There’s no better way to devour the beauty and amazing views of coastal Maine than on Acadia National Park trails. Acadia hikes cover over 150 miles across Mount Desert Island and 18 smaller outlying islands.
These varied and scenic hiking routes range from breezy family strolls around pristine lakes to steep trails atop dramatic granite domes. Because they are interconnected, the best hikes in Acadia National Park let you savor a diverse tapestry of enchanting landscapes that will leave any outdoor lover breathless.
Strap on your backpack and get ready for a memorable experience with our list of best Acadia hikes!
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1-3 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: North Lot parking area near Jordan Pond House Restaurant
This easy 3.3-mile loop trail follows the shores of Jordan Pond and gives you iconic views of Penobscot Mountain, Pemetic Mountain, and the Bubbles that overlook it.
The trail is mostly level and well taken care of, which makes it great for families. Although some sections require walking on artistically constructed wooden bridges, gravel, and past boulders, nothing is intimidating. Most people hike it counterclockwise, but you can do it either way because it’s a loop.
The trailhead for Jordan Pond Path is located in the North Lot parking area, to the right of Jordan Pond House Restaurant off Park Loop Road. After parking, walk towards the boat launch area.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: easy
Duration: 20 minutes
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Cadillac Mountain
At the top of Cadillac Mountain is a 0.4-mile, easy loop trail that rarely fails to appear on lists of easy Acadia hikes. This trail circles the mountain's summit, giving 360-degree panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, the neighboring islands, and other peaks in Acadia. The trail also has informational plaques detailing the area's geology and history.
The easiest way to access the Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop is to drive Cadillac Summit Road (3.5 miles). At the summit, there is a parking lot and a pathway that makes it easy for visitors in strollers, wheelchairs, and those with minimal mobility to access the trail and viewpoints.
Note that a vehicle reservation is a must for driving Cadillac Summit Road. Adventure seekers can access the summit of Cadillac Mountain by hiking the Cadillac North Ridge Trail near Bar Harbor or the Cadillac South Ridge Trail in the Otter Creek area.
Trail type: out-and-back
Distance: 1.5 miles (land bridge + trail)
Difficulty: easy
Duration: 45-90 minutes
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Bridge Street, Bar Harbor
The Bar Island trail is among the best hikes in Acadia, particularly if you’re looking for easy hikes with children and pets.
Bar Island is an uninhabited, mostly forested island just north of Bar Harbor. During low tide, you can access this island on foot via a 0.5-mile land bridge that starts at the end of Bridge Street and connects with the Bar Island trail on the island.
Watching the natural bridge appear is a sight to behold, so arrive early. As you walk towards the island, keep an eye out for amazing creatures exposed by the low tide, including crabs, snails, and sea stars. Once on Bar Island, hike the easy, one-mile Bar Island trail to a high point with beautiful views of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island. You also enjoy a quiet time in nature surrounded by pine forests, meadows, bats, and small rodents.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 0.2 miles to North Bubble Trail/0.3 miles to South Bubble Trail
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Duration: 60-90 minutes for visiting both Bubbles
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: West of Park Loop Road, 5.1 miles from Bar Harbor
The Bubbles Divide trail is one of the top hikes in Acadia National Park because it offers quick access to the Bubbles. The Bubbles are two boop-shaped mountains that overlook Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake.
The parking for this trail is to the north of Jordan Pond on the west side of Park Loop Road, about 5.1 miles from Bar Harbor. It fills up quickly, so arrive early. Alternatively, take the free Island Explorer bus, which will drop you off here.
About 0.25 miles from the parking lot, the Bubbles Divide trail splits to the right to North Bubble. Another 0.1 miles from the intersection, the trail splits again to the left to South Bubble. We recommend hiking to the North Bubble first because it requires more energy. At the summit of North Bubble, you get sweeping views of Sargent Mountain, Pemetic Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Cranberry Isles. The star of the show at South Bubble is the Bubble Rock- a massive boulder the size of a minivan hanging precariously over the edge of a cliff.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 2.3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: 1-2 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Sand Beach and Otter Point Overlook parking lots
If your idea of the best Acadia hikes is being treated to great views without breaking a sweat, add Ocean Path to your to-do list now!
