From a Nice Stroll to an Advanced Hike

Welcome to Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and the town of Bar Harbor. From the moment I pulled into the visitor center for the first time, I realized this place is magical, as cheesy as that sounds.

If this is your first time in Acadia, I highly recommend the Hulls Cove Entrance Visitor Center, the only park visitor center. The rangers at the information desk are extremely knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect trails/hikes. Pick up more detailed trail maps or a topographic map, which can come in handy!

There are over 145 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads for horseback riding or biking, in Acadia National Park. By no means have I done them all, but here are my recommendations for the best hikes from the month I spent there.

Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park

National Park Website
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle -- or purchase an America The Beautiful pass if you plan on visiting more national parks in a year.
Main Park Visitor Center: Hulls Cove Visitor Center --- From the parking lot is the Main entrance to Park Loop Road
Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US
Rank at the 6th most visited park in the nation, it can be crowded! Think about this when planning for popular sights and locations.
The Island Explore is a bus that covers most of Mount Desert Narrows during the season. Click here for the Bus Schedule
In-park campsites: Seawall Campground and Blackwoods Campground
High Season: Mid-June to mid-October
Always do a tick check after visiting the park, for you and your dog.
Wear closed-toe, good traction shoes.
Always Leave No Trace — and leave it better than you found it.
Remember to pack extra layers, as the weather can bring unpredictable changes, especially on higher elevations.
stay mindful of the behavior of any wild animals you encounter.

1. OCEAN PATH TRAIL

Distance: 4.4 mi | Elevation: 120 ft | Route: Out & Back

Listing this option as number one because it is an easy hike to start at because you can hit a few of the most popular destinations in Acadia all in the same place with a short walk - Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and the giant sea stack in Monument Cove. Due to the very slight elevation gain on this trail, it is also good for all ages and abilities.

That being said, due to popularity, it can be crowded in peak hours or peak season so I would recommend going earlier in the day or later in the evening. Especially during the season!

If you park at Sand Beach located right off Park Loop Road, you can see the only swimmable beach in Acadia. Also, a sign at the beach 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 since it is a rather small parking lot, you can drive passed a bit for a secondary parking lot)

From Sand Beach, you can walk along the beautiful coast with many small walk-down trails different overlooks to ocean views that are each stunning in their rocky drops to the crystal clear ocean. You can take your time down the trail, exploring each turn-off until you make it to Thunder Cove.

This is one of the signature stops in Acadia. What makes it special is that it is a naturally made cove that at high tide the water comes in at such a rush, that the water crashing into the cove sounds like thunder. Giving it its name: Thunder Hole.

This trail is dog-friendly.

2. BAR ISLAND TRAIL

Distance: 1.9 mi | Elevation: 187ft | Route: Out & Back

Right outside of the town of Bar Harbor at low tide is a natural sand bar that creates a walkway from downtown over to Bar Island. The walk from the mainland to the island is a half mile and then you can walk a short hike onto Bar Island which is also a half mile of easy trail. Making it closer to 2 miles round trip. Some people bring chairs and sit out on the sandbar.

**Pay attention to the tides you have about an hour and a 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: Tide Schedule

3. JORDAN POND LOOP

Distance: 3.3 mi | Elevation: 95 ft | Route: Loop

Jordan Pond Path 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-mile dirt trail that is mostly a flat loop hike. As I mentioned on the North West side of 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 which is crystal clear and feed the public water supplies of Mount Desert Narrows so no swimming is allowed here.

From the Jordan Pond Trail, you can turn off for a couple of other trails as well like Bubbles Trail & Sargent Mountain. 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:

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 and bubble rock, South Bubble, and North Bubble.

4. CADILLAC MOUNTAIN

Distance: 4.4 mi | Elevation: 1530 ft | Route: Out & Back

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 elevation or you can take one of the many hikes to the Summit of Cadillac Mountain, I recommend the 2.2 miles up on the North Ridge Trail to the top.

Go here for Reservations.

No RV's or Trailers are allowed at the summit park lot even if you have a reservation -- no vehicle over 21 ft is allowed.

Many people hike Cadillac Mountain first thing in the morning like first thing. We woke up at 3 am and the parking area at the trailhead was full by 4 am (!!)

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 a half.

If you choose this route you go it’s 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, hiked for close to 2 hours and this was our sunrise….

Great experience regardless, I had a good laugh, but just learn from me 🙂

Other options to reach the summit:

Cadillac South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles roundtrip) connects to the parking lot at the summit. The Gorge Path (as part of the Gorge and A Murray Young Paths Route) junctions with the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail. Other trails can be connected on the east side of Mount Desert Island to reach the summit.

