11 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park | Top Trails & More

Acadia National park is a breathtaking part of the Atlantic coastline that occupies Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut. The park is known for its rolling mountains and evergreen forests, making it a hiker’s paradise.

Whether you intend to visit Maine for a couple of days or an extended holiday, it’s essential you know all the best hikes in Acadia National Park. With Acadia trails ranging from easy to difficult, you can expect an exhilarating experience with unforgettable views.

Expect to see soaring eagles above and the crystal clear waters of Long Pond during your memorable hikes at Acadia National Park. From the challenging Precipice Trail to the leisurely Jordan Pond Path, here is all the essential information you need to know for the perfect hiking holiday. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.   

Map of the Best Hiking Trails In Acadia National Park

Below is a Google map of the best Acadia hikes so you can start planning your trip.

Buy Official Map Here

What To Pack for Acadia Hikes

• Rain Jacket: Acadia weather can be unpredictable, with rain and fog forming in minutes. Ensure you carry a rain jacket with you at all times to keep dry and warm. >Buy Rain Jacket Here
• Sunscreen: Whether you visit in summer or winter, the sun is always intense.So be sure to wear a high-quality, moisturizing sunscreen >Buy sunscreen
• Water: To prevent dehydration, drinking water during your Acadia National Park hikes is essential.
• Sunglasses: The sun can be blinding at times. Make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses for a more pleasant walk. >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Headlamp: If you go hiking in Acadia before sunrise or after sunset, a headlamp is essential and much easier to carry than a flashlight. >Buy a Headlamp
• Warm Jacket: Pack a warm jacket to stay cozy during the colder rainy days. >Check Out My Jacket
• Day Pack: This comes in handy as you’ll be able to carry everything you need all in one place. >Buy This Great Backpack
• First Aid Kit: Some of the Acadia hikes are dangerous. It’s essential you carry a first aid kit for emergencies. >Buy This First Aid Kit
• Binoculars: There is much to see across Acadia, including whales and birds. Take a set of binoculars so you can spot these beautiful animals from the mountain tops.
• National Park Pass: If you are an avid hiker like me, it’s worth getting the year-long America The Beautiful Pass. >Get It Here
• National Park Map: Get a printed map here!

Where to Stay In Acadia National Park: Hikers Best Spots 

Acadia is one of the most visited parks in the United States, so it’s essential to find the best accommodation for you. There is a wide variety of options ranging from luxury hotels at the heart of the park to budget accommodation. All of these offer an authentic Acadia experience. 

Below are a few options that should be at the top of your list when deciding where to stay for easy access to the best hikes Acadia offers.

Budget: Acadia Ocean View Motel (Bar Harbor) 

For a reasonably priced accommodation at the heart of Bar Harbor, look no further than Acadia Ocean View Motel. The placement of the motel gives you picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and Frenchman’s Bay. 

With accommodation starting at around $180 per night, Acadia Ocean View Motel is a fantastic option for budget travelers.

Check rates and availability.

Mid-Range: Kimball Terrace Inn (Bar Harbor)

For middle-of-the-range accommodation that provides all the necessities for an enjoyable holiday, look at Kimball Terrace Inn. Rooms start at $260 per night, and the hotel provides a beautiful pool and easy access to the attractions in Acadia.

Check rates and availability.

Luxury: Sand Bar Cottage Inn (Bar Harbor)

If you are looking for the height of luxury, then the Sand Bar Cottage Inn is the perfect place to stay during your Acadia hiking holiday. The inn is close to all the main amenities of Bar Harbor, and the splendid breakfast is just the way to start your day of adventure. 

At $409 per night, the Sand Bar Cottage Inn is the best option for those who want to enjoy a day of adventure and return to the comfort of a luxury hotel.

Check rates and availability.

Budget Camping: Blackwoods Campgrounds (Seal Harbor)

If you want to enjoy the simple things in life, then the Blackwoods Campgrounds offer you just that. Of the four campsites in the park, Blackwoods provides a fantastic base close to all the best hikes in Acadia National Park.

