Balance Rock

Balance Rock is a striking glacial erratic in Acadia National Park, perched near the shore in Bar Harbor and easy to appreciate as a quick scenic stop. The huge boulder seems improbably balanced on a much smaller base, making it one of those natural features that is simple, memorable, and very photogenic. It is best visited as part of a drive or walk along the park’s coastal roads, where you can also enjoy views of the surrounding shoreline and forest.

History

Balance Rock is a glacial erratic, a boulder carried and deposited by ancient ice sheets during the last Ice Age. Its unusual appearance comes from the way the rock was left resting on a smaller support after the glacier retreated, and it has long been a familiar landmark for visitors to Acadia National Park.

Expert notes

• Treat it as a short photo stop, not a full attraction.
• Watch for traffic and limited shoulder space near the viewing area.
• Best paired with other stops along the Park Loop Road.