Welcome to my guide for hiking in Acadia National Park! I still remember my first trip, amazed by the rocky coastline and granite peaks. Last year, Acadia saw over 3.88 million visitors, and that is a very good reason. It offers some of the most unique Coastal Maine trails on Mount Desert Island. We’ll cover everything from easy family walks to challenging iron rung routes. Whether planning a day trip from Bar Harbor or a week-long trip, this guide has the perfect trail. Let’s find some great hikes in Acadia for your next trip.
Best time to visit: Acadia National Park
| Best Month to Visit | Seasonal Occasion/Key Events |
| April | National Park Week |
| April | National Junior Ranger Day |
| June | Acadia Birding Festival |
| June – July | Bar Harbor Music Festival |
| July – August | Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival |
| September | Acadia Night Sky Festival |
| October | Peak Fall Foliage (Leaf-Peeping) |
| Travel Insurance-Don’t forget travel insurance. It covers unexpected medical costs and trip interruptions. We always make sure we have a policy before we go. |
Best hikes in Acadia
1. Precipice Trail
This is Acadia’s most challenging hike, a vertical climb using iron rungs and ladders up sheer cliff faces. It’s not for anyone with a fear of heights. The views are very good, but this non-technical climb requires focus and strength. The trail is often closed for falcons, so check the National Park Service trail guide before you go.
- Best for: Extreme
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Elevation: 1,053 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 2–3 hours
2. Beehive Trail
A good alternative to the Precipice Trail, this hike still delivers a major thrill with its iron rungs and ledges. It’s one of Acadia’s most popular trails, so expect crowds. Go early to get parking at Sand Beach and avoid lines on the rungs. The summit views of the coast are worth it.
- Best for: Extreme
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: 520 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1–2 hours
3. Gorham Mountain Loop
This hike offers some of the best coastal views without the extreme climbs. You’ll see Otter Cove and the Cranberry Islands from the top. It’s a great moderate option that can be combined with the Ocean Path. However, a small inconvenience is the rocky terrain, but wearing good shoes makes this Acadia trail comfortable.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation: 583 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1.5–3 hours
4. Jordan Pond Path
This is one of the most scenic and easy hikes in Acadia. The 3.3-mile loop hugs the shore of the clear Jordan Pond. The eastern side is flat gravel, perfect for families. The western side is more rugged, with boardwalks over boggy areas. After, grab a popover at the Jordan Pond House.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Elevation: 42 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1–2 hours
5. The Bubbles Trail (North & South)
This classic hike gives you two summits for one, with great views over Jordan Pond. The trail to South Bubble has the famous Bubble Rock, a huge boulder left by glaciers. The path can get steep with some scrambling needed, but it’s a rewarding and popular hike. It’s one of the classic Mount Desert Island hikes.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: 495 feet
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1–1.5 hours
6. Great Head Trail
Starting from Sand Beach, this loop offers great ocean views without big crowds. You’ll climb granite steps to circle a rocky peninsula with dramatic cliffs. The path passes the ruins of an old tea house. It’s a great Coastal Maine trail that feels like a real journey but is manageable for most people.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation: 301 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1–2 hours
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7. Ocean Path
This iconic walk is one of the best easy Acadia National Park trails. It follows the shoreline from Sand Beach to Otter Point. You’ll pass famous landmarks like Thunder Hole, where waves crash with a huge boom, and the towering Otter Cliffs. Much of the Ocean Path is flat and paved, making it accessible.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Elevation: 374 feet
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 2–3 hours
8. Acadia Mountain Trail
For great views of Somes Sound, this trail is a winner. It’s a strenuous hike involving steep granite sections and some scrambling, but the payoff is huge. The summit offers panoramic views that rival Cadillac Mountain without the same number of people. This is a tough but rewarding Bar Harbor hiking experience.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Elevation: 581 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 2–3 hours
9. Ship Harbor Trail
Perfect for families, this easy figure-eight loop takes you through a quiet forest to a beautiful shoreline. Located on the “quiet side” of the island, it’s a great place to check out tide pools at low tide. This trail is one of the best things to do in Acadia for a peaceful escape.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation: 65 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1 hour
10. Wonderland Trail
Another gem on the “quiet side,” this trail is an easy walk through a spruce forest. It leads to a rocky coastline perfect for tide pools and enjoying the ocean breeze. This is a great choice for families or anyone looking for a relaxing stroll. It is a nice addition to your list of Coastal Maine trails.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation: 62 feet
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1 hour
11. Acadia National Park
The park is the heart of Mount Desert Island, offering endless activities. Beyond the trails, the 27-mile Park Loop Road is a must-drive for great views. Vehicle reservations are needed for Cadillac Mountain in peak season, so book that online ahead of time to see sunrise views. A true gem among Acadia National Park trails.
- Special Feature: 45 miles of historic, car-free carriage roads.
- Where to Stay: Blackwoods Campground, 15 Campground Rd, Otter Creek, ME 04660
- Hours: Park is open 24/7; visitor center open May–Oct.
- Hidden Gem: Little Hunters Beach, a secluded cobblestone cove.
Travel Basics & Tips
- Try to book lodging and Cadillac reservations far in advance.
- Use the free Island Explorer shuttle to avoid parking stress.
- Pack layers; Coastal Maine weather changes quickly.
- Cell service is spotty; download maps before you go.
- If you are planning hikes in Acadia, use the park maps.
- Always bring water, even on short Sand Beach hikes.
Conclusion
Acadia National Park has a trail for every hiker. From the exciting iron rung routes to peaceful shoreline walks, the variety is special. My favorite memories are from the trails, finding a new view or a quiet spot away from the crowds. Exploring the best hikes in Acadia is an experience you won’t forget. This guide helps you plan your own great trip to this beautiful park.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best top to wear for hiking?
The moisture-wicking top will be the best option for hiking. You can use a long or short-sleeved shirt according to the weather .
What is the world’s most challenging hike?
Generally, there are many of the hardest trails in the world, but the most challenging is the Great Himalayan Trail.
Are there waterfalls in Acadia?
Yes, there are waterfalls in Acadia. Almost 22 waterfalls are there.
What sort of shoes should we wear while hiking?
You should prioritize professional hiking shoes only, but I have seen people doing hiking in sneakers, so ultimately, you should focus on the strength and grip of your own legs.
Is Acadia better than you think?
es, it is one of the best places to visit. It is a whole chapter full of waterfalls, hiking, wildlife, and road trips.
For more comments on your experience of Acadia.
