THE 2024 ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking Acadia National Park
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Acadia National Park, with its cragged coastlines, bare mountain tops, and wooded wonders, is a place of unparalleled beauty. The 150 miles of hiking trails offer a unique opportunity to explore New England’s only national park, a journey that promises to be truly epic.
One of the first things to know about Acadia National Park is that it’s as accessible as a national park can be while still holding some of the most formidable trails in the National Park Service. Plus, you get anchor towns like Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Winter Harbor nearby.
We put together this hiking guide based on our experience visiting all the islands and sections of the park over many years. Since there isn’t another national park for 800 miles (Shenandoah) or a coastal national park for 1,800 miles (Biscayne), it’s important to know the nuances of hiking Acadia National Park.
5 Things Every Acadia National Park Hiker Should Know
While the National Park Service manages Acadia, each park sets its own rules. Those guidelines cater to geographical specifics, seasonal shifts, and other unique qualities.
1. Seasons of Downeast Maine
I put together this guide to Maine’s seasons, but let’s highlight a few Acadia-specific points.
First, March and April fall into “Mud Season,” when the nearly 50 miles of carriage roads close. Trails are open but can be a mix of mud and ice.
Second, most of Park Loop Road closes from December 1 through mid-April. However, the park remains open all winter. You can hike or ski on the closed roads. The only way to summit Cadillac Mountain is by walking in winter.
Third, hurricanes, tropical storms, or nor’easters can devastate parts of the coastline around Acadia National Park. Always check the park alerts to check trail conditions.
Finally, historical data shows the best time to see fall foliage peak in Acadia National Park is between October 10 and October 23.
2. Free Bus Service
Nearly four million people visit Acadia each year, with June through August being the busiest months. To avoid traffic and parking challenges, use the free Island Explorer bus system — which runs from late June through mid-October.
Buses are bicycle, pet, and stroller-friendly, ensuring that all visitors can use the service. However, on days when cruise ships are in port at Bar Harbor or during free park days, the buses may be crowded, so plan your trip accordingly.
3. No Backcountry Camping
Unlike most national parks, no backcountry (overnight) or winter camping is allowed. That means no 2-3 night backpacking adventures. Four campsites are available to reserve seasonally, with two on Mount Desert Island (MDI), one on Isle au Haut, and one on the Schoodic Peninsula.
These campsites are the only permitted places to stay overnight within the park boundaries.
4. Nesting Season Closures
The rocky ledges of Acadia National Park make perfect nesting spots for peregrine falcons. These apex predators mate for life and usually return to the same nesting site annually. Trails mostly impacted by peregrine falcon nesting season are Precipice, Jordan Cliffs, Beech Cliffs, and Valley Cove.
It’s not safe for humans, falcons, or chicks to have people hiking these trails during nesting season. Trail closures can run as long as March through mid-August. If mating is unsuccessful, a trail could open sooner.
5. Acadia National Park is Dog-Friendly
Dogs are adored at Acadia National Park as long as they follow the principles of the BARK Ranger program. Two-thirds of the trails and 90% of the carriage roads are dog-friendly.
Check out the full list of where dogs are and aren’t allowed at Acadia National Park. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash at all times, and pet owners must pick up the waste and carry it until a proper trash can is found.
Hiking Sections of Acadia National Park
While most visitors spend time on the eastern Mount Desert Island section of Acadia National Park, there are islands and peninsulas to visit that are still part of the park.
- Eastern MDI: The east side of Mount Desert Island is anchored by Bar Harbor, with Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond, The Bubbles, and Sand Beach, easily accessible from Park Loop Road.
- Western MDI: This more solitary side of the island has several towns, including Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, and the popular Seawall campground. Trails go by several lakes, along Ship Harbor, and to the park’s namesake mountain.
- Schoodic Peninsula: (8 miles of trails)The only part of the park on the mainland can be accessed by car or by ferry in Bar Harbor. Hiking trails provide stunning views of MDI, Cadillac Mountain, lighthouses, and Schoodic Point.
