The 47,000 acres Acadia National Park in Maine is famed for its varied landscape, from peaceful woodland to scenic rocky beaches to magnificent glacier-scoured granite peaks.
However, one of the most iconic sights in this national treasure is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast.
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The best way to explore this vast area that encompasses Mount Desert Island and beyond is via the excellent hiking trails in Acadia National Park.
Whether you’re an avid trekker or you’re just getting into hiking, you’ll find an enjoyable trail here.
Here are the eight best Hikes in Acadia National Park, from easy to challenging.
Ocean Path
- Distance: 7.2 km/ 4.5 miles
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Ocean Path is a splendid day hike suited to families and anyone looking for a gentle walk. It’s mostly flat, so there is no challenging incline to deal with.
What’s more, as the route follows the coastline, you’ll enjoy exceptional sea views the entire way. As a result, the hike goes super fast.
The out and back trail begins at the Sand Beach parking lot and is 7.2 km/ 4.5 miles in total. However, if you want to shorten it, you can just do it one way to Thunder Hole and arrange transport back.
Whether you choose to complete the whole route or not, you’ll see some lovely sights along the way regardless. Highlights include Monument Cove, Boulder Beach, and the dramatic Otter Cliff.
It’s a beautiful hike to do at sunset, but expect it to be relatively busy at this time.
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
- Distance: 0.5 km/ 0.3 miles
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Another one of the best easy hikes in Acadia National Park is the short Cadillac Summit Loop Trail.
This gentle loop will take you no longer than 30 minutes to complete at just half a kilometer. It’s an excellent option for people who cannot do the more challenging hikes in Acadia and a good warm-up for those tackling the strenuous trails.
Despite the short length, the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail gives incredible 360-degree views over the park and a wonderful perspective of Bar Harbor.
It’s also one of the best sunrise hikes in Acadia, as Cadillac Mountain offers the first glimpse of the sun coming up over the horizon.
The trail starts from the parking lot at the top of Cadillac Summit road. However, note that you need to make a reservation to drive to the summit from May to October.
Jordan Pond Loop
- Distance: 5.3 km/ 3.3 miles
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
The Jordan Pond Trail is another of the best hikes in Acadia National Park for anyone looking for a flat and gentle stroll through the gorgeous scenery.
The family-friendly route takes you around the beautiful Jordan Pond. It features minimal elevation change, so you won’t finish it covered in sweat.
Although it’s gentle, it’s still a significant distance at 5.3km. Luckily though, there are plenty of places to stop off and enjoy the water view along the way.
Plus, you can reward yourself with a hearty lunch or dainty afternoon tea at Jordan Pond House afterward.
I recommend walking this trail in autumn when you will witness the incredible fall foliage. You can begin the route from either the parking lot at the south of the pond or at Jordan Pond House next door.
Acadia Mountain Trail
- Distance: 4 km/ 2.5 miles
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Another of the best hikes in Acadia National Park is the Acadia Mountain Trail. It has a fair incline, so it may prove moderately challenging for those with low fitness levels, but it is still accessible to most.
The increased elevation gain does come with multiple rewards, though. Along with the beautiful summit views, you can take a short detour down to the refreshing Man o’ War Brook Falls.
Plus, you’ll reach a pretty high altitude in a short amount of time.
You will find the trailhead on the eastern side of Echo Lake, about half a mile south of Hall Quarry Road on Maine Route 102.
From here, go up the steeper side (on the left) so that you get the best views when descending on the other side.
South Bubble Loop Trail
- Distance: 2.2 km/ 1.4 miles
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The short but relevantly challenging hike up to the top of South Bubble gives the best views of Jordan Pond. South Bubble is one of the two small mountains at the north end of the pond.
Both mountains lead to the summit, but South Bubble is more popular due to the iconic attraction, ‘Bubble Rock.’
This is a large granite boulder that sides right on the cliff’s edge, balancing perfectly. It is believed this huge rock arrived at this peculiar point thanks to glaciers carrying it there.
You’ll find the trailhead for the South Bubble Loop at the Bubbles Parking Lot along Park Loop Road. To reach it, you’ll need to drive 2.3 miles south of the turnoff for the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road.
There are various routes here, so be sure to take the well-maintained trail heading west. From there, it will slowly ascend as you trek through the forest.
Gorham Mountain Loop
- Distance: 4.8 km/ 3 miles
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Gorham Mountain Loop is one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park, thanks to its relatively modest elevation gain and splendid summit panoramic.
Although it’s not one of the highest mountains, you’ll see a vast amount of the park from the top.
Enjoy the lovely perspective of Sand Beach to the east, the Beehive to the north, and Otter Point to the south.
The entire loop is 3 miles, taking between 2 and 3 hours to complete, and it includes part of the scenic Ocean Path trail.
You’ll reach the peak in just under 1 mile before continuing down Bowl Trail and then Ocean Path trail, where you’ll pass Sand Beach and Thunder Point before ending up where you started.
However, you can shorten your hike to 2 miles by just hiking to the peak and back. Either way, you’ll begin the trek from the Gorham Mountain parking lot just past Monument Cove on Park Loop Road.
Precipice Trail
- Distance: 4km/ 2.5 miles
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
If easy hikes in Acadia National Park are not thrilling enough for you, check out the 4km Precipice Trail instead. This is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous hiking trails in Acadia National Park and definitely not for beginners.
Even so, it’s popular with daredevils as it features lots of rock scrambling and cliff walks. The most complex and exposed sections have iron rungs, ladders, and handrails to assist you, but you’ll need to take it slow and stay focused.
The strenuous climb involves ascending over 1000 feet in one mile. But, if you manage it, you’ll find yourself at the summit of Champlain Mountain.
While the views from here are spectacular, as the trail is so exposed, you’ll enjoy incredible views every time you pause to catch your breath.
There is no denying that this trail is dangerous; thus, it is only suitable for those with previous climbing experience.
If that’s you, head to the Precipice Trail parking lot on Park Loop Road, approximately 2 miles from the Sieur de Monts Entrance. Give yourself about 3 hours to complete it, and don’t try to rush!
Beehive Trail
- Distance: 2.4 km/ 1.5 miles
- Duration: 1 – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Another of the best trails in Acadia for adrenaline seekers is Beehive Trail, located just a mile down the road from Precipice. Don’t let the short distance of this 2.4 km hike fool you, as it features lots of loose rock and exposed faces.
There are iron rungs to help you along the way, although not so many as on the Precipice Trail.
In fact, it’s a shorter and slightly tamer version of the previous trail as it features similar cliff walks but with less exposure and less elevation gain. Even so, it’s still not for you if you’re afraid of heights!
The trail also features very different views from Precipice, mainly looking out over Sand Beach and Great Head. Begin this challenging climb from the Beehive Trailhead, opposite the Sand Beach Parking Lot.
Final Thoughts On Hiking In Acadia
With this varied selection of the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park, you can plan a fabulous trip to Mount Desert Island, regardless of your fitness level or hiking experience.
While each season in the park offers a unique experience, I find fall is the most magical as it’s less crowded and the foliage is spectacular.
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