Acadia National Park preserves several islands and a peninsula along the coast of Maine, on the Atlantic Ocean. Acadia has a plethora of scenic trails up steep rocky mountains, accessible right out the door of your car. After you are done hiking, enjoy the bustling nightlife in Bar Harbor, one of the most popular seaside towns in New England.
Acadia National Park encompasses Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula and several outer islands including Isle au Haut and the Cranberry Islands. The major part of Acadia sits on Mount Desert Island, divided into eastern and western parts by Somes Sound. The most popular attractions such as the Cadillac Summit Road and Bar Harbor are on the eastern part of Mount Desert Island.
On the western part of Mount Desert Island, there are several trails, no less stunning than those on the eastern part. Another most visited part of Acadia is Schoodic Peninsula, located to the east of Mount Desert Island. If you have time to explore more or just simply want to avoid the crowds, I highly recommend this part of Acadia, where the views of mountains and ocean will take your breath away.
Acadia National Part ranks as the fifth smallest national park by land area but is packed with distinctive and splendid natural scenery and attracts as many visitors as Great Teton National Park, making it one of the TOP 10 popular national parks in the United States. If you enjoy hiking, love natural scenery, or plan to visit New England, Acadia should be on your bucket list.
We spent five fabulous days in Acadia with our lovely Golden Retriever. I’m sharing our itinerary that includes the must-see sights, easy to moderate level hiking trails, and some tasty eateries.
Day 1
Acadia Mountain Trail and Man O’ War Trail
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Across street from the parking area along Route 102
- Bathroom: At the parking area
Acadia Mountain and Man O’ War Brook Trails form a 2.6-mile loop trail. The trail is in eastern part of Mount Desert Island. It is a stunning trail and one of our favorites. We hiked this trail clockwise. There are three distinct sections: ascending to the summit of Acadia Mountain, descending Acadia Mountain along the rocky coastline, and the Man O’ War trail which is an easy path in the woods back to the parking area.
The trail starts ascending on Acadia Mountain at the trailhead. Going up to the peak of Acadia Mountain is a steep incline through the forest, with stone staircases for the most part, making the uphill easier to climb. On the mountain top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views overlooking the Somes Sound, Southwest Harbor and Great Cranberry and Sutton islands on the ocean. Take your time to enjoy the view, because the descent is rigorous. The downhill along the shoreline of Southwest Harbor has low, stunted trees, giving you a gorgeous view of Somes Sound by your side. Maine’s unique rocky coastline makes the trail interesting to hike, but it is a bit challenging, especially when you come down. There are a few steep parts when you descend Acadia Mountain, and we carried our Golden to avoid any injuries. If you take your dog to hike this trail or are not conformable with steep descents, I recommend you hike the trail counterclockwise.
Beech Mountain South Ridge Trail
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Right off the parking area
- Bathroom: At the Trailhead
Beech Mountain South Ridge Trail is in the eastern part of Mount Desert Island, near the Southeast Harbor area. We climbed up the trail to the summit of Beech Mountain, where there is a fire tower, and on a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Long Pond and the surrounding mountains. We went down along Beech Mountain Trail, a short cut loop trail, due to pouring rain at the time. The downhill path runs alongside Long Pond with a few lookout spots and breathtaking scenic views.
Day 2
Schoodic Peninsula
Schoodic Peninsula is located on Winter Harbor, east of Bar Harbor. This is a less visited area of Acadia National Park compared to Mount Desert Island, but the trails on Schoodic Peninsula are just as gorgeous as those on the popular part of Acadia.
Alder Trail to The Anvil
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Schoodic Head or Blueberry Hill
- Bathroom: No
The Alder Trail to The Anvil is a 2.4-mile loop trail on Schoodic Peninsula. You can begin hiking this trail either from the Schoodic Head on the Schoodic Loop Road or the Blueberry Hill trailhead on the Mountain Road.
