Acadia’s Largest Lake
Eagle Lake sits near the center of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, covering 436 acres with a maximum depth of 110 feet. It is the largest freshwater lake in the park, and one of the most peaceful places on the island. No motorboats are allowed. The only sounds on the water are paddles, wind, and the occasional loon calling across the surface.
A 6.1-mile carriage road loops completely around the lake, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as part of his 45-mile carriage road system through Acadia. The loop passes through forests of spruce and birch, crosses a handsome stone arch bridge, and offers views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the lake. Whether you walk it, bike it, or paddle the water it circles, Eagle Lake delivers one of the quieter Acadia experiences.
Swimming, paddleboarding, and oarboarding are prohibited in Eagle Lake. The lake serves as the public drinking water supply for the town of Bar Harbor. Fishing from a canoe or kayak and paddling are permitted.
The Carriage Road Loop
The 6.1-mile loop around Eagle Lake is one of the most popular carriage road circuits in Acadia, and for good reason. The terrain is gentle, the surface is compacted gravel, and the scenery changes constantly as you circle the lake. It is accessible to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and people in wheelchairs on sections of the firmer gravel.
The loop can be accessed from two parking areas. The main lot is on Route 233 (Eagle Lake Road), just south of the lake. A second, smaller lot sits on the north side, also off Route 233 near the stone bridge. Both fill early on summer mornings, especially the south lot.
The western section of the carriage road offers the best views, running along a ridge above the lake with the water stretching out below and Cadillac Mountain rising to the east. The stone bridge on the north end is one of the 17 carriage road bridges in Acadia and worth stopping at for photos.
The carriage road around Eagle Lake is one of the best cycling routes in Acadia. Rent a bike in Bar Harbor and ride out in the morning before the pedestrian traffic builds. The full loop takes about 45 minutes at a moderate pace, and the gentle terrain makes it suitable for families with kids on bikes. E-bikes are permitted on carriage roads.
Paddling Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is outstanding for kayaking and canoeing. The no-motorboat rule means the water is calm, and the lake is large enough to offer a genuine sense of being on open water without the hazards of boat traffic. On a still morning, the reflections of the surrounding mountains in the lake surface are nearly perfect.
You can launch a canoe or kayak from the boat launch on the north end of the lake, accessible from Route 233. There is no boat rental directly at the lake, but outfitters in Bar Harbor rent kayaks and canoes and can provide car-top carriers.
The shoreline is mostly forested, with spruce and birch coming down to the water’s edge. Loons nest on the lake, and you may see them diving for fish if you paddle quietly. The average depth is 50 feet, and the water is clear enough to see the bottom in shallower areas near shore.
For the best paddling conditions, go early in the morning before wind picks up. Eagle Lake is exposed enough that afternoon breezes can make paddling into the wind tiring, especially in a canoe. Morning also gives you the best chance of seeing loons undisturbed.
Fishing
Eagle Lake holds brook trout, landlocked salmon, and lake trout (togue). Fishing from a canoe or kayak is the only option since there is very limited shore access through the forested banks. A Maine fishing license is required, and park regulations apply.
Spring and fall are the best seasons for fishing, when cold-water species are near the surface. In summer, fish move to the deeper, cooler water, and reaching them from a kayak without a downrigger is challenging.
Connecting to Other Carriage Roads
The Eagle Lake loop connects to the broader carriage road network, which means you can extend your walk or ride to include Bubble Pond, Jordan Pond, and other sections of the system without ever touching a paved road. The link from Eagle Lake south to Jordan Pond passes through some of the most scenic carriage road terrain in the park.
For a longer cycling route, connect Eagle Lake to the Witch Hole Pond loop to the north for a figure-eight that covers about 12 miles of car-free riding.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out in late April or early May. Carriage roads may be soft or closed in early spring. Cool weather, few crowds.
Summer
Warm weather, full services open. Best paddling conditions. Carriage road is busy on weekends. Start early.
Fall
Foliage reflects in the lake. Fewer visitors, cooler paddling. Carriage roads are beautiful in October.
Winter
Lake freezes. Carriage roads are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Quiet and scenic.
Summer and fall are the prime seasons. Late September and early October bring foliage color to the birches and maples around the lake, and the reflection of fall colors in the still water is a highlight of autumn in Acadia. Summer offers the warmest paddling conditions and the longest days.
Packing List
Eagle Lake Visit
- Kayak or canoe (no rentals at the lake)
- PFD/life jacket (required on the water)
- Camera (reflections are stunning in morning light)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Binoculars for loon watching
- Bike if riding the carriage road
- Acadia park pass
Getting There
Eagle Lake sits on Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, with primary access directly off Route 233 (also called Eagle Lake Road) just west of Bar Harbor.
From Bangor, take I-395 to Route 1A East, then Route 3 South over the bridge onto Mount Desert Island. At the Route 233 junction west of Bar Harbor, turn west and follow Route 233 for about three miles, past Duck Brook Road. Parking lots sit on both sides of the road: the main carriage road lot is on the north side, and the boat launch is on the south side near the stone-faced bridge.
From Bar Harbor, the lot is only about a 10-minute drive west on Route 233. From Portland, plan about three hours via I-295, I-95, I-395, and Route 3.
A valid Acadia park pass ($35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass) is required. The Eagle Lake parking area fills early on summer mornings, often before 9 AM. The free Island Explorer shuttle from Bar Harbor has a stop at Eagle Lake during the summer season and is the easiest way to avoid parking pressure. GPS coordinates are 44.3650, -68.2500.
FAQ
Can you swim in Eagle Lake?
No. Swimming is prohibited because Eagle Lake is the public drinking water supply for Bar Harbor. Paddling and fishing from a canoe or kayak are allowed.
Are motorboats allowed on Eagle Lake?
No. Only canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft are permitted. This keeps the lake quiet and the water calm for paddling.
How long is the carriage road around Eagle Lake?
The full loop is 6.1 miles on well-maintained gravel. It takes about two hours to walk or 45 minutes to bike at a moderate pace.
Where can I rent a kayak for Eagle Lake?
There are no rentals at the lake itself. Outfitters in Bar Harbor, including Acadia Bike and National Park Kayak Tours, rent kayaks and canoes. You will need to transport the boat to the launch on Route 233.
Is the Eagle Lake carriage road accessible?
Yes. The compacted gravel surface is suitable for wheelchairs on most sections, though some areas may be softer after rain. The terrain is gentle with minimal grade changes.
