EVEN MORE HIKES...
Beyond the list of recommended hikes, there are many more opportunities for hiking in Acadia, including numerous interwoven trails through various valleys to numerous routes that lead to the top of all of Acadia's peaks. Below is a hit list of hiking routes, organized by the different sections of Acadia National Park. Click on a section header or an individual hike to see more detailed information and photographs.
IMPORTANT: You are responsible for your own safety. It is up to you to decide and determine if a trail or route is appropriate for you and plan for your hike accordingly.
| Hiking symbols used for descriptions: | |
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ACADIA CLASSIC: a must-do hike if you want to see the best of Acadia! |
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FAMILY-FRIENDLY: a good choice for those with children who like to hike. |
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WARNING: a hike that may have scrambling, significant exposure, and/or sections of iron rungs or other aides. |
THE POPULAR OCEAN SIDE
The eastern side of Mount Desert Island south of the vibrant tourist town of Bar Harbor is the most popular section of Acadia National Park. The one-way Park Loop Road offers amazing views of the rugged coastline and tourists who hike the Ocean Path are treated to a more intimate experience along the pink granite formations. Famous landmarks include Sand Beach (the only sandy beach on Mount Desert Island), Thunder Hole (a spot where waves often crash loudly), and the Beehive (one of Acadia's signature hikes for those who can control their fear of heights). MORE...
- Ocean Path (Sand Beach to Otter Point)
- Sand Beach and Great Head Trail
- The Beehive (Bowl Trail, Beehive Trail)
- Gorham Mountain Trail (and Cadillac Cliffs Trail)
- The Precipice Trail
- Champlain South Ridge Trail
- Beachcroft Trail (Huguenot Head to Champlain Mountain)
- Dorr Mountain East Face Trails (Emery Path, Homans Path, etc.)
- Dorr Mountain via Ladder Trail
- Bar Island and Bar Island Trail
- Bar Harbor Shore Path
- Compass Harbor Trail (Dorr Point and Old Farm Estate)
- Hunters Beach Trail
- Lower Day Mountain and Hunters Cliff Trail
- Little Hunters Beach
- Cooksey Drive Overlook
THE MIDDLE PEAKS
In the heart of Acadia National Park are more than a dozen beautiful and majestic peaks with several idyllic lakes and ponds scattered in between. A vast network of hiking trails and carriage roads allow hikers and bikers to explore miles of scenic territory. Famous landmarks include the summit of Cadillac Mountain (the only peak you can drive to the top of for great views of sunrise and sunset) and the Jordan Pond House (one of the best national park restaurants with an amazing view of the Bubbles). MORE...
- Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop
- Jordan Pond Path (Jordan Pond Loop)
- South Bubble (and Bubble Rock)
- North Bubble and Conners Nubble
- Pemetic Mountain
- Penobscot Mountain and Sargent Mountain
- Jordan Cliffs Trail
- Cadillac South Ridge Trail
- Cadillac North Ridge Trail
- Gorge Path (to Cadillac Mountain Summit)
- Dorr North Ridge Trail and Kebo Mountain
- Day Mountain and The Triad
- Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, and Gilmore Peak
- Cadillac West Face Trail
- Canon Brook Trail and A. Murray Young Path
- Norumbega Mountain (via Goat Trail)
- Hadlock Ponds Trail
- Giant Slide Trail (and Sargent Mountain Loop)
- Cedar Swamp Mountain (via Sargent South Ridge Trail)
- Hadlock Brook Trail and Maple Spring Trail
- Hunters Brook Trail (to The Triad)
THE QUIET WEST SIDE
Affectionately called "the quiet side" by many locals, the section of Mount Desert Island west of Somes Sound is less visited by the masses, but there are still several great hikes and peaks to be found here. Landmarks include the iconic Bass Harbor Head Light (lighthouse), the Beech Mountain lookout tower, and the park's namesake peak: Acadia Mountain. MORE...
- Acadia Mountain
- St. Sauveur Mountain (and Valley Peak)
- Flying Mountain (and Valley Cove/Valley Peak Loop)
- Bass Harbor Head Light
- Wonderland Trail
- Ship Harbor Trail
- Beech Cliff Trail (Beech Cliff Loop, Canada Cliffs Trail)
- Beech Mountain (Beech Mountain Loop and Valley Trail)
- Beech Mountain via West Ridge Trail
- Mansell Mountain via Perpendicular Trail
- Razorback Trail (Mansell Mountain, Knight Nubble)
- Bernard Mountain Trail (and West Ledge Trail)
- Long Pond Trail and Great Notch Trail
- Indian Point Blagden Preserve
BEYOND MOUNT DESERT ISLAND
While most of the tourist action happens on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park has a few other designated sections in the greater downeast Maine region. Located just to the east of MDI, the Schoodic Peninsula is the only section of the park located on the mainland. A six-mile loop road offers visitors many opportunities to pull over and enjoy the rugged granite coastline. An even more isolated section of Acadia is located on Isle au Haut, accessible via mailboat out of Stonington. Much planning, preparation, and patience are required for a successful visit to this remote island. MORE...
- Visiting the Schoodic Peninsula
- Schoodic Head Trail (Alder Trail, Anvil Trail, East Trail)
- Sundew Trail
- Visiting Isle au Haut
- Duck Harbor Trail
- Western Head Trail and Cliff Trail
- Goat Trail (Merchant Cove to Deep Cove)
- Duck Harbor Mountain Trail
- Ebens Head Trail
- Median Ridge Trail and Nat Merchant Trail
- Bowditch Trail and Long Pond Trail