We hiked up Schoodic Head Trail to the summit of Schoodic Head, came down Anvil Trail to The Anvil and walked back along Alder Trail. The beginning of Schoodic Head Trail is a mild ascending path over exposed tree roots. After about a half mile, the trail turns rocky with even more tree roots. There are a few staircases and wooden bridges along this part of trail. The uphill is steep, but it looks more challenging that it really is. Take breaks while ascending to look around, the rocks on the mountain are covered by moss, creating a beautiful scene where you could imagine trolls peeking at you from behind large old trees. Hike a little less than a mile, and you will be in the bright sunlight again. There is a lookout just below the peak that provides a watchtower view over the islands across Frenchman Bay to Bar Harbor. Leave Schoodic Head summit and follow Anvil Trail to a nice lookout from a cliff on the edge of The Anvil. At the base of The Anvil, take a break at Blueberry Hill on the shore and enjoy a splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby islands. Alder Trail is a wide dirt path that rushes you back to the beginning.
Sundew Trail
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Time: 40 minutes
- Trailhead: Rockefeller Welcome Center
- Bathroom: At the Youth Campground site
Sundew trail is a nice, short and easy trail through forest to the pebbly shoreline on Schoodic Peninsula. It is a perfect trail to fill a little time in the afternoon before you drive back to Mount Desert Island. Along the trail, there are several lookout spots where you may enjoy gorgeous views of Cadillac Mountain and Bar Harbor.
Day 3 (rainy day)
Ocean Path Trail
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Enter either from Otter Cliff or Sand Beach
- Bathroom: At the parking area
The Ocean Path Trail is a 3.3-mile out and back path along Maine’s rocky shoreline. It is a pleasant, easy trail and includes some of the most unique natural landscapes in Acadia. We started this trail from Otter Point and ended at the Sand Beach. There are five must-see sights on this trail.
Sight 1: Otter Cliff: A 110-foot high cliff. It is one of the highest points along Atlantic Coast north of Rio de Janeiro. You can stand on the cliff and take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean – not too near the edge!
Sight 2: Boulder Beach: As its name suggests, this entire beach is full of beautiful round boulders. The boulder beach is a unique feature of Maine’s rugged coastline.
Sight 3 Monument Cove: Monument Cove is located between Boulder Beach and Thunder Hole. There is no sign marking Monument Cove, but north of Boulder Beach look for sloping rocks near another boulder beach, and you are there.
Sight 4: Thunder Hole: A carved-out inlet along the coast, with ocean waves filling a cavern beneath the rocks, emanating a thunderous sound. The boom is loudest two hours before high tide.
Sight 5: Sand Beach: a beautiful sand beach nestled between the mountains.
Ship Harbor Trail
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Time: 40 minutes
- Trailhead: Right off the parking area at Ship Harbor
- Bathroom: No
Ship Harbor Trail is on the eastern part of Mount Desert Island in the Bass Harbor area. It is a 1.4-mile figure-8 loop trail. It is a fun stroll through the woods and the shoreline with fewer crowds, beautiful views and bird watching.
Day 4
Jordan Pond Path
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Time: 1 hour
- Trailhead: Right off the parking area
- Bathroom: At the parking area
Jordan Pond Path is, rightly, one of the most popular trails in Acadia National Park. The Path is a 3.3-mile loop trail that follows the shore of Jordan Pond with unrivaled views of the glacially sculpted Pemetic, Bubbles and Penobscot Mountains. The trail starts out as a short dirt path, followed by wooden walkways running into a rugged rocky shoreline.
The trail is an enjoyable walk and suitable for anyone, so it gets crowded at times. The parking area is large but fills up fast especially during the peak season. I recommend getting to the parking lot before 8 AM or after 4 PM if you travel in Summer or Fall.
Jordan Pond is used as a local water supply, so swimming and wading is prohibited for both visitors and dogs.
Pemetic South Ridge Trail
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Either from Jordan Pond Path or from Park Loop Road
- Bathroom: Only at the Jordan Pond Path parking area
Pemetic South Ridge Trail instantly became our favorite trail over our entire trip. Pemetic South Ridge Trail is a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail. You can start this trail either near the entrance of Jordan Pond Path or from Park Loop Road. The hike begins in the woods for a short distance, then it opens up to rocky slabs along the ridge of Pemetic Mountain. The hike up the ridge graces you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. The summit is 1248 feet above sea level, providing you magnificent views overlooking some of Acadia’s most notable landmarks: Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, Cadillac Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, the Bubbles, and Atlantic Ocean are all visible from the top.