Ocean Path is a 2.3-mile (one-way), easy-to-moderate trail that hugs the rocky coast of Mount Desert Island. This out-and-back trail is sandwiched between the coastline and Park Loop Road. It begins at the Sand Beach parking lot and ends at the Otter Point Overlook parking lot.
The Ocean Path trail connects several stopping points with incredible views of the Maine coast. Some that you can’t miss include the famous Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and Otter Cliff.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 1-3 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Sand Beach and Otter Point Overlook parking lots
The Beehive Loop Trail is generally considered one of the best Acadia trails by difficulty. This is one of the four iron rung trails in the park, the other three being the Precipice, the Beech Cliffs, and the Jordan Cliffs.
The Beehive Loop Trail is a 1.5-mile challenging loop that ascends the Beehive Mountain. The Beehive Mountain stands a respectable 539 feet above sea level. But this trail’s actual call to fame is the scrambling, clambering, and climbing involved when summiting Beehive Mountain's nearly vertical cliff face using iron rungs and ladders.
Once at the top, the trail rewards your efforts with classic views of the Schoodic Peninsula and Great Head to the east, Gorham Mountain to the west, and Otter Cliffs to the south.
The Beehive Loop Trailhead is across from the Sand Beach parking lot entrance. We recommend this hike to experienced hikers, including teens, who don’t fear heights. If it's raining, we’d consider other best hikes in Acadia National Park.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Duration: 2-3 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: 1.2 miles south of Sand Beach
Gorham Mountain Loop combines three of the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park: the Gorham Mountain Trail, the Bowl Trail, and the Ocean Path.
The trailhead for Gorham Mountain Loop is 1.2 miles south of Sand Beach on the right side of the Park Loop road, just after Monument Cove. The trail starts easily but gets gradually rockier as you ascend the 525 ft summit.
After taking in the refreshing ocean breeze from the summit, you can retrace your steps or continue straight for 0.5 miles to connect with the Bowl trail. Head right for another 0.5 miles on the Bowl trail to reach the Sand Beach parking lot entrance on Park Loop Road. Cross the road and follow the Ocean Path for another 1.2 miles to the Gorham Mountain trailhead parking.
In total, the Gorham Mountain Loop trail is roughly 3.2 miles long. It’s rated moderately difficult but can be done by most hiking enthusiasts in your family. Bring your best hiking boots to tackle the rocky patches, though.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Duration: 2-3 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: four miles south of Bar Harbor via Park Loop Road
With an elevation gain of over 1000 feet in just 0.9 miles, the Precipice Trail is a nearly vertical route that involves climbing on iron rungs. This is not a hike for the clumsy and those who fear heights. Plus, you need mental and upper body strength to tackle the varying obstacles along this route.
The loop consists of the Precipice Trail (1.6 miles) to the summit of Champlain Mountain, a portion of the Champlain North Ridge trail (0.6 miles), and part of the Orange and Black Path (one mile). In total, the Precipice Loop trail is 3.2 miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. Note that descending the Precipice trail is dangerous and not recommended.
The parking for this loop trail is roughly four miles south of Bar Harbor via Ocean Drive and Park Loop Road.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.9 miles (can be shortened to 1.3 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-4 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Sand Beach
If you prioritize great ocean views, the Great Head trail is phenomenal. This moderate 1.9-mile hike is a nice addition to a family swim day at Sand Beach.
The Great Head trail has two trailheads. One is on the far end of Sand Beach if you’re coming from the parking lot. The other is at a small parking lot off of Schooner Head Road.
The hike to the summit of the Great Head is mostly forested, which helps if you’re hiking on a sunny afternoon. However, the summit is exposed and offers superb views of the coastline. With a good pair of binoculars, you may be able to spot seals in the water far below you and the crowds at Sand Beach and Thunder Hole on the opposite side.
The Great Head loop trail is 1.9 miles but can be shortened to 1.3 miles. Some of its sections require scrambling on rocks, so bring reliable footwear.
Trail type: Figure-8 loop
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: 2 miles southeast of Bass Harbor on Route 102A
The Ship Harbor trail is a family-friendly stroll on the southern tip of Mount Desert Island. This is a great alternative to the busy Acadia hikes near Bar Harbor. Its trailhead is two miles southeast of Bass Harbor on route 102A, and there’s convenient parking.
