictions.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking around the lakes?
Absolutely. Eagle Lake is particularly popular for cycling, with a 6-mile carriage road looping around it, making it a great place for a family ride. The Eagle Lake Carriage Road is wide and well-maintained. For more cycling routes, check out cycling around Northeast Harbor, and for mountain biking, explore MTB trails around Northeast Harbor, which includes the Eagle Lake Loop and Jordan Pond Loop.
What natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see?
The lakes are set amidst stunning natural beauty. From the Wooden Bridges — Jordan Pond Path, you get views down the full length of Jordan Pond, flanked by Sargent and Penobscot Mountain. The Bowl is a glacial lake nestled between Champlain Mountain and the Beehive, offering picturesque views. Bubble Pond is uniquely situated between the distinct rounded mountains known as the Bubbles.
Which lakes are good for kayaking or boating?
Seal Cove Pond offers a quiet and tranquil setting, ideal for kayaking and boating away from larger crowds. Eagle Lake also provides opportunities for kayaking and boating due to its expansive size.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Northeast Harbor?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. The Jordan Pond Path is a year-round hiking trail. During warmer months, activities like swimming at Echo Lake and kayaking are popular. In winter, Eagle Lake's carriage roads are suitable for cross-country skiing.
Are there any restrictions on lake usage, such as for fishing or swimming?
Yes, some of the water bodies within Acadia National Park, including certain lakes, serve as local water supplies. This means there may be posted usage restrictions, such as prohibitions on swimming in Jordan Pond. Always observe local signage and regulations.
What makes The Tarn unique among the lakes?
The Tarn is a glacial meltwater lake located to the east of Dorr Mountain. Once used for trout farming, it has become increasingly swampy over the years due to reduced water volume. It's now an important marker for biodiversity and is known for being overflowing with frogs in the summer, making it a unique natural spot.
Where can I find information about the Acadia National Park lakes in general?
For general information about the lakes, rivers, and falls within Acadia National Park, you can visit the official park website: acadianationalpark.com.
Are there any easy walks or accessible paths around the lakes?
Yes, the Jordan Pond Path is a comfortable path with beautiful views, suitable for an easy walk. The Eagle Lake Carriage Road is also wide and even, making it an easy and accessible option for walking or cycling.
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