South Bubble
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Time: 40 minutes
- Trailhead: On Park Loop Road
- Bathroom: No
South Bubble is a relatively easy trail located to the east of Pemetic Mountain. It is rated “moderate,” but the hardest sections are wide, shallow stairs. It is a 1.6-mile out and back trail with 515 ft elevation gain. An overhanging bubble rock on the peak of the mountain is one of the most amazing attractions of this mountain. As you reach the top of the trail, the Bubble is to your left; be sure to keep going straight ahead along the South Bubble for a clear view of Eagle Lake.
Day 5
Watch the Sunrise and Drive Cadillac Summit Road
As the highest point on the Eastern seaboard in the United States, the summit of Cadillac Mountain is a must-visit site. The mountain top offers expansive views of glaciated coastal and island landscapes. If you decide to get up early and watch an epic sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain, you will be one of the first people to witness the first rays of the sun touching North America. There is a 0.5-mile well paved trail on the summit that leads you around to take in the sublime views.
You will need a parking reservation through Recreation.gov to drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain from May to October. 70 precent of reservation tickets will be released for booking 90 days before the visiting day, so prepare as early as you can. The rest will be released at 10 AM two days before the visiting date. In case, like us, you couldn’t make a sunrise parking reservation — they are gone so fast! — an alternative spot, Egg Rock Overlook on the Ocean Path Road, offers you almost the same sensational sunrise, on the foot of Cadillac mountain, right near the ocean.
Flying Mountain Trail
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Time: 45 minutes
- Trailhead: Right off the parking lot
- Bathroom: No
Flying Mountain Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail in the eastern part of Mount Desert Island. We followed the trail counterclockwise, entering from the trailhead and ascending on wooden staircases. The trail is relatively easy to hike and offers picturesque views of Valley Peak, Somes Sound, Norumbega Mountain, and Northeast Harbor at the lookouts. Continue going for a short distance and you will run into Valley Cove, which provides a close and splendid view of Somes Sound from a secluded beach.
Pick Your Own Trails in Acadia National Park
One of the best ways to find the trails is through the Acadia National Park official website. It provides all the information you need to choose the best hikes. If you subscribed to the AllTrails App, download the trail maps. In some parts of Acadia there is no cell phone signal, so an offline map will help you navigate. If you don’t have the AllTrails App, make sure you follow the blue blazes on the trails. Most of trails are well marked.
Tasty Eateries on Mount Desert Island
Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast Bar harbor
One of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Bar Harbor, a great place to start a day. The food here is delicious and homey. Get there early so you don’t have to wait for a table.
The Nor’Easter Pound & Market
The Nor’Easter Pound & Market is in Northeast Harbor, servicing local seafood, burgers, and a lot of more. If you plan to explore both eastern and western parts of Mount Desert Island, the Nor’Easter is a wonderful place to stop for lunch.
Colonel’s Delicatessen
What can be better than a pizza after an exhausted hike. Colonel’s Delicatessen offers a special seafood pizza that you can’t find anywhere else.
Abel’s Lobster
Abel’s Lobster is in Northeast Harbor area and provides outdoor seating on the shore of Somes Sound. Abel’s serves locally sourced seafood — ocean to table freshness and cooked perfectly. The restaurant is clearly marked with a big sign on Sound Drive.
Where to Stay
Hotels, Airbnb rentals in the western part of Mount Desert Island are the most convenient places to stay. You can easily get to the trails and have plenty of restaurants in the area. Bar Harbor is one of the nicest places to stay while touring Acadia, but it can be busy and pricy in the summertime. Northeast Harbor area is quieter, with fewer crowds, and offers inexpensive accommodations, and is very close to the major attractions.
Tips:
- Wear hiking boots to grip the rocks and boulder slabs
- Bring layers of clothes, such as fleece, waterproof jacket, down jacket if you are planning to watch sunrise
- Apply sunscreen and bug spray
- Pack plenty of water and snacks on the trail
Let me know If you are planning to visit Acadia National Park. I will see you in my next post.