The 1.3-mile figure-8 trail offers an easy and relaxing stroll through an enchanted forest scenery. Soon enough, it reaches the ocean, opening opportunities to explore the rocky shoreline and tidepools. Consider bringing some snacks and refreshments to enjoy before making the return trip.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Wild Gardens of Acadia
The Jesup Path is another awesome addition to your list of the best easy hikes in Acadia National Park. This is a one-mile quiet forested walk through the Great Meadow Wetland, a 100-acre network of streams, ponds, and stands of birch and hemlock trees.
The Jesup Path utilizes an even and well-maintained gravel travel that smoothly transitions into a level boardwalk over marshy areas. Along the way, you’ll spot a variety of wildlife, including chipmunks, deer, barred owls, and native birds. Informational panels along the path give historical and practical information about the wetland environment to enhance your hiking experience. Also, check out the Sieur de Monts Nature Center and the Abbe Museum along the Jesup Path.
Parking for the Jesup Path is at Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, less than two miles from Bar Harbor.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 3.2 miles (round-trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Acadia Mountain Trailhead
The St. Sauveur Mountain trail has a lot going for it as far as the best hikes at Acadia National Park are concerned. First is its great location near Echo Lake, Somes Sound, and the famous Acadia Mountain.
There are two places you can access the St. Sauver Mountain trail. The first option is a small parking lot near the Bluffs. The access to the trail is across the road from the parking lot. The second option is the main Acadia Mountain trailhead, about 500 feet north of the first parking lot. Start the hike on the Acadia Mountain trail and turn right to branch to the St. Sauver Mountain trail.
The trail is a moderate 3.2-mile hike with superb views of Some Sound at the peak. Plus, it typically doesn’t get overcrowded.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2-4 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Echo Lake Parking Lot
The Beech Cliff trail is the perfect spot for a short but challenging hike near Echo Lake. We suggest starting or concluding the hike with a dip in Echo Lake, whose waters are slightly warmer than at Sand Beach.
There are two trailheads for this trailhead, depending on the experience you’re looking for. For a challenging climb, consider the trailhead at the northern corner of the parking lot. This route has four iron ladders that take hikers atop steep cliffs for unbeatable views of Echo Lake.
If you’re hiking with kids or just wish to avoid the ladders, walk to the south end of the parking lot and look for a connector to the Canada Cliffs trail. Turn right and start the gradual ascent to the top of the cliffs, where views of the lake, Flying Mountain, and Northeast Harbor await.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: 2.3 miles southeast of Bass Harbor on Route 102A
Visitors who hit this trail say it’s one of the well-maintained trails in Acadia. But that’s because the Wonderland trail is an old gravel fire road that branches from Maine Route 102A to the ocean.
The trail is easy and mostly flat, with minimal roots and rocks. It’s accessible and walkable, making it a great option for hikers of any type, including kids and those with mobility issues.
The Wonderland trail passes through a forest, showering you with plenty of shade and beautiful scenery. Before long, you get to the rocky shoreline, where you can sit and enjoy a picnic, examine various tidepools, and even dip your feet in the water.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Duration: 1-2 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead: Fernald Point Road
The Flying Mountain trail is one of the best hikes on the southwestern corner of Mount Desert Island. This is a 1.5-mile (round-trip) hike to the summit of Flying Mountain.
While it’s rated moderate in difficulty, the Flying Mountain trail is significantly easier than most mountain hikes. Flying Mountain is only 284 feet, and the trail has a gradual elevation gain of only 225 feet, which makes it family—and pet-friendly.
The trail has two summits, offering great views of Somes Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Once at the summit, you can turn around and descend the way you came. Or, you can continue north along the ridge, descend to Valley Cove and take a left to descend via Valley Cove trail.
The trailhead for Flying Mountain Trail is on Fernald Point Road, about two miles from Southwest Harbor.
For day hikes, you’ll be comfortable in a top tank or T-shirt and any breathable shorts. We recommend hiking shorts that are lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying (see varieties here: men’s outdoor wear and women’s hiking clothing). Of course, don’t forget your swimming suit if you plan to hit beach hikes in Acadia National Park.
For morning hikes or an epic sunset on Mount Cadillac, pack hiking pants, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a sweatshirt. Remember to pack a rain jacket for light rain and wind whenever you hit the trails.
Winter camping and hiking in Acadia National Park requires base layers, puffy coats, warm gloves, wool socks, a hat, and a waterproof rain jacket.
