Little Long Pond — Attraction in Mount Desert

BEWARE OF IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS…Such a beautiful, well maintained preserve, and so wonderful that access is granted to dogs and humans alike and awesome that dogs with solid recall are allowed off leash! Unfortunately have had really awful experiences here with irresponsible dog owners allowing their dogs off leash that were not properly trained. Went with my own pup (on a leash while walking, and on a long line while swimming) just a few days ago. He was charged by nearly every off leash dog we encountered. Only one off leash dog that we encountered (out of nearly a dozen) had solid recall/off leash skills.

This is not a dog park. If your dog does not come to you the FIRST time they are called and return to you IMMEDIATELY they do not have solid recall and need to be on a leash/long line. There are people enjoying these lands that do not want to interact with dogs, and dogs/owners that do not want close interactions with other dogs. Not to mention the impact on delicate pond bank areas and threat to wildlife that comes with irresponsibly managed off leash dogs. Please be courteous so people (and dogs) can continue to have access to this...

First off, the road to this spot is not a public road, and the pull off for the trail will only accommodate one vehicle (if you have been welcomed down there). I am told locals skate there. We went in to perform a study on the old, serpentine, seemingly very fragile, beaver dam there. The impoundment behind it could do significant damage to property and Corea Rd below it if it were to let go as happened in Birches Harbor a few years ago.

So, it is beautiful back there, very isolated, and has minimal if any access. The trail is short but not much more than an animal track - clearly, there is no Friends of Little Long organization maintaining the trail. I would suggest that if you aren't local, you restrict your "visit" to looking at...

I did a full circuit around the lake and it was extremely enjoyable. I started at the Friends trails, went on the David and Neva trail then connected up to the carriage trail and back to Friends trail to complete the loop. I started at 4pm and it was not crowded, making a peaceful walk. There are roots, rocks and some boardwalk and wobbly bridges, but it isn't a strenuous hike in the least. Make sure to drop a donation in their box at the parking lot to keep these trails in good shape as a great...