Blackwoods is near Western Point and offers breathtaking views of Otter Cliff. Tent-only, nonelectric campsites start at $30 per day, which is reasonable considering the campsite’s location.

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Read More: Where to Stay in Acadia National Park

Best Trails in Acadia National Park

With these fantastic hiking trails, you can walk amongst the forests teeming with wildlife and take in the spectacular views of Acadia from the mountain tops.

Cadillac Summit Loop

• Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 52 ft
• Time: 15 – 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

If you are searching for a relaxing stroll along Cadillac Mountain, then the Cadillac Summit Loop is ideal. Take a picturesque 3-mile drive up Cadillac Summit Road, where you will find plenty of parking.

From Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the park, you get breathtaking panoramic views of Acadia National Park and the surrounding islands in the region. As you slowly meander along the fully paved trail, you can spot landmarks like Eagle Lake and Bar Harbor.

The best time to visit Cadillac Mountain is just before sunrise, as it is the first part of the U.S to catch the sun’s rays from October 7 to March 6. But if you want to sleep in, you can enjoy this short hike at any time of day to admire the beautiful views of Acadia National Park.

The Cadillac Summit Loop is wheelchair accessible, making it the perfect trail for everyone. However, some sections on the track are slightly steep, so those in wheelchairs and older adults with walking sticks may need help during these parts of the walk. 

Regardless of your fitness levels, a leisurely stroll around Cadillac Mountain is an unmissable experience.

Tip: Be careful not to join the North Ridge Trail, which will take you down Cadillac Mountain. The starting point for this strenuous hike is found near Cadillac Summit Loop and is not recommended for beginner hikers.

Sundew Trail

• Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 137 ft
• Time: 45 – 90 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Type of Trail: Out and Back
• Trail Guide: Link

If you intend to visit Schoodic Peninsula during your stay in Acadia National Park, then the gentle Sundew Trail is a fantastic half-day outing. This short and scenic hike provides an unforgettable journey through the forests of Big Moose Island and incredible views of Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain.

As you walk along the path, keep an eye out for the 214 species of native lichen in Acadia National Park that bring diversity into the park. From the flourishing forest, you step into the sunshine of the Schoodic coastline, where there are several viewing spots to relax during your walk.

Sundew is one of the best hiking trails at Acadia National Park because of its rich diversity of fragrant forests and ocean views. Several tidal pools along the ocean path section of the walk make for fantastic swimming opportunities during low tide.

Tip: Although this is an out and back path, you can cut across the Schoodic Institutes campus at the end of the route and take a short tour of the ground.

Jordan Pond Path

• Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 42 ft
• Time: 1 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

The Jordan Pond Path offers an easy and relaxing lakeside walk that all can enjoy. The hike takes you around the entire lake and provides terrific views of this iconic Acadia landmark from all angles.

The Jordan Pond House parking lot is the easiest and most accessible starting point. The walk takes you on a journey as the crystal clear waters vividly reflect the landscape around you.

With a gentle and flat terrain, it’s understandable why this Jordan Pond trail is such a popular Acadia hiking trail. It is a stunning hike between August and October when the forest changes from lush greens to warm oranges and rusted reds.

Tip: At the end of your hike, treat yourself to delicious food at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which is particularly well known for its baked rolls.

Ocean Path

• Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 374 ft
• Time: 2 – 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Type of Trail: Out and Back
• Trail Guide: Link

If you want to see all the prominent oceanside landmarks, then walk along the Ocean Path trail. It is popular, so expect many friendly faces along the way, which makes it one of the best Acadia National Park trails.

Starting at the Sand Beach parking lot, the Ocean Path trail takes you past the iconic Thunder Hole at the halfway point. Thunder Hole is known for the intense thundering sound the waves make as they crash into the rocky shoreline.

