Take a Hike: Acadia National Park’s Top Trails | Geddy’s
For hiking enthusiasts visiting Bar Harbor, there is lots to see and do in Acadia National Park. The park offers over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Each trail has its own unique spectacular ending and amazing views – forested mountains, glacial lakes, jagged cliffs, rocky coastal shorelines and panoramic vistas. There is something for everyone in Acadia National Park. Check-out eight of our favorite trails. Also, don’t forget to visit the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s website, if you’re planning a trip to the area.
Ocean Path, Bar Harbor Maine (Sand Beach to Thunder Hole to Otter Trail)
Take a leisurely stroll along the Atlantic rocky shoreline with tidal pools and crashing waves. Ocean Path is probably one of the most stunning coastal trails in Acadia National Park.
- Length: 4.4 miles, out and back to Otter Trail
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Best for: A fun hike with the family
- Dogs: Leashed (just be careful of poison ivy)
Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop
Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on Mount Desert Island and the first spot to see the sun on the East Coast. Enjoy spectacular views in all directions, walking along the summit.
- Length: .5, loop
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Best for: A family hike, watching the sunrise
- Dogs: Leashed (just be aware that there are very large crowds at this popular tourist destination, especially during peak season)
Bubble Rock Trail at Bar Harbor, Maine
The trail offers forest and, occasional, Jordan Pond views. Bubble Rock, or Balanced Rock, is an iconic Acadia National Park image. The massive granite rock was deposited by glaciers and appears to hang on the edge of the mountain cliff, as if about to roll-off.
- Length: .9 mile, out and back
- Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
- Best for: A fun family adventure
- Dogs: Leashed (there is also a loop, which is not recommended for dogs, since ladders & rungs)
Jordan Pond Loop
Enjoy this beautiful nature walk with abundant wildlife, hiking through forested terrain around tranquil Jordan Pond with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
- Length: 3.2 miles, loop
- Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
- Best for: An adventurous family fun outing
- Dogs: Leashed (dogs are not allowed to swim in the lake, since used for public drinking water)
Gorham Mountain Loop
Gorham Mountain Loop is a slightly elevated hike to the summit, which offers forest paths and panoramic views of Sand Beach, Beehive, and Otter Point. During blueberry season, pick fresh blueberries off the bushes along the way.
- Length: 1.8 miles, loop
- Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
- Best for: A fun hike with the family
- Dogs: No
Great Head Trail (loop)
The Great Head Trail is an adventurous rocky path atop the headlands, walking along sea cliffs and through wooded sections. The trail also passes the ruins of an 18th Century stone tea house, before descending to Sand Beach.
- Length: 1.5 miles, loop
- Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
- Best for: A fun adventure (keep children away from cliff edges)
- Dogs: Leased (however, dogs are not allowed on Sand Beach during the summer)
The “Beehive” Cliffs Trail (loop)
Personally, Beehive is my favorite trail. At the peak, there are breathtakingly beautiful views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Climb-up this steep mountain cliff with boulders and exposed ledges, using iron rungs. Return via Bowl Trail.
- Length: 3.2 miles, loop (varies, depending on trail come down)
- Difficulty Rating: Difficult
- Best for: Adventurous hikers – NOT recommended for young children or those with vertigo
- Dogs: No
The “Precipice” Trial (loop)
This is probably the most difficult hike in Acadia National Park and not for the faint of heart. So, precede with caution as you climb up this extremely steep cliff with narrow ledges. Precipice Trail has iron rungs, ladders, wooden bridges … and amazing views of Frenchman Bay.
- Length: 3.2 miles, loop (varies, depending on trail come down)
- Difficulty Rating: Very Difficult
- Best for: Experienced hikers, only – NOT recommended for young children or those without vertigo
- Dogs: No
After a day of hiking in beautiful Acadia National Park, you’ll probably be hungry. So, don’t forget to visit us at Geddy’s. Our menu offers a wide variety of choices, ranging from lobster to burgers to pizza to nachos. Gluten-free options available too. There is something for everyone at Geddy’s!
Happy Trails!
Cheers from Geddy’s, 🙂
Heather