- Isle au Haut: As the highest island in Penobscot Bay, Isle au Haut is home to 18 miles of the least-visited trails in Acadia National Park. It takes some effort to get here, requiring a ferry from Stonington, but the effort is worth it for the epic hikes and spectacular seclusion.
Most Popular Hikes in Acadia National Park
Just because a hike is popular, that doesn’t mean it’s one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park. However, there are a few must-see places that attract the masses.
Cadillac Mountain
Peak baggers will want to put the park’s high point at the top of their hiking list. At 1,530 feet, you get one of the best views in the park. A road leads to the top from mid-April through October. Reservations are required to drive to the top from late May through late October.
At the parking area, there are three trails that spider web out into the various natural areas, but the most family-friendly is the half-mile Cadillac Mountain Loop. To officially bag the peak, walk 500 feet on the South Ridge Trail to the highest elevation.
Those hiking to the summit can take the North Ridge Trail, South Ridge Trail, or the Gorge Path.
NOTE: The Island Explorer does NOT go to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Precipice Trail
The intimidating name is well-deserved, as the Precipice ranks up there with Zion’s Angels Landing and Half Dome of Yosemite as the toughest hikes in the park system.
Through a series of rungs and railings, the one-way trail has hikers climb vertical walls with rungs and ladders positioned throughout. On some ledges, there’s barely enough room for two feet to walk across. In fact, the trail is considered a non-technical climb instead of a hike.
A fear of heights will be tested to the extreme, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the first mile. There’s an “Eliminator” to weed out the people physically unable to tackle the tough parts and a point of no return.
If you can stomach it, the views are astounding, and you’ll bag the peak of Champlain Mountain on the 2.5-mile loop hike.
Beehive Trail
Conde Nast Traveler ranked the Beehive Trail as the Best Short Hike in the United States, but don’t let the 1.4-mile length fool you – this trail is like Precipice Light. The incline isn’t as steep, and the hike isn’t as long, but the exposure, ledges, and climbs are similar. Even MDI local Martha Stewart loves this hike.
If you like the adventure routes, choose Precipice since it’s less crowded at peak season. If Precipice is closed due to nesting season, Beehive is a great backup plan. Just arrive early (like pre-dawn early), or you’ll be waiting at various sections for people to climb or scramble.
SAFETY NOTE: For Beehive and Precipice, do not descend the trail on the rungs and ladders section. It’s too dangerous for you and others on the trail.
The Bubbles
Another hot spot for hikes in Acadia National Park is at “The Bubbles,” two rounded summits that don’t even reach 900 feet above sea level but still provide amazing views of Jordan Pond and the Gulf of Maine beyond.
I put together this guide for hiking North Bubble and South Bubble, including the route from the Bubble Divide and Jordan Pond. One thing to note if you’re walking from Jordan Pond–you’ll do some pretty intense boulder scrambling to reach “The Bubbles.”
South Bubble has a glacier erratic that seems impossibly balanced. Go ahead, push it; everyone does! The Bubbles are family-friendly hikes with a few tough steps along the way, but I always see kids here enjoying the challenge.
Ocean Path
The 2.2-mile Ocean Path follows the Park Loop Road but takes hikers much closer to the edge of the water. Plus, it passes some of the most popular sites in the park.
Starting at Sand Beach, Ocean Path goes all the way to Otter Point, passing Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Boulder Beach, one of the hidden beaches of Acadia National Park.
Please pay attention to park updates on this trail, as it was heavily damaged in the December 2023 storms. The trail is open, but restoration work is ongoing and could last several years. The best part is that the work crews are creating a safer pathway that should hold up better in future storms.
Gorham Mountain Trail
You can pair Gorham Mountain’s challenging climb with Ocean Path, as the two meet on Park Loop Road with a designated parking area.
The trail climbs about 500 feet, with an option to take Cadillac Cliffs for more rungs, ladders, scrambles, and cave-like overhangs. You can also take this trail down from the Beehive, but be sure to see the glacier cirque known as The Bowl while you’re here.
