Visitors travel to Acadia National Park in Maine to experience some of the best hiking that North America has to offer. Most of the trails are straightforward, approachable, and beginner-friendly. Hikers with shorter itineraries are able to check off a handful of trails each day while those with longer stays can see a large majority of the park.
Even though many of Acadia’s trails are under five miles, they are anything but boring. The entire park abounds with favorite hikes of outdoor enthusiasts. Spectacular views of sparkling lakes, tree-covered foothills, and rocky outcroppings greet hikers at almost every turn.
With over 120 miles of trails, family strolls, strenuous treks, and lifelong memories. Here are some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park.
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Tips for Hiking in Acadia National Park
Remember, when you visit any national park, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Plan ahead, bring essential gear, and never hike alone. Figure out transportation for the day and check the weather before heading out. Acadia and the surrounding town offers plenty of information about adventuring in the park.
Acadia’s Iron Routes
During the park’s early days, trail purveyors thought it would be a better strategy to forge iron pathways along rocky terrain instead of picking one’s way around sheer cliffs. They hammered iron rungs into the side of rocky cliffs to create metal ladders that guide travelers through steep ascents. These iron-rung hikes are located throughout the park and offer exhilarating hikes. It’s important to use caution when opting for these challenging hikes as those who are afraid of heights or are unstable on their feet can put themselves in harm’s way.
Iron ladders are considered non-technical climbing routes, meaning they don’t require additional climbing gear from participants. However, don’t be fooled by the approachability and popularity of these iron ladders. They are physically demanding and mentally challenging. Some series of iron rungs often gain hundreds of feet in elevation and are not for novice hikers.
Acadia Hiking Essentials
- A park pass is required. You can buy this at the entrance of the park or purchase ahead. If you plan on visiting many national parks in a year, consider buying a year-long pass to save money.
- Dogs are welcome. Unlike many other United States national parks, Acadia is dog-friendly. However, all dogs must be kept on a leash. Include info about things like entrance fees, shuttles, transportation, etc.
- Buy local firewood. Do not bring your own as nonnative pests can travel in via firewood and become a serious risk to the forest.
- Book campsites ahead of time. You cannot reserve a campsite the day of. Check out this list of primitive, car, and tent camping sites and make a reservation if you plan on staying the night.
- Getting around. From June to October, the park’s Island Explorer bus system can shuttle visitors around various park sites for free. For access to some parking lots or drives, like Cadillac Mountain Summit, an additional car pass may be required. More information on this is available at the visitor center in Acadia.
How to Get to Acadia National Park
Depending on your budget, there are numerous ways to reach Acadia National Park by plane or car. Fly into Boston Logan Airport and drive up one of Maine’s most scenic highways, the Maine Coastal Highway 1. Pass through seafaring towns and villages known for their charm and ocean-fresh lobster rolls.
Direct flights from Boston to Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport are available but can be pricey during peak season. Additionally, flights into Bangor, Maine and Portland, Maine are available through some airlines.
14 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
While each hike in Acadia is certainly worthy of this list, we’ve collected some of our favorites that allow total immersion in the nature of this breathtaking park.
Easy Hikes
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- Trail: Sundew Trail
- Location: Papago Park
- Trail Length: Acadia National Park
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this coastal trail follows along the ocean, offering dramatic soundscapes of waves crashing against rocky outcroppings. With cloudless skies, one can spot Cadillac Mountain across the bay. Snack on a granola bar while taking in the rocky cliffs that border the eastern seaboard.
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- Trail: Jordan Pond Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 3.3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 2 hour
Give yourself plenty of time on this leisurely stroll as you’ll want to snap photos of expansive lakes and lush trees. James Pond path winds around a pretty body of water that hikers of all ages will enjoy dipping their toes in the cool water. Maybe even pack a swimsuit and dive in.
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- Trail: Wonderland Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
This is the perfect trail for families as its minimal elevation gain and well-maintained carriage road takes only an hour to complete. These impressive views will delight even the most adventurous of hikers. Follow Wonderland Trail through a fragrant pine forest while making your way to the ocean.Schedule this hike to give your legs a break between some of Acadia’s steeper descent.
Intermediate Hikes
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- Trail: Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 3.4 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Medium Intensity
- Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
If you missed leg day at the gym, have no fear. Dorr Mountain will quickly make your thighs burn and your heart beat. This stair-climb takes hikers to the peak of Door Mountain then on a gradual descent down the south ridge.