The walk ends at Otter Point and is relatively flat throughout, making it suitable for everyone. If you would rather not walk, you can drive this route via Park Loop Road, but there is something magical about a slow-paced walk along the Acadia shoreline. The Ocean Path trail shows why Acadia is one of the best East Coast national parks.

Tip: Try and plan your walk so you reach Thunder Hole around one hour before high tide, as this is the time you are most likely to hear its impressive crashing noises.

Beech Mountain Trail

• Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 351 ft
• Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

Take a hike up Beech Mountain Trail for a lesser-known route that offers some of the best views of Mount Desert Island. It’s best to hike the trail clockwise, so you can get past the steep incline and enjoy a gradual decline at the end of your walk.

As you walk along the path, you begin to see a unique feature of Acadia National Park. The Beech Mountain Fire Tower unveils itself, and with a short climb to the top, you can take in some of the best views of Acadia National Park. Interestingly, this fire tower is the only one that remains within the park.

But the best part of the hike is yet to come, and as you progress down the path, the most breathtaking views of Long Pond reveal themselves. It’s safe to say that of all the Acadia hikes, the Beech Mountain Trail offers some of the best views of the park on a quiet and secluded route.

Tip: Beech Mountain Trail offers some of the best sunset and sunrise views that only Cadillac Mountain can rival.

Gorham Mountain

• Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 583 ft
• Time: 1 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type of Trail: Out and Back
• Trail Guide: Link

Gorham Mountain trail is a unique route as you can either begin at Sand Beach or join on from the Beehive Trail. Its best starting your journey from San Beach, as adding Gorham Mountain to an already challenging Beehive Trail can be too much for one day.

Starting near the coast, you will face a fairly steep climb up the forested cliffside before you reach the summit. It is one of Acadia’s most popular and best trails, so plan an early morning hike if you want to miss the crowds.

Once you reach the summit of Gorham Mountain, you will have unforgettable views of Sand Beach and Otter Point. There isn’t much cover at the top, so you have undisturbed views but are also at the sun’s mercy. To prevent heat exhaustion, read this hiking guide for beginners, so you are fully prepared for your next outdoor adventure.

Tip: If you are looking for a more challenging hike in the area, the Gorham Mountain loop is a three-mile circuit that takes you along Gorham’s cliffside.

South Bubble Mountain

• Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 492 ft
• Time: 2 – 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type of Trail: Out and Back
• Trail Guide: Link

Hike up the South Bubble Trail for a new perspective of Jordan Pond. The mountain gets its name from the large round rock hanging precariously on the cliff’s edge. The iconic Bubble Rock was formed thousands of years ago by glacial erosion, which deposited the stone on the top of the mountain.

Starting at Jordan Pond House along Park Loop Road, you will hike alongside the lake until you reach the South Bubble Trail. From here, you begin your gradual incline until you reach the summit.

At the summit of the South Bubble Trail, you can be in awe at Bubble Rock, which sits on the edge of the mountain. You can appreciate the expansive views of Jordan Pond and North Bubble Mountain. 

If you would rather take a shorter hike up South Bubble Mountain, there is an alternate path that begins at Bubbles Divide and will take no longer than 30 minutes to reach the summit.

Tip: The South Bubble Trail is a long and steep hike, so ensure you have all your hiking essentials to make the journey easier.

Dorr Mountain Via The Ladder Trail

• Distance: 2.0 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1,135 ft
• Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

If you want to admire the spectacular scenery of Acadia National Park, then hike up Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail. This trailhead is still a moderately challenging hike but can be hard for those that haven’t trained properly. It’s always important to do strength training for hiking to be in a suitable condition for your next climb.

Several steep parts of the hike provide handlebars to support you up the mountain. The walk takes you through the forested region of Acadia National Park, and once you reach the top, you will have a stunning perspective of The Tarn.

Dorr Mountain’s views via the Ladder Trail aren’t as spectacular as other summits in the area, but it is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds to a quieter hike. One thing is for sure, at the end of this hike, your thighs will be on fire, but it will be well worth the experience.

