Best Hikes in Acadia National Park From Easy To Advanced

Hit The Trail On The Best Hikes In Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful destination with plenty of amazing hikes for anyone looking to explore. With 158 miles of hiking trails to explore picking the best hikes in Acadia National Park was no easy feat. Whether you’re looking for a short hike or an all day adventure, Acadia National Park has something to offer everyone. Get ready to explore Acadia National Park, and experience the beauty of Mount Desert Island on the East Coast of the United States!

To make things easier for you the best hikes in Acadia National Park are broken out into difficulty level. If you are a beginner hiker looking for a nice easy hike with the best views of the atlantic ocean or an experiences hiker looking to hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain it will be easy to find what you are looking for. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking shoes and let’s get started!

Best Easy Hikes In Acadia National Park

Cadillac Summit Trail

This is probably the shortest hike on the list at a whopping 0.4 miles! From this trail you can get a birds eye view of Bar Harbor! The best time to visit is early in the morning so you can watch the sunrise. You will need to make parking reservations for it as the parking is limited and fills up fast. The top of Cadillac Mountain is also the highest point in Acadia National Park! Cadillac Summit is very popular so I recommend getting your reservation early. You can get your summit road pass here. Here is all the information you need to know about Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail.  

Trail Info

Length: 0.5 mile
Elevation Gain: 52 Feet
Type Of Trail: Loop
Dog Friendly: Yes

Wonderland Trail

As the name suggests, this trail is truly a wonderland. It meanders through a beautiful forest which brings you along the rocky coastline, providing breathtaking ocean views. Keep an eye out for tide pools and unique rock formations along the way. This a fantastic family-friendly hike and easy walk for small children. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.51 miles
Elevation Gain: 85 feet
Type Of Trail: Out and Back/Loop
Dog Friendly: Yes

Ship Harbor Trail

This peaceful trail winds through a picturesque forest and leads to a tranquil harbor. It’s an easy hike that showcases the park’s diverse natural beauty. This trail is located right after Wonderland Trail and you could even do them both as one big trail. You could use the connector trail along the shoreline to get from Wonderland to Ship Harbor or you could drive to the next parking are and take them separately. This happens to be my favorite easy trail in Acadia National Park. It is often overlook being next to Wonderland Trail. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 65 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop
Dog Friendly: Yes

Bar Island Trail

For a unique adventure, head to Bar Island just before low tide. This trail becomes accessible, allowing you to explore the island’s captivating landscapes before high tide returns. If you are not sure when that is you can check with the ranger station or visitor center. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 216 feet
Type Of Trail: Network/ Out and Back
Dog Friendly: Yes

Ocean Path Trail

This is a trail that you can do in shorter sections or all at once. In total the Ocean Path Trail is 9 miles round trip and is located along the park loop road. It begins at the parking area at Sand Beach, takes you past the incredible Thunder Hole, onto Otter Cliff and ends at Otter Point. You can read my in depth review of Ocean Path Trail here.

Trail Info

Length: 9.0 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 374 feet
Type Of Trail: Out and Back
Dog Friendly: Yes

Bubble Rock Trail

This short but rewarding hike takes you to an iconic rock perched precariously on the side of South Bubble Mountain. The panoramic views from the top are worth the effort. This is a popular trail and I recommend getting there early before the parking lot is full. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.13 miles
Elevation Gain: 766 feet
Type Of Trail: Out and Back, Loop and/or Connector
Dog Friendly: Yes

Best Intermediate Hikes In Acadia National Park

Bald Peak & Parkman Mountain

To get to Parkman Mountain Peak you will need to do a short out and back section of the trail. I am very much one of those if I am almost to the peak of something I might as well hike to it on my way by. It was only 0.3 miles total to check Parkman peak off my list. This trail has its’ challenges. There are some very root heavy sections as well as some “rock scrambling.” The steepest section of this hike is almost a 30% grade. I recommend doing this trail counter clockwise so that you get the steep section out the way on your way up when your legs are fresher. This hike is a great way to see multiple peaks as well as Upper and Lower Hadlock Pond and Somes Sound. 

Trail Info

Length: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 741 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop and/or Connector
Dog Friendly: Yes, for the agile dog

Bernard Mountain West Ledge Trail

This is a great trail to really experience the Maine woods. You will have some ocean views from this trail but the wooded sections are one of my favorite. This trail is considered intermediate, however if you want to make it a loop trail and come back via the Sluiceway trail I would call it advanced.

