Hiking is a great way to experience Acadia National Park. Here are my Top 10 Hikes in the Park:
#1 Precipice Trail
Length: 1.4 miles, Out & Back
Vertical Gain: 941 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Summary: This trail takes you to the summit of Champlain Mountain, the 6th tallest mountain in Acadia National Park. This rout heads up the step eastern face of the mountain: granite cliffs with iron rungs, ladders, and wooden bridges. At times this hike seems like more of a climb, it is the most difficult hike in the park but by far the most exhilarating. Note: This trail is usually closed between March 15 and August 15 for peregrine falcon nesting.
GPS: 44.34946, -68.18796
#2 Cadillac South Ridge Trail
Length: 8.0 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 2286 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: Yes, you can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, but there is something rather satisfying about hiking it. There are two trails to get to the summit this and the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. The latter is half the distance and half the elevation gain, but this one is arguably the most interesting route and offers up one of the longest stretches of single trail in Acadia National Park. Have a less adventurous member of your party? An alternative is to cut the hike in half and have someone pick you up on the summit.
GPS: 44.31286, -68.2148
#3 Beehive Trail
Length: 1.4 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 488 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: This is a classic in Acadia National Park, although if you have a fear of heights I would NOT recommend it. Also, if you are looking for something “off the beaten path,” this is not it. You will run into a lot of people here, you will also love this hike. The Beehive is one of the park’s higher peaks that over looks Sand Beach. The trail heads straight up the steep south face of the Beehive and boasts granite steps, iron rungs to climb up, and several handrails for exposed rock scrambling sections. Give yourself 2-4 hours to complete the loop.
GPS: 44.3315259, -68.18527
#4 Bubble Trail
Length: 1.2 miles, Out and Back
Vertical Gain: 301 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Summary: This is a great half day hike up to one of the most famous views in Acadia National Park. South Bubble is also where you will find “Bubble Rock” a large boulder carried by glaciers and deposited precariously on the edge of the cliff. Once you are up here there are a multitude of options: pop over to North Bubble for a summit view of Jordan Pond or you could descend the the steep trail toward Jordan Pond for a little more of a challenge and some exposed hiking.
GPS: 44.34112, -68.25067
#5 Jordan Pond Path
Length: 3.4 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 95 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Summary: Jordan Pond is one of the most peaceful and idyllic spots in Acadia National Park and this loop trail takes you all the way around it! This classic leisurely hike around Jordan Pond is capped off with a visit to the Jordan Pond House, which is one of the best National Park restaurants in the country, for lunch or afternoon tea.
GPS: 44.322, -68.25437
#6 Ocean Path
Length: 4.5 miles, Out and Back
Vertical Gain: 374 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Summary: Acadia’s most well-known feature is definitely it’s pink granite cliffs along the coastline. This trail follows a dramatic section of that coastline and boasts several of the park’s iconic sites. Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Monument Cove can all be seen along this route.
GPS: 44.32985, -68.18432
#7 Jordan Cliffs Trail
Length: 3.0 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 1033 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: The Jordan Cliffs are located on the eastern face of Penobscot Mountain and are some of the most impressive cliffs in all of Acadia National Park. Although it is considered one of the park’s iconic “iron-rung” trails, it is not as difficult as the Beehive Trail or the Precipice Trail. This trail still has it’s fair share of exposure and views!
GPS: 44.32042, -68.25416
#8 The Ladder Trail
Length: 2.7 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 1131 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: Dorr Mountain is one of the lesser known peaks in Acadia National Park, but is absolutely worth taking the time to hike for the amazing 360 degree views of the park. There are four trails to the summit, but in my opinion this is the bast (AKA most exciting). It is yet another iron-rung trail running up the eastern face of the mountain, but for those of you with a little hesitancy for the Beehive Trail or the Precipice Trail, this might be a viable option. It offers the same challenges, but with a bit less exposure.
GPS: 44.35175, -68.20508
#9 Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
Length: 2.0 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 492
Difficulty: Moderate
Summary: The Beech Cliffs are located on the southwest shore of Echo Lake on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island. This trail is another of Acadia National Park’s classic iron-rung routes, but it is less well-known than the Beehive Trail or Precipice Trail, making it a great option if you are trying to avoid some of the crowds on the other trails. This trail incorporates series of ladders up through some of the most interesting and vertical cliff formations in the park.
GPS: 44.35175, -68.20508
#10 Sundew Trail
Length: 1.8 miles, Out and Back
Vertical Gain: 137 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Summary: This is a great way to see Schoodic Point, a much less visited part of Acadia National Park. The trail spends most of the time in a thick forest, but offers 3 access points to the coastline. A great way to explore the park away from the traffic jams – on the road and on the trail…
GPS: 44.33942, -68.06016