Important to Note: Due to the ladders and steepness of the hike, this hike is not ideal for families with young children.

Beehive Hike

• Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 508 ft
• Time: 1 – 3 hours
• Difficulty: Hard due to climbing elements sections
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

If you have experience in hiking and want a challenge, the Beehive Loop Trail is one of the best Acadia National Park hikes. The Beehive is an exciting cliffside hike with majestic views of Sand Beach.

Start your journey from the Sand Beach parking lot, where you will begin your steep ascent of Beehive Mountain. There are several narrow sections along the vertical cliff formations, but there are metal rungs to help you through these hairy parts of the hike.

After the summit, you join onto The Bowl trail, which takes you past a picturesque lake that nestles within the gorge of Beehive and Champlain Mountain. Beehive trail is the easiest of all the cliff trails on this list and is my favorite of the Acadia National Park hikes.

This hike is also a great way to see if you can handle the Precipice Trail, which is a more extreme version of the Beehive hike.

Tip: Its not recommended to tackle this hike in wet conditions as a slip could mean serious injury, but if you decide to hike at this time, here are some tips for hiking in the rain.

Precipice Trail

• Distance: 2.1 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1,053 ft
• Time: 2 – 4 hours
• Difficulty: Hard due to climbing sections
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

If you want the most thrilling adventure and possibly the best trail in Acadia National Park, look no further than the Precipice Trail. This path is the most dangerous of all the cliff trails, but you will not experience the same adrenaline rush anywhere else within the park.

From the start of the trail at Park Loop Road right until the end, this hike has unique features. You’ll have to shimmy across the narrow cliff sides, climb up vertical rock faces, and squeeze through giant boulders. Due to the physical challenges of this hike and the addition of dizzying heights, it’s recommended that only experienced hikers attempt this trail.

There is one certainty about the Precipice Trail, and that is the unreal views of Acadia National Park. At Champlain Mountain’s peak, you will see Dorr Mountain to the west, Bar Harbor to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

The descent on the second half of the hike is much easier than the first, so you can take this portion of the walk faster. But remember, the majority of this trail involves a treacherous climb, which has seen several tragic accidents. So take a cautious attitude when hiking the Precipice Trail.

Tip: Precipice Trail gets very crowded between 9 am and 4 pm in summer and autumn. If you visit during these times, try to do an early morning hike to beat the crowds.

Jordan Cliffs Trail

• Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1,610 ft
• Time: 2 – 3 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Trail Guide: Link

If you want to take in the beautiful views of Jordan Pond but want a more exciting route than the pond path, take a look at the Jordan Cliffs Trail. This is one of the quieter Acadia hikes, but with an exciting route and magical views, the Jordan Cliffs Trail is a brilliant option.

Like the other challenging climbs on this list, there are several areas of steep cliffs that can be dangerous if you approach them with caution. From the top of Bubble Rock, you can take in beautiful views of Penobscot Mountain on the other side of Jordan Pond.

As this is a loop trail, you will end off back at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, where you can enjoy a rewarding meal after a challenging hike. 

Tip: If you want to enjoy a longer hike, you can combine the Jordan Cliffs Trail, Jordan Pond Path, and South Bubble Trail for a 4.8-mile roundtrip.

Best Hikes in Acadia National Park FAQs 

If you haven’t been to Acadia National Park before, you may have some pressing questions you really want to be answered. Here are some of the most asked questions about hikes in Acadia and their answers.

How Many Hikes Are There in Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is one of the best places to visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, with 246 fantastic trails. There are walking and cycling trails in Acadia that range from easy to hard in difficulty.

Is It Dangerous To Go on Hikes in Acadia National Park?

There are several easy hikes perfect for everyone to enjoy, but there are also some dangerous ones. The Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail are the most dangerous hikes in Acadia National Park, as there have been several tragic accidents on these trails in the past.