Trail Info

Length: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 941 feet
Type Of Trail: Out and Back, Loop and/or Connector
Dog Friendly: Yes, if you do the out and back trail. 

Day Mountain

I consider this an intermediate trail because there are couple of inclines at 17% and some boardwalks that can become slippery when wet. I would rank this trail more as a beginner/intermediate trail. Parking for the trail head is located across the street along Route 3. The trail will take you across and even on a portion of the Carriage Road. At the beginning of the trail you can take the very short out and back spur to your right to the Champlain Monument. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 328 feet
Type Of Trail: Out and Back
Dog Friendly: Yes

Flying Mountain

I love this trail. It is one of the best trails and my favorite hidden gems of Acadia National Park and I try to hike this trail at least once a year. You can add to this hike by doing Valley Peak and Saint Sauveur Mountain and heading down the Valley Peak Trail and connecting to Valley Cove Trail. A warning, Valley Peak Trail down is steep and there are parts with nothing to hold onto. You could also head down Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail and cut across on Man O War Brook Trail. If you want to add either of those options make sure to check with National Park Service website to see if that portion of Valley Cove Trail is closed because of Peregrine Falcon nesting. 

I always do Flying Mountain in a clockwise rotation. This is mostly because I am doing one of the other trails like Saint Sauveur Mountain and want to do the harder part first. That along with the fact that going clockwise gives me a better view. Once you come to the end of Valley Cove Trail you can take a walk on the beach are. There are stairs that take you to it. This is always a great spot for some photos of Somes Sound and to drink some water. Once you head up the mountain you will find several great places to stop and take in the ocean views! Upon your decent you will find out why this trail makes the intermediate list, a short section of ledge to get down. If you take your time you will be fine, just use caution. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 321 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop, Connector
Dog Friendly: Yes

Gorham Mountain

This tends to be a popular trail, so again, getting to it early is a good idea. The parking area for this trail is pretty small and fills up fast. This trail is located along the Park Loop Road just past the Thunder Hole parking area.

Gorham Mountain Trail does have its’s own parking lot about 0.3 miles after Thunder Hole. If the parking lot is full you have to drive the rest of Park Loop Road before coming back around. That portion of Park Loop Road is one way. You can also try to park in the parking lot right after Gorham Mountain parking area and walk back to the trail head. If that is also full you can try to take Otter Cliff Road on your right, follow the signs to the parking and picnic area and walk north along Otter Cliff Road to the Otter Cove Trail and head East on it to connect to Gorham Mountain Trail. 

Once you are finally on the trail it is a pretty gradual ascent with the exception of a couple steep rocky parts. At the Bates Memorial you will have the option of going right or left. I tend to head up the left side and come back the other trail known as Cadillac Cliffs Path. Cadillac Cliffs Path is what makes this trail intermediate. It is narrow and steep and not what I would call dog friendly, although I have seen dogs on that section of trail. You do not have to take that portion of the trail and could just stick to the Gorham Mountain Trail both out and back. That would put this hike on the easy/intermediate column for me. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.68 miles
Elevation Gain: 397 feet
Type Of Trail: Out and Back 
Dog Friendly: Yes

Jordan Pond

This scenic trail takes you around the beautiful Jordan Pond, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a relatively flat and well-maintained path. It makes the list of intermediate due to the narrow rocky section as well as the boardwalk which can become slippery when wet. My personal opinion about Jordan Pond Path is that it should be a one way trail but, I digress. Parking for Jordan Pond Trail is located at Jordan Pond House. You can stop at Jordan Pond House and grab a cup of coffee and a popover before your hike! 

Trail Info

Length: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 42 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop
Dog Friendly: Yes

Best Advanced Hikes In Acadia National Park

Beachcroft & Champlain North Ridge Trail

This trail is not for the faint of heart. You will park at Wild Gardens Of Acadia off of Sieur de Monts Road. The hiking trails located around Wild Gardens Of Acadia are popular so the parking fills up fast there.

To get to the trailhead you will have to take the Jesup Path or Wild Gardens Path south to The Tarn and then pick up Beachcroft Path. Beachcroft Path crosses Route 3 before beginning the ascent. I recommend hiking this mountain in a counter clockwise direction. On your way up you will encounter a 40% grade which is easier to do going up than coming down. From the summit you will find some great views of the inlet to Bar Harbor. Unfortunately, when we did this hike we were above the fog bank at the summit so we did not get to enjoy that view. However being above the fog was a pretty impressive view. 