The Cadillac Cliffs have a distinct feature worth seeing. While the cliff sits 240 feet above the water today, 12,500 years ago, this was part of the shoreline as the glacial retreat began. That’s why there’s a sea cave along the way.
Wonderland & Ship Harbor Trails
As long as you know the tide charts and time this Acadia National Park hike during the outgoing tide, you will find a tidepool extravaganza.
Wonderland and nearby Ship Harbor Trail have the beauty of the coastline, like Ocean Path, but on a much more level surface and with more room to explore along the shore. Both trails are family-friendly and less than 1.5 miles long. Wonderland takes a lollipop loop, while Ship Harbor is a figure 8 loop.
Tidepooling is better at Wonderland, and the trail is an old gravel fire road a little wider than a typical trail. Ship Harbor is wheelchair-accessible and goes through mudflats with more water views throughout the hike than you’ll get at Wonderland’s wooded entrance to the coast.
Great Head
Before the Great Fire of 1947, Great Head and Sand Beach were owned by the Satterlees, a wedding gift from the bride’s father, J.P. Morgan.
A year after the fire, the Satterlees donated the land to the National Park Service. Now, the hike offers splendid views of the Cranberry Islands, Sand Beach, the Beehive, and the ocean beyond.
Every step through this path is precarious, whether historically or physically. You enter the trail on what was once the driveway to the Satterlee’s main house and weave your way to what’s left of the Tea House that was perched on the cliff.
The path includes an option to scramble down rocks to the shoreline. However, that’s not before a plaque memorializes a 19-year-old who died in the sea cave below in 1969. Eventually, it takes you back to the parking area or Sand Beach.
Hidden Gems of Acadia National Park
Western Mountain Loop
Nobody knows Maine better than L.L. Bean, and the outdoor brand chose Bernard Mountain Loop as the state’s most “Undiscovered Hike.” However, a lot of helpful information is missing from that report.
The Western Mountain Loop covers just under four miles to bag several peaks, including Mansell and Bernard Mountains. I find this to be one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park for being immersed in fall foliage.
The steepest section is the Perpendicular Trail on the way to Mansell Mountain, with 300 steps, iron rungs, and ladders that create more of an ongoing scramble than a traditional hike. For the best long-distance views, take Razorback Trail on the way down.
You don’t get the ongoing views of the eastern side of Acadia, but the surprising pops through the lush landscape are just as breathtaking. The quiet solace of the wooded canopy is a welcome break if you’re over the crowds of the east side.
There’s also something sacred about this side of the park, as it was untouched by the Great Fire of 1947 that burned the bulk of the eastern half, changing the ecological landscape.
Isle au Haut
Getting to Isle au Haut (“eye-el-la-HO”) requires a 90-minute drive from Bar Harbor to Stonington and then a 45-minute ferry ride. Again, if you’re getting tired of the crowds, it’s worth every bit of personal space you get back on the remote island.
Most day trippers stick to the Western Head/Cliff Trail combination, but there are plenty of other cocktails of trails to mix for the five to six hours before they ferry heads back (with or without you–it won’t wait).
However, if you stay on the private side of the island or get a, you can seek out the hidden treasures here. Thunder Gulch isn’t possible to do for a day trip, but if you’re staying overnight at Duck Harbor Campground, you get your own version of Thunder Hole without the hoards of people.
Beech Mountain
While everyone else heads to Cadillac Mountain or Bass Harbor Lighthouse for the sunset, consider adding Beech Mountain to your Acadia National Park hiking itinerary. This west side section has the only fire tower in the park.
Expansive views open to Long Pond and Mansell Mountain. The rays of the sunrise or sunset streaming through the trees are downright magical.
Beech Cliffs
Despite the similar names, Beech Cliffs is not part of the trail to Beech Mountain, but it does give the ladders and scrambling challenge of Jordan Cliffs with smaller crowds. Plus, it starts and ends at Echo Lake, where a beach and swimming area make a great summer cool-off spot.
