Acadia National Park is filled with amazing varieties of hiking trails. With more that 150 trails, and various diverse hiking environments, Best Acadia National Park is literally a next to paradise for hikers, where you can immerse yourself in stunning scenery and create unforgettable memories. Hikes in Acadia vary from easy to extremely challenging for every level of hiker from beginner to skilled. Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful and beloved green spaces in the country for hiking. With diverse forests, there is no lack of variety for hiking in Acadia.
So, here is the list of Best hikes in Acadia to The Love of Nature
1. Ocean Path
Hike Ocean Path, the trail that runs along Acadia’s scenic coastline from the Sand Beach to Otter Point. Small rocky ridge leading off from the trail to the sea coastline offers hikers a choose-your-own-adventure type of walk where you have the option to climb over rocks and enjoy sweeping landscapes of the water with the surrounding rocky cliffs. It’s literally a perfect place to start your trip no matter your hiking experience level, and it would be great fun with family and it’s dog friendly, too!
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Time: 2-3 hours
2. Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail
Visiting the top of Cadillac Mountain is a great thing to do in Acadia National Park. It’s the highest point there, and the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail can be explored easily, which means you will have more fun with less work! Walk along the surface of Cadillac Summit Loop Trail that goes around the top Hikes in Acadia. You can enjoy different views from different spots and read informational signs to learn more about the area and its surroundings.
If you want to stroll off the trail onto the granite, please be careful and do not step on the delicate plants that grow there.Lots of people like to hike up for sunrise, so it can get crowded, and for the sunset it’s even more. You might want to wait until later in the morning when it’s quieter to enjoy the summit.
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Summit of Cadillac Mountain, sweeping vistas
Time: 30 minutes
3. Precipice Trail
The Precipice Trail is another tough hikes in Acadia National Park, and it’s quite popular despite the fact of being dangerous. If you are someone who wants adventure then, ready to put in effort, it would be really exciting, with amazing views of the ocean and coastline from the top and to appreciate the hard work.
As you climb this rocky trail along the cliffside, you’ll get to see rock stairs, metal ladders, and scrambling. It’s definitely not just a piece of cake!The trail goes up the cliffs on the east side of Champlain Mountain to the top. Although the mountain isn’t the tallest, but, the cliffs make it a real challenge!
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Thrilling cliffside sections, Jordan Pond views
Time: About 3.5-5 hours
4. Beehive and Bowl Trail
The Beehive Trail is a tough but rewarding climb in Acadia National Park. It’s known for its stunning views and exciting adventure. This hike in Acadia is very popular and starts near Sand Beach. It offers amazing views of the shoreline and mountains. But be prepared for steep climbs and using ladders to climb nearly 500 feet in less than half a mile.
You’ll need to use your hands and feet, so it’s best to go on dry, sunny days when the rocks aren’t slippery. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Sand Beach, the mountains, Thunder Hole, lakes, and the ocean.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Iconic beehive-shaped rock formation, views of Frenchman Bay
5. Great Head Trail
The Great Head hikes in Acadia is a nice addition to your time at beautiful Sand Beach. The hike goes up into the cliffs, giving you great stunning views of the coastline and Sand Beach.
Start hiking at the far end of Sand Beach, near some granite steps. You might need to cross a small stream that goes into the ocean. At the top hikes in Acadia of the steps, go right to a rocky area where you can take pictures of Sand Beach from above. You can also capture the Beehive from there.
Keep walking along the cliffs to the highest point on Great Head, about 145 feet above the sea. From there, you can see the remains of a tea house from 1915. But be careful: the shorter path has a steep climb at first before it goes down to Sand Beach.If you keep going on the longer trail, it goes back towards the water and gives you more chances for views before it leads you to an easy dirt road back to Sand Beach.
Time: About 1-2 hours
Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Great Head Light, coves and beaches
6. Jordan Pond Path
The Jordan Pond Path goes along the peaceful Jordan Pond, which is a famous lake in Acadia National Park. The lake was formed by glaciers and is surrounded by mountains.This hikes in Acadia is very popular because it’s easy and offers beautiful views. Start at the North parking lot and head towards the boat launch to see Jordan Pond with the Bubbles mountains in the background.
Since it’s a loop, you can choose to go either east or west from the boat launch. As you walk, you’ll see stepping stones and bridges that let streams flow into the lake. Be careful while crossing these bridges to get to the western side of Jordan Pond.On the western side, there’s a field of big rocks that’s great for taking pictures. The trail then turns into a wooden boardwalk through a forest, leading you to Jordan Pond House. Here, you can relax and have your tea and popovers!
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Acadia’s iconic Bubbles, pristine lake views
Time: 1-2.5 hours
7. Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail hikes in Acadia is a simple walk on a gravel path from the parking area to the water and back. It’s great for families and gets busy on nice weekends. As you leave the parking lot, you’ll walk through a forest of spruce and jack pine until you reach the water. From there, you can see the Duck Islands and Greater Cranberry Isle.
The rocky shoreline has pretty rocks and you might see shorebirds. When the tide is low, it’s fun to explore the tidepools.Like the Ship Harbor Trail, the Wonderland Trail Hikes in Acadia is good for birdwatching. Lots of different kinds of birds, like warblers, have been seen on the way to hikes in Acadia National Park, and you might spot some on this trail.
Length: 1.4 miles
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Shorebirds, Ship Harbor Trail
8. JESUP PATH AND HEMLOCK PATH LOOP
There’s an easy hikes in Acadia that’s also wheelchair-friendly in Acadia National Park. This trail, called the Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop, is perfect for birdwatching in spring and summer. Bring binoculars to see birds like barred owls. You might also spot deer, butterflies, and chipmunks. It goes through areas with birch and hemlock trees, making it a peaceful walk. You’ll also get to see Dorr Mountain.
Along the way, there are signs that tell you about the plants and animals in the area. Before you reach the Wild Gardens of Acadia, there’s a wooden bridge leading to Jesup Path. Follow the boardwalk.
It’s shady and cool, and there are benches where you can rest. The boardwalk is great for taking beautiful pictures. Once the boardwalk comes to an end, keep going through the Great Meadow until you reach Park Loop Road. You can watch for birds and other animals here too!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles round trip
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Highlights: Great Meadow
9. South Bubble Mountain to Bubble Rock
If you want to go on a fun hike in Acadia with great views, try hiking up South Bubble Mountain to Bubble Rock. There are a few different trails you can take, but for an easier hike, start at the Bubbles Divide trailhead. From there, the trail goes up gradually through the valley, with steps to help you along the way. When you reach a junction, go left onto the Bubbles Divide Trail towards South Bubble Mountain.
Follow the trail up to the top, where you’ll see amazing views! There’s a short path that takes you to Bubble Rock, a big boulder left behind by a glacier. You’ll see blue arrows pointing the way. Bubble Rock is a cool spot to take pictures, but be careful and stay away from the edges because they’re steep and dangerous. Keep an eye on kids too, to make sure they stay safe.
Difficulty: Easy to Low Moderate
Length: 1 mile round trip
Time: About 1 hour
Highlights: Bubble Rock aka. Balanced Rock