Trail Info

Length: 3.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop, Out and Back, Connector
Dog Friendly: No

The Beehive Trail

Parking for this trail is located at the Sand Beach Parking Lot. You will need a reservation for parking. If you are looking for a challenge and perhaps some iron rungs this is the trail for you. The Beehive is one of the most popular trails in Acadia National Park! I have never been fortunate enough to “hike” aka climb the rock faces without being in a line of other people. Even first thing in the morning this hike is busy. You should only do this trail in a counter clockwise rotation. If you are afraid of heights this is not the trail for you. You will actually being climbing up the cliff face using iron rungs as a ladder.

I took my niece Michelle on this hike with me the second time and, well, you can read all about our search and rescue here. At the summit if you look to the northwest you will have a view of Dorr Mountain and Cadillac Mountain. To your south you will overlook the marsh and Sand Beach. You will have the option after the summit to head right on bowl trail to the Bowl. The Bowl is a mountain top pond and a great place to take a break. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 489 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop, Connector
Dog Friendly: No

Cadillac Mountain North Ridge

Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail hike is a popular activity in Acadia National Park. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of Bar Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula, and Frenchman Bay. Hikers will encounter rocky terrain and sparse tree coverage as they make their way up the highest elevation points on the eastern coast of the United States. While the trail may not be the most serene due to its proximity to a busy road, it still offers a peaceful and scenic experience. At the summit, hikers can take a half-mile loop trail for more views or start heading back down on the trail.  

Trail Info

Length: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,128 feet
Type Of Trail: Out & Back, Loop, Connector
Dog Friendly: Yes

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge

If you want to spend the day on the trail enjoying beautiful views then this is the hike for you. My bestie Mel and I did this hike together along with her dog Summer. We had the best time, until we hit the summit, more on that here. One of the best things about hiking is the memories that are made. I am glad I got to share this hike with Mel. From the windswept evergreen forest to the ocean views above the tree line, this is the perfect place to spend the day. Just don’t forget your sunscreen! 

Trail Info

Length: 7.1 miles if you include the Eagle’s Crag Spur
Elevation Gain: 1,526 miles
Type Of Trail: Out & Back
Dog Friendly: Yes

Beech Cliff Trail With Canada Cliffs Trail

If you are looking for some iron rungs and ladders then this is the trail for you! My personal opinion is that this is one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park. This trail has everything from easy walking to narrow switchbacks to strenuous climbing. Alex and I did this trail and lets just say he left me in the dust! Let’s just say the ladders and switchbacks weren’t his thing…. The steep climbing section of the trail is only 0.4 miles longs, the rest is a gradual hike. This hike is somewhat popular but nothing like the Beehive Trail. Beech Cliff Trail is located on the quite side of Acadia National Park. Parking is available at Echo Lake Beach. You can also park at the end of Beech Hill Road and add some extra hikes to this one. 

Trail Info

Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 492 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop
Dog Friendly: No

Precipice Loop Trail

The mack daddy of hikes! The Precipice Trail is one of the toughest hikes in Acadia National Park! I have to admit that I have not actually completed this hike, though not for lack of trying. Made it part way and turned around. I have spoken to friends who have completed this hike.

Precipice Trail requires you to immediately start with climbing up a rock wall. You get three iron rungs to help you up. Two in the rock face and one at the top. The rungs are kinda far apart but it is doable. Your next obstacle is a climb up what is an old rock slide. You must use caution as there are holes and you could easily twist an ankle here. And this folks is as far as I have made it on this trail before having to turn back. I am told from friends that after that it doesn’t get any easier! You will then encounter iron ladders and cliff climbs. The steepest grade on this trail is 68%!!! This trail is on my list to complete, if I could ever find someone to go with me……

Trail Info

Length: 2.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,059 feet
Type Of Trail: Loop
Dog Friendly: No Way!

Best Hikes In Acadia National Park For Everyone

Anyone from a novice, beginner hiker to those who have been hiking for years can find something in Acadia National Park. Above you will find hikes for a scenic stroll to an all day full body workout!

The post Best Hikes in Acadia National Park From Easy To Advanced appeared first on The Fat Girl Hiking.