How do you get to Little Hunters Beach and where can you park?

Little Hunters Beach is located along the scenic Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, about 3 miles south of the Sand Beach entrance. Look for a small, unmarked pullout parking area on the ocean side of the road. Parking is very limited, accommodating only 4-5 vehicles, so arrive early during peak season. From the pullout, a short, steep trail (approximately 100 yards) descends through the forest to the beach. The trail can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. An Acadia National Park entrance pass is required.

Are there any amenities or food options at Little Hunters Beach?

Little Hunters Beach has no amenities whatsoever—no restrooms, food vendors, or facilities. It's a completely natural, undeveloped beach. Bring everything you need, including water, snacks, and sun protection, and pack out all trash. The nearest amenities are at Sand Beach (restrooms and parking area) about 3 miles north, or in Bar Harbor town center, approximately 6-7 miles away. For dining and lodging, Bar Harbor offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and accommodations ranging from budget motels to upscale resorts, all within a 15-20 minute drive.

Why is Little Hunters Beach covered in smooth stones instead of sand?

Little Hunters Beach is famous for its unique cobblestone composition—thousands of smooth, rounded stones polished by centuries of wave action. These stones, ranging from pebble to fist-sized, create a distinctive sound as waves wash over them. The beach's geological character results from glacial deposits and constant erosion by the Atlantic Ocean. The stones are naturally smoothed through tumbling action in the surf. While beautiful, please follow Leave No Trace principles and don't remove stones—it's illegal to take rocks from Acadia National Park, and preservation ensures future visitors enjoy this natural wonder.

Bar Harbor · Maine · USA

Little Hunters Beach

You'll hear the stones before you see them—thousands of smooth, sea-polished cobbles rattling and clacking with each wave's retreat. Little Hunters Beach hides just off the Park Loop Road, a sliver of shoreline where the forest meets the Atlantic in a tumble of rounded granite and driftwood.

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Bar Harbor·Maine·USA

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About this beach

The hike down is brief—less than a quarter-mile through a canopy of balsam fir and white spruce—but the descent delivers you into another world entirely. Instead of sand, your feet meet an expanse of cobblestones in shades of slate, rust, and bone, each one shaped by centuries of tidal tumbling. The beach curves in a shallow crescent, hemmed by dark ledges s…

Where it is

Little Hunters Beach

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA

44.3258°, -68.2575°

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Top things to do

At Little Hunters Beach

Tidal Pool Portraits

Low tide reveals anemones, periwinkles

Forest Approach

Fir-scented trail from Loop Road

Cobblestone Meditation

Listen to wave-rolled stone symphony

Offshore Paddling

Launch toward Egg Rock lighthouse

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Little Hunters Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Little Hunters Beach.

Is Little Hunters Beach safe for swimming?

Little Hunters Beach is not recommended for swimming. This is a rocky cobblestone beach with strong waves, cold water temperatures, and no lifeguards on duty. The beach is better suited for beachcombing, photography, and enjoying the dramatic coastal scenery. The smooth, rounded stones can be slippery when wet, so watch your footing near the water's edge. If you're looking for swimming beaches in the Bar Harbor area, consider Sand Beach in Acadia National Park instead, which has designated swimming areas and seasonal lifeguards.

When is the best time to visit Little Hunters Beach?

Little Hunters Beach is accessible year-round and beautiful in every season. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and easiest access, though it's the busiest period. Fall (September-October) brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter visits reward hardy travelers with dramatic storm-watching opportunities and solitude, though the access road may be closed during severe weather. Spring offers moderate temperatures and seasonal bird migrations. For photography, golden hour visits during sunrise or sunset provide exceptional lighting on the distinctive cobblestones and coastal landscape.