Are There Restrooms in Acadia National Park?

There are plenty of modern restrooms across the entire park. You can expect to find toilets at Jordan Pond, the visitors centers, and most of the picnic areas spread across the park.  

Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park

When visiting Acadia, there are a couple of tips you should consider to make your stay stress free. Here are some insider tips you can consider for your next trip.

Keep Track of the Weather

The weather changes quickly due to the Atlantic winds blowing storm clouds and fog over the park. Make sure you plan ahead, so you don’t get caught in the middle of a storm during your hike.

Bring Proper Hiking Gear

The last thing you want to happen is you start getting blisters in the middle of your hike. Make sure you back the right hiking gear, such as hiking boots, smart wool socks, and comfortable clothes that allow your skin to breathe.

Know Your Limits

It’s understandable that you want to do all the best hikes in Acadia National Park, but it is also essential you know your limits. Some routes, such as Precipice Trail and Beehive Trail, are dangerous, and the last thing you want is to ruin your vacation by injuring yourself.

Parking Areas Fill Up Fast

One of the aspects of Acadia that most people forget is the limited parking at all the main hikes and attractions. From May to September, the parking lots fill up quickly and stay this way from 9 am until 5 pm. 

Another great way to get around the park is by using the free shuttle service that travels along Park Loop Road.

Many Trails Interconnect

One of the unique things about Acadia’s hiking routes is that many connect at one point or another. You can start your journey with the Beehive Trail, join the Gorham Mountain Trail, and finish off with the Ocean Path Loop.

This unique aspect of Acadia allows you to customize your hike according to what you want to see.

Best Time To Go Hiking in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is open year-round, but winter’s in the region are particularly brutal. Hiking in winter can be tricky as the trails become wet and boggy, so it’s best to go on hikes in Acadia National Park between summer and autumn.

May to July is the most popular time to go on hiking trails in Acadia as you will have clear sunny skies and lush green forests. It is important to note that thunderstorms occur regularly in the area, so you must keep track of the weather on your hiking app.

August to October is also a great time to go on the best hikes in Acadia National Park. Autumn falls during these months, and you can see the change in seasons as the park becomes a vibrant painting of reds, oranges, and greens.

Going to Acadia National Park between November and January is not recommended, as the trails are slippery due to ice, and many restaurants and hotels are closed. These winter months aren’t ideal for hiking, but if you decide to go during this time, read this detailed guide on hiking in the snow.

February to March are challenging months to predict the conditions for hiking as the snow and ice begin melting and paths are often wet and muddy. Despite the less than ideal hiking conditions, spring does offer you lovely warm weather and quiet in the park before the summer season begins.

How Long Should You Stay at Acadia National Park

On average, people stay at Acadia for two to three days. This time will allow you to see all the main attractions and do some short hikes, but you will miss out on many of the best hikes in Acadia National Park.

Many recommend spending a long weekend of four to five days in this glorious national park. 

Within five days, you’ll be able to visit all the popular attractions, such as Sand Beach and the South Bubble Rock, but also pace yourself so you can complete all the main hikes. As hikes like Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail are strenuous, having the afternoon to recover after a tough hike is necessary.

Final Thoughts On The Best Hiking Trails Acadia National Park Has To Offer

With 246 breathtaking hikes and cycling routes across Acadia, it is entirely understandable why the park is so popular. A fantastic range of hikes, from easy to strenuous, caters to absolutely everyone.

From the top of Cadillac Mountain, you can admire the raw beauty of this Atlantic coast wonderland. And if you would rather take a relaxing stroll, hikes like Jordan Pond loop offer you that simple luxury of taking in the beauty of Acadia.

As there are some dangerous hikes in the park, it’s essential to know your limits. However, almost all the trails here show the beauty of Arcadia. So whether you are a first-time hiker or a seasoned professional, Acadia National Park is one of the best places to visit for a hiking holiday.

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