5. CEDAR SWAMP MOUNTAIN

Distance: 4.3 mi | Elevation: 744 ft | Route: Out & Back

This hike is on the less busy side of Acadia which was nice to experience, the trailhead starting on State Route 3. 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 longer hikes and make it to more than one mountain this is a good starting place.

Cedar Swamp is a gorgeous 1.6-mile 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. Walk a few 100 yards north of the summit, there is an unkept path that leads you to the crash site.

6. SARGENT MOUNTAIN SOUTH RIDGE TRAIL

Distance: 6.5 mi | Elevation: 1375 ft | Route: Out & Back

On the way up Sargent Mountain South Ridge Trail, you take the Hadlock Brook Trail, which 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 it's relatively flat. Along the .5 mile walk up the ridge of the mountain with 360-degree views from 1375’ elevation of the surrounding mountains, ocean, and lakes.

This is the second-highest peak in Acadia National Park.

Tip: A great hike is both Sargent & Cedar Swamp in one day.

7. DORR MOUNTAIN

Distance: 2.9 mi | Elevation: 1,15470 ft | Route: Loop

This hike is not for the faint of heart for good reason. It is a 1.5-mile to the top but 1270 elevation up a granite staircase, that being said check the trail elevation profile when adding this one to your list. With incredible overlooks the entire way of Champlain Mountain and Bar Harbor the views are worth the staircase and a few narrow ledges. This was one of the more challenging hikes we did in Acadia. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.

At the top, you 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 by the Sieur De Monts Nature Center, which you can visit. Then take Emery Path to Schiff Path and 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.

8. BEEHIVE TRAIL

Distance: 1.5 mi | Elevation: 508 ft | Route: Loop

I would say this is one of the most popular hikes at Acadia National Park and for good reason, this trail contains the most breathtaking views, exhilarating ledges, rungs, and ladder trails.

Starting from Sand Beach, the trailhead is across Park Loop Road. You will briefly be on Bowl Trail, before turning right onto the Beehive Trail. This part of the trail requires scrambling, climbing ladders, and rungs, and ascending steep granite staircases. This section can be very challenging and is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. There are cliff drop-offs next to the trail.

Dogs are not allowed on this hike.

9. PRECIPICE TRAIL

Distance: 2.6 mi | Elevation: 997 ft | Route: Loop

This is a hike that is considered challenging and to be done with precaution, due to the iron

rungs trails, and ladders needed, this is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights. I would start with Beehive Trail and if you loved that this should be next on your list. The trail starts up steps and some boulder scrabbles and can require you to use iron rungs and ladders strategically to pull yourself up.

Check the website for temporary trail closures during which time the peregrine falcons are nesting on the cliffs. Which is usually late spring through mid-August.

10. FLYING MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Distance: 1.5 mi | Elevation: 200 ft | Route: Loop

Ranking at the lowest of Acadia's 26 summits, you can see some of the best places to view Somers Sound, including Northeast and Southwest Harbors with the least amount of elevation gain. This trail starts, if you take the tail clockwise, with a flat trail that will lead you to Valley Cove and the water, then lead up staired steps to the views. This an off-the-beaten-path hike, if you are driving from the Bar Harbor area, drive passed Echo Lake and take a left on Fernald Point Road, drive to the end of the road, and park in the Valley Cove lot.

EXTRA: WHERE TO SEE BEST FALL FOLIAGE

Every year many people visit to Mount Desert Island to see the leaves change and show us spectacular views in a new color. Here are a few of the best views for fall foliage.

Usually during mid-October, though for weekly updates on foliage, updated maps, and recommended driving tours check out Maine Foliage.

-South Bubble Trail

-Sieur De Monts Spring

-Eagle Lake and Witch Hole Pond Carriage Road

-Beech Mountain Loop

-Schoodic Head

In Conclusion

Acadia National Park is truly a beautiful place, offering everything from peaceful mile loops like the Great Head Trail to thrilling climbs like the Precipice Trail. Whether you’re exploring the park’s visitor centers, tackling the more challenging Gorham Mountain Trail, or enjoying a relaxing stroll on the Ship Harbor Trail, there’s something for every level of hiker.

With so many incredible Acadia trails to discover, I hope these recommendations help you make the most of your time here. Happy hiking, and may this stunning landscape become one of your favorite places too!

10 Beautiful Trails in Acadia National Park