A hiker’s paradise awaits off the coast of Maine in the ruggedly beautiful Acadia National Park.
As the only national park in the northeast corner of the United States, Acadia National Park is home to almost 50,000 acres of diverse landscapes. Due to its location, Acadia’s environment ranges from eastern deciduous and northern boreal forests creating perfect habitats for an unusual number of species (both floral and faunal alike).
As a life-long New Englander, Acadia National Park is in my blood. It will, hands down, always be my favorite national park. Since four million people visit every year, it seems to be a favorite for plenty of other hikers, too. Although many of the beautiful sights to see in Acadia can be found along its scenic road or via a short walk, I suggest heading a bit farther on the trails.
Whether you are looking for a challenging climb or a boardwalk stroll around a pond, Acadia has various trails to choose from. Here are the top trails to check off your list when visiting this iconic national park.
Cadillac Mountain via Ladder Trail
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation: 1,740 feet
- Trailhead access: Kane Path Trail
There are several ways to hike the park’s tallest mountain, including being able to drive to its summit. But my favorite way to get up Cadillac Mountain is via the Ladder Trail. Right off the bat, this trail is not for those with even the tiniest bit of acrophobia (aka a fear of heights). Like its name suggests, the Ladder Trail has several iron rungs bolted into the granite slabs so you can essentially scale the giant rock. There are a few sections with these ladders while the rest is either exposed ledges or extremely rocky paths leading up to the summit.
The summit provides panoramic vistas of Frenchman Bay, Mount Desert Island, and the surrounding islands. Trees are sparse here so the views are unobstructed and there is plenty of room to spread out. Beware: you won’t be the only person here even if you decide to get up early and see the famed sunrise. Since you can also drive up to the summit, this place can get crowded but I promise the crowds are worth it.
Precipice Loop
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Elevation: 1,060 feet
- Trailhead access: Precipice Trail
For the thrill-seekers, the Precipice Trail is one of Acadia’s most challenging (and most popular) hikes. Do not attempt this trail if you are afraid of heights or are not sure-footed. Just like the Ladder Trail up to Cadillac Mountain, this path involves exposed ledges, narrow paths with steep drop-offs, and, you guessed it, iron rung ladders. Insider tip: go as early as possible so that you don’t have to wait in line when you come up to the iron rungs. Despite the many warnings, people who are afraid of heights still try to hike this trail and take ample time going up and down the ladders.
The Precipice Trail might be short but it’s not sweet – it’s steep. There is a reason that ladders are needed to ascend to the summit of Champlain Mountain. As you climb, you might get a glimpse of some vacant peregrine falcon nests. Every year, these incredible birds return and the trail is closed for their protection from mid-April until mid-August — so be sure you know the best time of year to visit Acadia based on your hiking needs.
Jordan Pond Path
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Elevation: 40 feet
- Trailhead access: Jordan Pond Path
The trail to this more relaxed hike starts off at the famed Jordan Pond House. There is plenty of parking with many who come and go throughout the day. It’s a great hike to do with kids or those that don’t want any major elevation gain.
Jordan Pond Path might look crowded but if you walk more than 200 feet on either side of the pond, tourists will thin out and you’ll likely have the trail mostly to yourself. It doesn’t matter which side of the pond you start on but I suggest taking the western side first and coming back on the eastern side.
You’ll meander through conifer forests with raised boardwalks throughout so ensure hikers don’t have a huge impact on the trail. There are various pull-outs along the boardwalk so you can take a break or let opposing hikers slip past you. Be on the lookout for loons as they are a common sighting on the water. You’ll see the Bubbles (two mountains on the northern side of the pond) as you hike around the path. You can take a side trail up to South Bubble if you are so inclined.
As a bonus, end your hike back at the Jordan Pond House and order their famous popovers. If you’re lucky, their famous blueberry jam will be on the menu too!
Ocean Path
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation: 375 feet
- Trailhead access: Ocean Path
Since this list is jam packed with thrill-seeking hikes, this is one of the tamer trails. Like its name suggests, it follows along the coastline from the popular Sand Beach to Otter Point. The path is wide and easily walked for most abilities including those in wheelchairs and strollers.
You’ll get up close and personal with Thunder Hole about a mile into the hike. This is an area with a narrow slit in the coastline where waves come barreling into it. The booming sounds of the waves are what gives this attraction its name. You will then pass by Boulder Beach and Otter Cliffs (psst – you can rock climb here!) before you end at Otter Point.
Beehive Loop Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Elevation: 500 feet
- Trailhead access: Bowl Trail
Just as popular as the Precipice Trail, the Beehive Trail is shorter and has much less elevation gain. However, like so many other trails on this list, it is not for the faint of heart – it, too, has iron rung ladders throughout. Due to its popularity, I suggest going early so you don’t have to deal with any lines of people stacked up at the iron rungs. This trail has a difficult rating yet still sees many inexperienced hikers — keep that in mind if you go.
Feeling ready for the steeps and exposure of this adventure? Hike the Beehive Trail with our first-person trail guide.
At the first junction, you’ll stay to the right so that you go up the steep parts first. There is a hard and fast rule that you must go in a counterclockwise direction but it is encouraged. You reach the summit of the Beehive slightly thereafter which offers incredible views including those of Great Head, Sand Beach, and the many islands that surround Mount Desert Island. When you descend on the other side, take the short trail down to The Bowl and check out the pond before making your way back around.
Ship Harbor Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: 65 feet
- Trailhead access: Ship Harbor Trail
Bring your pups on one of the many trails where our four-legged friends are allowed in Acadia National Park. Ship Harbor Trail is short and sweet and good for most abilities. The trail is well-groomed and raised boardwalks are found scattered along the path. There isn’t too much to see until you get to the end point where the views of the Atlantic Ocean are stunning. But this trail has a dark past to it as well.
Back in 1739, a ship crashed just off the coast of Ship Harbor. The lack of lighthouses along this remote coastline was likely the reason for the shipwreck. Unfortunately for the shipwreck survivors, this area was also uninhabited at the time. Many died right on the beaches of ship harbor after their frigid swim ashore. Others went searching for help. Either way, no one was heard from again. Now visitors often hear ghostly howls throughout the trail especially on foggy days. So keep an eye (or ear) out for those that are no longer living.
Duck Harbor Trail to Eben Head
- Distance: 12 miles
- Elevation: 635 feet
- Trailhead access: Duck Harbord trail
Located on the least visited part of Acadia, the Duck Harbor Trail to Eben Head on Isle au Haut is not to be missed. This is, by far, my most favorite Acadia hike of all time. There are no crowds so you get an amazing dose of solitude while you’re out there. I especially love this trail in the off-season since I rarely see another human.
The trail is accessible via a passenger-only ferry. During peak season, you can take the ferry directly to Duck Harbor (and shave off 7.6 miles of your hike). However, during off-season, the ferry drops you off at the town landing and you’ve got to hike the 3.3 miles to Duck Harbor. You’ll pass through towering trees and secluded coves.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a highly sought after camping spot at Duck Harbor Campground, you are one of few. These permits are so highly coveted that they usually sell out for the summer in 24 hours.
Seen in: Acadia National Park, Hikes, Maine, National Parks, Northeast