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- Trail: Gorham Mountain Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Fairly Strenuous
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Take in amazing views of the Beehive, Otter Point, and Sand Beach. Gorham Mountain Trail gently gains elevation throughout its entirety, making this a challenging but not exhausting walk in the park.
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- Trail: Pemetic Mountain Trail
- Location: Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 6.6 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate Intensity
- Estimated Time: 5 hours
Unlike other mountain summits in the park, Pemetic Mountain trail leads visitors up safe pathways with moderately steep inclines. Fit for many age levels and physical abilities, this trail grants hikers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
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- Trail: North Bubble and Conners Nubble Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 4.4 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
Some Acadia aficionados argue that this trail grants hikers the most stunning views of the famous Jordan Pond. The taller of the two Bubbles, North Bubble winds up to Conners Nubble and back via Eagle Lake Trail, treating visitors to beautiful views much of the time. This loop trail is one of the more popular hikes in the park, so arrive early to enjoy peace and quiet.
Strenuous Hikes
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- Trail: Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 2.2 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
This quiet hiking trail is certainly challenging but not quite as dangerous as other cliff-side walks. The Beech Cliff Ladder Trail involves all sorts of mixed hiking terrain, including an iron rungs, a ladder, and short but steep cliff walks.
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- Trail: South Bubble Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 1 – 2.5 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
For beautiful views of Jordan Pond, hike this short and steep trail. The Bubbles are two playfully shaped rocks that sit at the north end of Jordan Pond and offer breathtaking views unlike any other.
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- Trail: Jordan Cliffs Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
This exposed hike also employs the use of iron aids to guide visitors up the cliff side. Jordan Cliffs Trail is one of Acadia’s classic iron rung routes but is less treacherous than Precipe or Beehive. Traverse along majestic cliff bands while taking in the view of Jordan Pond from hundreds of feet up.
Amazing Views
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- Trail: Ocean Path Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 4 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
This scenic walk brings hikers alongside the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and is family-friendly. Parts of the hike don’t offer the best views, however, the stunning seascapes and final destination of Thunder Hole make this one scenic hike.
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- Trail: Precipice Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult and Dangerous
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
For some jaw dropping sights, schedule a trek up what is considered the hardest hike in the park. Those with a fear of heights shouldn’t brave Precipice Trail as it requires rock scrambling, massive exposure, and cliff walks with dangerous drops traversed by iron ladders. However, experienced hikers who aren’t afraid of a steep ascent should absolutely put this one on their list because the
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- Trail: Beehive Loop Trail
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 1.4 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Experienced hikers simply can’t miss one of Acadia’s most famous trails. With less elevation gain and less exposure, the Beehive Loop Trail is a great warm up if you plan to hike Precipice. Narrow cliff ledges and iron ladders make this hike a rigorous hike but treat those up for the challenge to gorgeous views.
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- Trail: Cadillac Summit Loop
- Location: Acadia National Park
- Trail Length: 0.3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
Even the littlest of hikers can enjoy this picturesque trail. Starting from the parking lot of Cadillac Mountain, follow this gentle pathway near the summit for photo-worthy views of Bar Harbor.
When is the Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park?
Peak season for Acadia National Park starts at the end of Springtime and runs through the Fall. Leaf peepers especially enjoy coming to Acadia during turn season to catch the forest ablaze with leaves of gold, orange, and red. Cool-weather hikers may book a trip in late spring to enjoy the last of Maine’s winter weather.
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What to Pack
Make sure to pack anything you need to be comfortable and safe while traveling. Don’t forget these outdoor exploration essentials:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Hiking sandals for warm weather adventuring
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket
- Thermal layer
- Puffy Jacket for Spring and Fall hikes
- Emergency camping kit
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Backpack or daypack
- Reusable water and food containers
- Camping essentials if you plan to stay the night
- Headlamp
- Plenty of water
- Trail map
For miles upon miles of hiking trails, stunning ocean views, and easy day hikes, a trip to Acadia National Park should be on your bucket list. Sandy beaches, famous landmarks, and stellar views are available for the enjoyment of any outdoors person who is game for adventure. Wake up early in time for sunrise then hit the trails to put your skill level to the test. Visiting America’s National Parks is a budget-friendly way to see some of the most varied terrain in our country.
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