Just outside Southwest Harbor on Route 102 on the western side of Mount Desert Island is picturesque Echo Lake, nestled beneath the rugged cliffs of Beech Mountain. At the south end of the lake you’ll find Echo Lake Beach, a compact man-made beach and the most popular swimming spot in Acadia National Park.

The beach is a wonderful place to relax in the sun, and swimmers will enjoy the delightfully warm water of this scenic freshwater lake. Loons are commonly found bobbing on the lake, and you may spy a peregrine falcon soaring on the thermal winds over the cliff face above. The beach at Echo Lake is staffed by a lifeguard during the summer months.

Along the wide paved path leading from the large parking area to the beach are restrooms and changing rooms, and a water fountain and pay telephone are available. Several picnic tables adorn a small lawn area, and just ahead a wooden walkway leads down to the beach and the grand view down the lake.

Echo Lake is a jumping off point for a number of great hiking trails that lead to Beech Cliffs, Canada Cliffs, and Beech Mountain. Nearby Acadia Mountain and St. Sauveur Mountain hold several additional miles of hiking possibilities with views overlooking Somes Sound. Paddlers can launch a canoe or kayak at Ike’s Point, just off Route 102 midway along the east side of Echo Lake. The free Island Explorer shuttle bus makes frequent stops at Echo Lake Beach, and connects visitors to points throughout the park.