11 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a premier hiking destination known for its breathtaking landscapes. Here you’ll find a variety of different hiking trails ranging from forest walks, lake hikes, mountain scrambles and much more catering to hikers and explorers of all types and levels.
Here’s a guide to 11 of the best hikes in the park, offering a mix of trails suited for different levels of hikers. I will also be showcasing the best seasons to do the these hikes below (summer and fall are the most popular).
Gear recommendations:
- Best rated hiking shoes for day hikes (men/women sizes available)
- Best rated hiking backpack for day hikes
- Best rated hiking pole for day hikes
Photos:
Precipice Trail:
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The Precipice Trail is one of the most challenging hikes in Acadia, featuring iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges that climb up Champlain Mountain. This hike is not for beginners or those afraid of heights, but the reward is magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding parklands. It’s an adrenaline-filled adventure best suited for experienced hikers.
Beehive Trail
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: 500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Beehive Trail offers an exciting climb with iron rungs and exposed cliff sections, similar to Precipice but less intense. After scrambling up, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Sand Beach and the ocean. It’s a short hike that packs in thrills and stunning vistas, perfect for adventurous hikers looking for a quick but exhilarating trek. I’ve done this trail before during fall season and I loved it! Not only was the hike exhilerating, but the autumn colors at the top were just breathtaking!
Jordan Pond Path
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
Jordan Pond Path is a family-friendly trail that circles the serene Jordan Pond. The clear waters beautifully reflect the surrounding Bubbles Mountains. This flat trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and offers a relaxing walk with stunning scenery. It’s a perfect hike for those looking to enjoy Acadia’s natural beauty without much effort.
Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Elevation: 1,350 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail leads to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the East Coast. It’s a moderately difficult hike with steady elevation gain and incredible views of the ocean, Frenchman Bay, and Bar Harbor along the way. The summit is especially popular at sunrise, as it’s one of the first spots in the U.S. to see the sun. This hike offers a rewarding experience for those seeking panoramic views.
Ocean Path Trail
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
The Ocean Path Trail runs parallel to the rugged coastline, offering easy walking with constant views of the crashing waves and coastal cliffs. Highlights along the trail include Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Sand Beach. This trail is perfect for families and those looking for a scenic, relaxing hike without much elevation gain.
South Bubble Trail
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: 768 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The South Bubble Trail is a short but steep hike that leads to the summit of South Bubble Mountain. Here, you’ll find the famous Bubble Rock, a glacial erratic perched precariously on the mountain’s edge. The views of Jordan Pond from the summit are spectacular, making the steep climb well worth the effort.
Gorham Mountain Trail
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation: 525 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Gorham Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers beautiful views of the coastline without the extreme difficulty of the Precipice or Beehive Trails. The summit of Gorham Mountain provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Sand Beach, and the Beehive. It’s a great choice for those looking for a rewarding hike with less intensity.
Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation: 1,270 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail is a challenging loop hike that takes you up the steep cliffs of Dorr Mountain using a series of iron rungs and ladders. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers due to its exposed sections and elevation gain. The summit offers sweeping views of Cadillac Mountain and the surrounding landscape, making it a less crowded alternative for those seeking a similar reward.
Schoodic Head Trail
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation: 440 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Located on the quieter Schoodic Peninsula, the Schoodic Head Trail provides a peaceful hiking experience away from the more crowded sections of the park. The trail meanders through forests and meadows before ascending to the summit of Schoodic Head, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Desert Island. This hike is perfect for those seeking solitude and beautiful coastal scenery.
Great Head Trail
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Elevation: 145 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
The Great Head Trail is a short, scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sand Beach. The trail follows the rocky coastline and passes through pine forests, providing access to hidden coves and beaches. With its moderate elevation gain, it’s an ideal hike for most hikers, offering an unforgettable experience near the water.
Bubble Rock Trail
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation: 280 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Bubble Rock Trail is a short but rewarding hike that leads to one of Acadia’s iconic landmarks, Bubble Rock. This large boulder, precariously balanced on the edge of South Bubble Mountain, was carried to its location by glaciers thousands of years ago. The trail offers beautiful views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. It’s a fun and easy hike for families and those looking for a quick, scenic adventure. Great for families and beginner hikers!
Best seasons to do the above hikes:
Spring (April to June):
- Jordan Pond Path
- Ocean Path
- Gorham Mountain Trail
- Cadillac South Ridge Trail
Summer (July to August):
- Beehive Trail
- Precipice Trail
- Great Head Trail
- Bubble Rock Trail
- Schoodic Peninsula Trails
Fall (September to October):
- Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
- Jordan Pond Path
- Champlain Mountain via Beachcroft Trail
- Pemetic Mountain Trail
Winter (November to March):
- Carriage Roads
- Ocean Path
- Eagle Lake Loop
- Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop
Recommended gear to wear:
- Highly rated hiking shoes for day hikes (men/women sizes available)
- Highly rated hiking backpack for day hikes
- Highly rated hiking pole for day hikes
Final things to know:
Acadia National Park offers an incredible range of hikes, from heart-pounding scrambles to serene coastal walks. These 10 hikes showcase the diverse beauty of the park, with options suitable for every level of adventurer. Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking a challenge or a casual walker looking for breathtaking views, Acadia has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these must-see trails during your visit to this stunning national park.
