Acadia National Park is inviting hikers and their four-legged companions to take part in a special volunteer event supporting summit restoration efforts. The Save Our Summits Bark Ranger Hike will take place September 12th, giving dog owners and dog enthusiasts an opportunity to help restore native vegetation on two of the park’s iconic mountains.
The event is being organized in collaboration with Friends of Acadia and Schoodic Institute. Participants will hike to either Penobscot Mountain or Sargent Mountain while carrying bags of soil needed for restoration work.
Even carrying five pounds of soil can make a meaningful difference. Last year, volunteers transported 5,049 pounds of soil to Acadia’s summits as part of the ongoing restoration program.
A Dog-Friendly Acadia National Park Hike
The September 12th event is a special opportunity for visitors to bring their dogs along. Organizers caution that the hike is relatively steep, so participants should make sure their pets are prepared for the terrain and distance.
All dogs must remain on leashes no longer than six feet. Owners are also responsible for collecting and properly disposing of pet waste. Participants can choose how much soil they are comfortable carrying, with even a small contribution helping the park’s restoration work.
Registration Required For Save Our Summits
The Bark Ranger Hike will begin at the Parkman Mountain Carriage Road Trailhead off Route 3. Participants will hike with a volunteer leader to either Penobscot Mountain or Sargent Mountain.
Advanced registration is required, with registration opening on a rolling basis two weeks before each hike and closing 24 hours before the event.
The broader Save Our Summits volunteer program runs every Wednesday and Friday through September 2026, weather permitting. The hikes typically run from 8:15am to 1pm. Visitors interested in participating can learn more and register through Friends of Acadia’s Save Our Summits program.