Echo Lake Beach

Picturesque Echo Lake is situated on the west side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. Tucked beneath the steep cliffs of Beech Mountain at the southern shore of the lake is Echo Lake Beach, the most popular freshwater swimming site on the island. The sandy beach is a welcoming place to relax in the sun. Swimmers will enjoy the delightfully warm lake water, in stark contrast to the chilly ocean nearby. Loons are common on the lake and peregrine falcons can often be seen soaring on the winds over the cliff face.

The beach is staffed by a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Picnic tables, changing rooms and rest rooms are available. Ample parking is a short walk from the beach via a paved accessible pathway. The Island Explorer shuttle bus makes frequent stops at Echo Lake Beach in the summer months. The service connects visitors to destinations throughout the park and is a popular way to get around without a car.

Boaters can launch their motor boats (less than 10 horsepower only), canoes and kayaks at Ike’s landing, just off Route 102 midway along the east side of the lake. Fishing for brook trout is a popular activity. Hikers will enjoy the scramble up the iron ladders of the Beech Cliff Trail to a lookout over the lake. Continue on to Beech Mountain for sweeping island views from the summit firetower. Nearby Acadia and St. Sauveur Mountains have several additional miles of hiking possibilities. 

The village of Southwest Harbor and its pretty waterfront, shops and eateries is two miles south of Echo Lake on Route 102. The natural rock wall formation at Seawall is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic by the ocean. Seawall Campground, part of Acadia National Park, has 214 secluded sites for tenting, camper trailers and RVs, complete with picnic tables, fire rings and rest rooms. Hot showers and camping supplies are located nearby. At Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse follow a stairway down through the rocks for a dramatic ocean vista.

Acadia National Park
Route 102, Southwest Harbor ME 04679
207-288-3338