Bring sturdy and comfortable hiking boots with ankle support. A pair of flip-flops is a great addition to your camping checklist. It will help your feet relax at the camp after a long day of hiking and rock scrambling.
Bring enough sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays.
You should also consider clothes made of UPF 50+ fabrics. They offer better protection than ordinary fabrics by blocking 98% of UVB rays while keeping you cool. You can easily compare KÜHL clothing by ticking the sun protection feature.
Ticks in Acadia are most prevalent between late spring and late fall. But they are not something to worry yourself sick about so long as you stay in the middle of the trails and avoid walking on long grass and thick brushes.
But you can never be too careful. Wear long pants and tuck them into long socks. Spraying your clothes and hiking boots with DEET or permethrin can help shoo (or even kill) ticks and prevent bites.
A first aid kit is necessary for your Acadia National Park backpacking checklist. You can buy a pre-packaged kit online or from a physical store. However, it’s best to create your kit based on your medical needs or those of other hikers in the group. A DIY first aid kit also lets you add items that typically lack in store-bought first aid kits. Creating your own kit should be easy with this downloadable first-aid checklist.
Get the most out of your Acadia National Park hiking adventures with these tips:
Explore the park car-free. The high season for hiking in Acadia National Park is July and August. Expect to park at least a mile past your trailhead. If you don’t want to worry about parking, let the fare-free Island Explore bus shuttle you from your lodging place to the trailheads and popular viewpoints and back.
Plan to get started early. If you arrive after 9 a.m., you’re almost guaranteed to lack parking near popular Acadia hiking trails like Jordan Pond. Arrive by 8 a.m. or earlier to get a parking spot and enjoy the trail and viewpoints before they get overly crowded.
Arrive with a backup plan on top of your plan if visiting during peak season. Acadia is a popular national park thanks to its stunning fall foliage, varied ecosystems, and rugged coastline. If you find your target trail full, switch to option B or C.
Get the annual national park pass. The standard pass for Acadia National Park costs $35 per vehicle, which is reasonable. However, if you plan to visit more parks within the next 12 months, getting the $80 annual national park pass, which lets you access more than 2000 recreational areas, might make more sense.
Always do a post-hike tick check to remove any crawling on you. Do not crush ticks with your fingers, as their blood may be contaminated with Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Do you prefer fewer crowds? Head to the Schoodic Peninsula. It is as stunningly beautiful as Mount Desert Island but far less crowded, which lets you enjoy the views with some quiet.
For strenuous Acadia hikes like the Precipice and the Beehive Loop trails, arrive early so you have the route all to yourself and do not feel pressured to hike fast.
Time your stay. Although small, seeing all that Acadia offers in only one day is unrealistic. Plus, it’s good practice not to push yourself too hard.
Recommended: Read how many days to spend in Acadia National Park and how to get the most out of Acadia adventure.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Acadia National Park and enjoy hiking, you’re in for a treat!
The variety of hikes you get makes backpacking in Acadia National Park beautiful. Even if you don’t have the time for all its trails, some hikes, like the Precipice and Gorham Mountain Loop trails, will take you through the diverse terrains that make Mount Desert Island so magical (forests, meadows, rocky summits, Maine coastline, etc.).
Camping in Acadia National Park is an option if you want budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of the park, and Acadia National Park cabins are another affordable option. Otherwise, you can base yourself in the seaside town of Bar Harbor and use the free Island Explorer bus to explore hiking trails in different parts of the park.
No, you don’t need a reservation to hike or bike anywhere in Acadia National Park. A vehicle reservation is necessary only if you plan to drive on Cadillac Mountain Road.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center (10 minutes from Bar Harbor) is the best place to start Acadia National Park adventures.
Hiking solo in Acadia National Park is safe for all hikers because the trails are well-marked. Plus, the trails are heavily trafficked, meaning you’re never alone.
We recommend the Acadia National Park Trail Map by Jill Keefe. It’s waterproof and shows all the trails in great detail, including how to get to the trailheads and the distance.
Get all the news right in your mail
Homemade electrolyte drinks are the unsung hero of today's fitness-conscious and health-centric society. These DIY drinks can…
Read More
Even a dream job is still a job. When Madison began, she treated making art like a job.
Read More