NOTE: The South Ridge of Beech Mountain and Beech Cliffs includes slick rock and stone staircases that can be dangerous when wet.
Schoodic Peninsula Hikes
The mainland section of Acadia National Park might not initially make the top of your Acadia National Park hikes, but go for the views of Mount Desert Island, if nothing else. Plus, the Schoodic Loop stays open year-round, with Island Explorer bus service available in summer and early fall.
With less than eight miles of hiking trails, experienced hikers could trek through the entire footprint. Must-see spots include the Anvil overlook at Schoodic Head, about 400 feet above sea level yet seemingly on top of the Gulf of Maine. Go on a clear day to see Cadillac Mountain in the distance.
The hardest trails are Buck Cove Mountain and the East Trail. Be prepared for steep sections and bouldering. Keep it moving on this trail–an aggressive grouse can sometimes harass people. It’s funny until you’re the one being stalked by a literal angry bird.
Sieur de Monts
While the “Heart of Acadia” is quite popular, the trails that surround the springs, nature center, and wild gardens don’t always get the attention they deserve. You might hear “Memorial Trails” and assume it’s a gentle tribute to legendary figures.
Several trails here lead to Dorr Mountain, but they are far from the easiest route up. For example, the Kurt Diederichs Climb has 700 stairs built into the half-mile ascent–stunning, if not slightly unsafe, after heavy rains create waterfalls.
Homan’s Path vanished from park brochures for 60 years, but now the creative collaboration of rocks and tunnels is open. Pair the loop with Emery Path, where you’ll find more stair-filled sections with some narrow ledges. However, Emery Path is far from the intensity of the Precipice.
Winter Hiking in Acadia
Those who love winter hikes will find a veritable wonderland of solitude on many trials. Your first stop should be the Acadia National Park Hiking Group on Facebook to check trail conditions. I’d also recommend checking with a ranger at the park for the best route up.
Most people choose to hike the North Ridge or the closed-to-vehicles Cadillac Summit Road. Bring trekking poles and microspikes.
Remember, winter hikes will take longer with snow and ice. Also, keep in mind that the sun can set as early as 3:55 p.m. in Acadia. Bring a headlamp if you plan to take a sunrise or sunset hike.
Leave No Trace at Acadia National Park
Following the seven principles of Leave No Trace will impact what you pack for your hike. Trash cans are few and far between, so prepare to pack in and pack out all of your trash–even pet waste.
Stay on the trail as designated by trail markers. Some areas have sensitive vegetation that even a few footprints could damage. While Leave No Trace encourages “Leave It As You Find It,” Acadia National Park does offer a few exceptions to the rules according to the Superintendent’s Compendium.
- Blueberries: Maine’s wild blueberries grow in various parts of the park. You are allowed one-half gallon of uncrushed berries per person daily. Just be sure you don’t damage the plant while picking berries, and don’t use a rake.
- Apples: Several old orchards can be found in Acadia, some near Cadillac Mountain or Sieur de Monts, and you can take up to 10 gallons daily.
- Shells: Empty seashells can be collected up to one pint per person per day.
Acadia’s National Park’s Awesome Hiking Trails
The reality is that all the hikes in Acadia National Park offer something special. We especially encourage you to explore the lesser-traveled trails during peak season to avoid loving the park to death.
As part of our Travel + Discover Maine community, we’d love for you to share your favorite hiking trails and what makes them so special.
Also, there are miles of trails hidden in the woods and along cliffs that, for one reason or another, become a little more elusive each year. Park rangers generally won’t tell you how to find them, and you’d need historical maps to track them down.
However, somewhere in the magic of Acadia National Park, there are the Great Cave, the Devil’s Oven Sea Cave, and the secret waterfall of Cadillac Mountain, just 200 yards from Park Loop Road.
Do you want to know more? Let us know in the comments below!