From Nice Stroll to Advanced Hike
Welcome to Acadia National Park. From the moment I pulled into the visitor center for the first time you realize this place is magical as cheesy as that sounds.
If it is your first time to Acadia I highly recommend the Hulls Cove Entrance Visitor Center, the rangers that work the information desk are extremely knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect trails/hikes for you.
There are over 145 miles of trail in Acadia National Park, by no means have I done them all but here are my recommendations from my month in Acadia.
All of the trials I have listed below are dog friendly as Acadia National Park is extremely dog friendly (well behaved dogs are even allowed on the bus). However, this depends on the endurance and ability of your pup. For this reason, I will note which trails I took my dog Luna on.
1. OCEAN PATH
Listing this option as number one because it is the easiest to start at because you can hit a few of the most popular destinations in Acadia all in the same place.
That being said, due to popularity it can be crowded in peak hours so I would recommend going earlier in the day or later in the evening. Especially during season!
If you park at Sand Beach you can see the only swimmable beach in Acadia. Also, a sign at the beach literally says ‘The water is wicked cold’ and they are right it’s 55 degrees fahrenheit even in the middle of summer. If you are brave take a dip!
(if Sand Beach Parking is full you can drive passed a bit for a secondary parking lot)
From Sand Beach you can walk .7 mile along the beautiful coast with many small walk down trails to different overlooks that are each stunning in their own of rocky drops to the crystal clear ocean.
You can take your time down the walk next to the road exploring each turn off until you make it to Thunder Cove.
This is one of the signature stops in Acadia. In fact, what makes it special is that it is a natural made cove that at high tide the water comes in at such a rush, the water crashing to the cove sounds like thunder.
This trail is dog-friendly.
2. BAR ISLAND
Right outside of town at low tide is a natural sand bar that creates a walkway from downtown over to Bar Island.
***Pay attention to the tides you have about an hour and half before and after the low tide to make it over and back. If not your options are a very expensive water taxi, swim, or wait 9 hours for the next low tide. Not ideal, I would not recommend it.
Check the:
The walk from the main land to the island is half mile and then you can walk a trail on Bar Island that is also a half mile and an elevation of 170 feet.
Some people bring chairs and sit out in the sandbar.
3. JORDAN POND
This was one of my personal favorites. I can see why it is highly recommended. It is very accessible even for small children and dogs. However, there is a piece of the trail that is rocks that you need to walk over more carefully.
Jordan Pond Nature Trail is a 3.3 miles dirt trail that is mostly flat.
Like I mentioned on the North West side on the trail that is large rocks that you need to walk over and a wooden path section that protects the environment. You loop the entire pond that is crystal clear and actually feed the drinking water system of Mount Desert Narrows so no swimming allowed here.
From the Jordan Pond Trail you can turn off for a couple other trails as well.
Parking at Jordan Pond can be tight since it is a place for multiple different trailheads and Jordan Pond House Restaurant. So the parking doesn’t turn over as quickly as other parking areas.
If you don’t want to deal with parking the Island Explore is a bus that covers most of Mount Desert Narrows and it is very accessible. You can park at the Visitor Center and take the bus to almost any trial on the island. Click here for the Bus Schedule:
After you have a wonderful trial walk you can take a load off and order some popovers at the Jordan Pond House. If it’s a nice day there are picnic tables outside. Which have a beautiful view of the pond, South Bubble and North Bubble.
4. CADILLAC MOUNTAIN
This is without question the most popular thing to do at Acadia National Park. You have two options: make reservations in advance especially if you want to make it for sunrise and you can drive right to the top of the highest point at 1530 feet elevations or you can hike the 2.2 miles of the North Ridge Trail to the top.
There are multiple trails you can take to the top of Cadillac, North Ridge is just my recommendation.
Many people hike Cadillac Mountain first thing in the morning like first thing. We woke up at 3am and the parking lot was full at 4am (!!)
We had to make a second loop and park a bit farther down which worked out fine. We hiked in the dark for an hour and half.
If you choose this route you go it’s definitely an experience but don’t forget your map, headlamp, and/or flashlight.
It was the first time I have ever hiked in the dark, like pitch black which I will not kid you. I was nervous at first but then seeing so many other people out on the trail and the full parking helped boost my confidence.
I would say check the forecast, as we woke up, hikes close to 2 hours and this was our sunrise….
Great experience regardless, just learn from me 🙂
5. CEDAR SWAMP MOUNTAIN
This hike is on the less busy side of Acadia which was nice to experience. I chose this hike as it is a solid hike not extremely advanced but not a stroll in the park and it is connected to many other hikes and peaks in the area.
If you are looking to do a full day or half day of hiking and make it to more than one mountain this is a good starting place.
Cedar Swamp is a gorgeous 1.6 miles wooded trail over tree roots and creeks. The start is mild and when you transition from Hadlock Brook Trail to Birch Spring Trail you start to make the climb up the 942’ elevation of this peak.
From the summit you see a sparkling panoramic view of the Northeast Harbor, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding lakes. You can also see other peaks in the area.
An interesting fact about this hike, in 1970 there was a plane crash near the summit. As a result, the wreckage is still there. In fact, walk a few 100 yards north of the summit, there is an unkept path that leads you to the crash site.
Luna joined on this hike. However, it is a bit more advanced hike for dogs as the last .1 to the summit is rocky. Luna is 12 years old and close to 50 pounds but she is in good shape for her age.
6. SARGENT MOUNTAIN 1373’
This hike on the way up if you take the Hadlock Brook Trail is a nice 1.7 mile hike. The last .5 of the trial gets rather steep. Short but steep and still worth it.
Once you make it from Hadlock Brook Trail to Sargent South Ridge Trail its relatively flat. Along the .5 mile walk up the ridge of the mountain with 360 degree views from 1373’ elevation of the surrounding mountains, ocean, and lakes.
This is the second highest peak in Acadia National Park.
Tip: hike both Sargent & Cedar Swamp in one day, ends at just below 6 miles.
7. DORR MOUNTAIN
This hike is not for the faint of heart. It is a 1.5 mile trail but 1270 elevation up a granite staircase. With incredible overlooks the entire way of Champlain mountain and Bar Harbor the views are worth the staircase.
At the top you also get a great look at Cadillac on the other side. There are many trails you can take up to the summit.
We parked at the Wild Garden of Acadia, which you can visit. Then take Emery Path to Schiff Path to Schiff Path Ladder Trail.
We went closer to sunset giving the views a beautiful golden hour light. If you go at this time, make sure to leave enough time to make it down before dark.
In Conclusion
Above all, there is something for everyone in every range of physical ability at Aacada. I hope you get to try them all.
Other posts to check out: