Article Overview: Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Call me sentimental but as one of the first national parks that I visited, Acadia is one of my all-time favorites. It is perhaps the most charming of the national parks. It’s also a wonderful hiking park. In this article I’ll go over my personal list of the best hikes in Acadia National Park (from years of experience).
One of the crown jewel features of this park is the stunning coastline that’s dotted with jagged pink granite formations that stand majestically against the never-ending roll of Atlantic waves.
Nestled on Maine’s coast, this 48,000 acres gem has a variety of fantastic hiking trails – from easy strolls along the picturesque coastal paths to more thrilling, hair-raising, and gravity-defying cliff trails. No matter which hikes you choose, Acadia National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, thrill, and adventure.
I’ll walk you through the fifteen best hikes in Acadia National Park, so you can identify a trail or hike that will give you that much-needed adrenaline rush and sense of adventure.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Things to Know Before You Visit Acadia National Park
Entrance Fees
$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂
Cell Service
Cell Service is fairly reliable in the park.
Guide Book
Best Guide Book for Acadia National Park is this one which we’ve marked up and highlighted quite a bit.
Map
The Best Map: I like this map best for Acadia National Park.
Water
Drink it. Lots of it. Don’t forget it in the car.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace: We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
Bugs!
Insect Repellent: Ticks are a major factor at Acadia National Park. There are lyme disease carrying ticks in the park. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us and check for ticks after every hike.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in Acadia National Park which is rare for US National Parks! Enjoy the park with your furry friend!
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park
The Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park is in the fall to see the spectacular fall foliage. Plan for the first couple weeks in August for peak foliage.
Crowds
Crowds: Hate to burst any bubbles here, but Acadia is a very crowded national park. Spring, summer, and fall see the small national park bursting at the seams with tourists. Parking is extremely limited during these seasons so prepare accordingly!
Driving
Getting Around: Acadia is a very accessible park with roads taking visitors through much of the park. Most any vehicle will do throughout the park and prepare for some scenic driving! The park does get very busy in the Summer so be prepared for long lines of cars in various areas and limited parking.
Maps of the National Parks
National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.
Where to Stay in Acadia
Visiting Acadia National Park? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our favorite hotel.
Top 15 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
15. Ocean Path Trail
· Distance: 4.4 mile out and back
· Difficulty: Easy to moderate
· Elevation Gain: Around 250 feet
· Time Required: 2-3 hours
Starting off our list of the best hikes in Acadia National Park is a great one right along the ocean.
Ocean path trail is one of the most iconic, family-friendly trails that follows a dramatic stretch of coastline between Sand Beach and Otter Point. It is considered one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park because you’ll experience famous landmarks such as Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Monument Cove, and Otter Cliff.
The trail is relatively level, well maintained, and with a few small hills along the way. This makes it an easy trail that you can scale with friends and families as you run, walk, bike, or even take leisure bird watching.
14. Great Head Trail
· Distance: 1.8 mile loop trail
· Difficulty: Moderate hike with some steep sections and rocky terrain
· Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
The Great Head Trail offers spectacular ocean views along a coastal headland that is littered with beautiful wooded sections. This trail goes around the edge of San Beach and the Gulf of Maine, providing picturesque views and gram-worthy photo backdrops.
The wonderful mix of ocean views, rocky scrambles, and hidden history makes this trail one of the best hikes in Acadia national park.
13. Wonderland Acadia Trail
· Distance: 1.5 mile loop
· Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike
· Elevation Gain: Around 100 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
While not as scenic and dramatic as Acadia’s more famous Ocean Path and Great Head trails, the wonderland is exciting, well-groomed, and easy to manage for almost anyone, even those with young kids.
This family-friendly trail is one of the best hikes in Acadia national park that’s popular for birding spots and good tide pooling at low tide.
12. Bass Harbor Head Light Trail
· Distance: 1.5 mile out and back
· Difficulty: Easy hike with a gentle slope and well-maintained trail
· Elevation Gain: Approximately 100 feet
· Time Required: 30mins – 1 hour
If you’re searching for an easy and short hike that boasts a charming lighthouse, Bass Harbor Head Light Trail is the one for you. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the rugged coastline of Maine, with gorgeous views of the lighthouse perched atop a cliff overlooking the ocean.
This easy hike is perfect for families, and people with mobility issues, and the trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it an ideal choice for a quick adventure.
11. The Bubbles Trail (South Bubble and North Bubble)
· Distance: 2.2 mile loop
· Difficulty: Moderate to difficult hike due to steep sections
· Elevation Gain: Around 250 feet
· Time Required: 2-3 hours
The Bubbles Trail is one of the must-do hikes in Acadia national park. Featuring a forested path, steepy rocky sections, wide stairs and exposed granite, this trail will take you to the summits of the Iconic South & North Bubble mountain.
This 2.2-mile loop trail will give you the classic Acadia view of Jordan Pond, the surrounding mountains, and the coastline. While the hike takes a little over an hour, the parking lot is often full, so you might spend some more time waiting for some space. Pack a camera and plenty of water for this challenging but rewarding hike.
Top 10 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
10. Ship Harbor Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Time Required: 1 hour
Ship Harbor Trail is a short trail that hugs the coastline of Ship Harbor leading out to the ocean. The trail is an easy 1.3 mile loop suitable for folks without mobility issues.
Getting to the trailhead is easy as it’s located next to Seawall Campground. Add this to your list of you’re looking to fill some extra time.
9. Thunder Hole to Sand Beach Trail
· Distance: 1.7 mile out and back
· Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike with mostly flat terrain and well-maintained trail
· Elevation Gain: Around 50 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
What’s in a name? Well, the Thunder Hole is a quintessential natural cave that gets battered by waves, creating a splash with a thunderous clap when air is forced out. If you love the rocky coast of Maine, this is one of the best hikes in Acadia national park to find some as you take a striking walk along the Oceanside.
Along the way, you can stop off to enjoy Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and Otter Cliffs. There is a small staircase at Otter Cove, which will serve you with stunning views of Cadillac and Dorr Mountain in the background.
8. The Bowl via Bowl Trail
· Distance: 1.2 mile loop
· Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike with some steep sections and rocky terrain
· Elevation Gain: Approximately 110 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
The Bowl Trail is a 1.2-mile loop trail that takes hikers to the scenic Bowl, a natural amphitheater that was formed by glacial activity. This hike is an easy to moderate hike, with some steep sections and rocky terrain.
The trail passes through a dense forest before opening up to the stunning Bowl/pond, which is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers a tranquil spot to relax and take in the beauty of Acadia National Park. Since this is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia national park, it usually gets busy during the day, so be sure to start early!
7. Cadillac Mountain Loop
· Distance: 7 mile loop
· Difficulty: Moderate hike due to length
· Elevation Gain: Around 1,300 feet
· Time Required: 2.5 to 4 hours
The Cadillac Mountain trail is perhaps one of the hikes in Acadia national park that allows you to catch the early sunrise, making it a top-line destination for most sunrise lovers. You can reach the summit on a hike through the lush pine forest.
To start the hike, take the Kebo Brook Trail, then turn up a set of stone stairs that will take you to the summit. As you ascend, the trees will start to thin out, and you’ll start to catch glimpses of the breathtaking views that await you at the top. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the park, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains.
6. Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail
· Distance: 3.5 mile loop
· Difficulty: Moderate to difficult hike with some steep sections and rocky terrain
· Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,100 feet
· Time Required: 2-3 hours
The Dorr Mountain via Ladder Trail hike is one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park that offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. This 3.5-mile loop trail takes you through beautiful wooded areas and rocky terrain and up to the summit of Dorr Mountain, one of the park’s highest peaks.
The Ladder Trail is a steep, rocky ascent with iron rungs and handrails built into the rock to aid hikers. The views from the top of Dorr Mountain are absolutely breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding mountains, and forests.
This moderate to difficult hike will take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
Top 5 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
5. Gorham Mountain Trail
· Distance: 3.2 mile loop
· Difficulty: Moderate hike with some steep sections and rocky terrain
· Elevation Gain: Around 525 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
If you’re looking for a short yet challenging hike, I suggest this one! The Gorham Mountain Trail provides an excellent precipice view of what the beautiful Acadia National Park has to offer. This 3.2-mile loop trail is a moderately challenging route that’s popular for various experiences, including cross-country skiing, hiking, and running.
Most avid hikers in the United States and beyond recommend Gorham Mountain Trail among the best hikes in Acadia national park for a couple of reasons: the trail showcases all the park’s signature sensational scenery, and the summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and ocean.
The trail starts off with a gentle climb through a beautiful forest of fir and spruce trees. As you ascend, you’ll come across some of the most stunning panoramic views of the park.
At the peak of the trail, you’ll see Sand Beach, Beehive Mountain, and the coastline stretching out to the horizon. If you time your hike right, you can catch the sunrise or sunset from the summit, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
4. Schoodic Peninsula Trail
· Distance: 2.5 mile loop
· Difficulty: Moderate to difficult hike due to length
· Elevation Gain: Around 425 ft
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park found on the mainland. Located five miles east of Mount Desert Island, the Peninsula offers stunning ocean views in Acadia National Park with a bit of wilderness to explore and an idyllic coastal vibe.
This hike is a moderate, but the breathtaking views of the ocean, the rocky cliffs, and the forests make it worth the effort. You can also take a break and picnic on the rocks while watching the waves crash against the shore. The sound of the waves hitting the rocks makes for an unforgettable afternoon.
Since Schoodic Peninsula is one of the lesser-known hikes in Acadia national park, it offers a peaceful and serene experience away from the crowds.
3. Jordan Pond Loop Trail
· Distance: 3.5 mile loop
· Difficulty: Easy hike with mostly flat terrain and well-maintained trail
· Elevation Gain: Around 100 feet
· Time Required: 1.5-2.5 hours
The Jordan Pond Path is a loop trail that takes hikers around the stunning Jordan Pond, one of the most picturesque spots in Acadia National Park. The trail is easy to moderate, with a few inclines and rocky sections, and it’s perfect for families and people of all ages.
Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the pond and the surrounding mountains and the famous Jordan Pond House, where you can grab a bite to eat after your hike.
2. Precipice Trail
· Distance: 2 miles out and back
· Difficulty: Very difficult hike due to steep and exposed sections. Only recommended for experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights and exposure
· Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
The Precipice Trail is one of the most thrilling and challenging hikes in Acadia National Park. This strenuous hike takes you up a steep cliff with exposed cliffs and iron rungs for support.
The views from the top are super incredible, with panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. This hike is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or for young children, but for thrill-seekers, it’s one of the must-do hikes in Acadia national park.
1. The Beehive Loop Trail
· Distance: 1.4 mile loop trail
· Difficulty: Difficult hike due to steep sections and iron rungs
· Elevation Gain: Around 450 feet
· Time Required: 1-2 hours
The Beehive Loop Trail is perhaps the most popular and highly rated rung and ladder hikes in Acadia National Park. This loop epitomizes one of Acadia’s most attractive features: quick payoffs. When you reach the top, it will reward you with incredible views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and Frenchman Bay.
The beehive loop is a tamer, more docile, and easier version of the Precipice Trail that requires you to cling to iron rungs drilled directly into bedrock. TBH, this trail is a fascinating mix of rock climbing, rock scrambling, and hiking!
Map of the Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
List of the Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
- The Beehive Loop Trail
- Precipice Trail
- Jordan Pond Loop Trail
- Schoodic Peninsula Trail
- Gorham Mountain Trail
- Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail
- Cadillac Mountain Loop
- The Bowl
- Thunder Hole to Sand Beach Trail
- Ship Harbor
- The Bubbles Trail (South Bubble and North Bubble)
- Bass Harbor Head Light Trail
- Wonderland Acadia Trail
- Great Head Trail
- Ocean Path Trail
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Acadia National Park Hikes FAQ
The best hike at Acadia National Park is the Beehive Trail. A close second is either the Bowl Trail or the Precipice Trail.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park is in the fall when the park explodes with stunning foliage.
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