Do you want to explore the best hikes in Acadia National Park with your family and friends?
Taking on a challenging hike or taking the kids along easy trails under the foliage of Acadia National Park in the fall is sure to be a fun activity like no other. You’ll even have the chance to tackle popular hiking trails like the Beehive Loop Trail or the Jordan Pond Path.
And more specifically, I’m here to help you do these things. Using my experience exploring Acadia many times, I will compile for you a list of the most worth trying trails and some things you should keep in mind when starting your hiking journey. Are you ready? Come explore with me and nationalparkshops.com through the following sharing article!
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Basic information about hiking in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has one of the most hiking trails, with many levels to suit each person’s needs. Hiking in Acadia National Park offers a remarkable experience with diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails.
Located on Mount Desert Island along the Maine coast, the park has more than 120 miles of hiking trails. So you can choose the right route from easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging climbs. More specifically, these trails provide access to some of the most beautiful coastal, forest, and mountain scenery in the Northeast, making it a hiker’s paradise.
Map of hikes in Acadia National Park
10 Best impressions hikes in Acadia National Park
I will not elaborate further. Here is a list of the 10 best hikes in Acadia National Park. These hikes have been categorized into easy, moderate and challenging. The easy hikes are suitable for families with young children, the moderate hikes are suitable for older children, and the challenging hikes are for those with experience. hiking experience.
Precipice Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous, challenging
- Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Without a doubt, the most exciting and adventurous hike in Acadia National Park would probably be the trip to the top of Mount Champlain from the Precipice Trail. This challenging trek involves rock climbing, cliff walking at high altitudes and significant exposure, requiring high altitude tolerance.
You’ll start your journey at the parking lot on Park Loop Road and ascend more than 1,000 feet in less than a mile. Hikers will navigate boulders, climb metal steps and traverse narrow cliffs on this strenuous adventure.
Beehive Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
- Length of Time: 1 to 2 hours
Beehive Loop Trail is a popular hike. For a fun hike with great views, consider adding this trail to your list of the best hikes in Acadia National Park. The Beehive Loop Trail begins at the parking lot near Sand Beach and follows the Bowl Trail to the Beehive Trail. This trail is a milder version of the challenging Precipice Trail, featuring cliff walks and metal rungs but with less steepness and exposure. It’s a good alternative if you’re unsure about tackling the Precipice Trail.
And you should note, there are narrow cliffs and some non-technical climbing using metal steps on this trail. Therefore, if you are afraid of heights or hiking with children, it is best to choose a safer hike.
Ocean Path
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Length of Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Ocean Path is a hike from Sand Beach to Otter Point. This is a popular and easy trail in Acadia National Park. It’s flat and has great views of the coast. Therefore, Ocean Path will be a great choice for families with young children. Another highlight is the Ocean Path which passes through Thunder Hole, where waves crash against rocks creating a thunderous sound.
Ocean Path runs along Park Loop Road, so sometimes you can see more cars than the coastal cliffs. You can also visit Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Reef by driving along the Park Loop Road and stopping at the viewpoints, but be prepared for large crowds at midday. In particular, you can also watch the Acadia National Park sunrise when going this way.
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Length of Time: 30 minutes
This trail is one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park, providing stunning views of the park, Bar Harbor, and surrounding islands. Cadillac Mountain’s elevation and position make it one of the earliest places in the US to see the sunrise, attracting many visitors to this spectacular sight.
South Bubble Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
For stunning views of Jordan Lake, consider hiking to the top of South Bubble, one of the “Bubble” mountains located at the north end of the pond. I would list South Bubble as one of the best places to visit in Acadia National Park because it has breathtaking views from the summit, including Bubble Rock, a large granite rock perched on the edge of the cliff.
You can embark on this hike as a short but challenging roundtrip adventure starting from The Bubbles parking lot. The trail, known as the Bubbles Divide Trail, is approximately 1 mile in total. The Bubbles parking lot is a small area situated on Park Loop Road just north of Jordan Pond. It is important to note that this parking lot is different from the Bubble Pond parking lot.
If you prefer an alternative route, you can park at Jordan Pond and hike along either the Jordan Pond Path or the Jordan Cliffs Trail to the north side of the pond. From there, you can connect to the Bubbles Divide Trail, which will lead you to South Bubble and Bubble Rock for a memorable experience.
Jordan Pond Path
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Length of Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Jordan Pond Trail is a picturesque hike around one of the clearest and most beautiful ponds in Acadia. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages, making it a great choice for families. When you choose the Jordan Pond Path for your hike, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Bubbles (North and South Bubble mountains) reflected in the water. In addition, you will also be able to witness the beautiful Acadia National Park plants ecosystem.
After your hike, stop and enjoy a snack and tea at the Jordan Pond House, one of the must-do things to do in Acadia National Park when visiting.
Jordan Cliffs Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
I would add the Jordan Cliffs Trail to my list of the best hikes in Acadia National Park. This hike will be stunning as it offers perfect views of Jordan Lake and the opportunity to walk along narrow rock outcrops with iron steps for support.
From the Jordan Pond House, prepare for a challenging ascent to the trail’s peak. However, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking scenery. The Jordan Cliffs Trail is less frequented compared to the easier Jordan Pond Path due to its difficulty and exposed ledges. If you prefer a quieter experience away from the crowds while still enjoying Jordan Pond, this hike is a great choice.
Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,270 feet
- Length of Time: 3 to 4 hours
Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail can be a strenuous hike. The Ladder Trail is sure to give your thighs a workout as it includes a steep stair climb with some interspersed ladders for added excitement. It is important to increase your pace at the beginning of the hike due to its level of difficulty. Many hikers consider this ascent one of the most challenging in Acadia National Park.
However, the reward for your hard work on the climb is that you will see and enjoy breathtaking views of Acadia National Park from the top of Mount Dorr.
Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Length of Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
The Beech Cliff Ladder Trail exceeded my expectations with its combination of iron steps, ladders, stunning views of the lake and coastline, and cliff walks. It is arguably one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park as it is not as intense as the Precipice or Beehive trails but is still suitable for thrill seekers looking for a safe option.
Start by parking at Echo Lake Beach Entrance and take the Beech Cliffs Trail to reach the summit of Beech Mountain. The climb is short but challenging, offering amazing views once you reach the top. The highlight is the Beech Cliff Loop, which provides the best views of the day. While there are some exposed sections, the cliffs are wide enough for those with a fear of heights to still enjoy the scenery from a safe distance.
Sundew Trail (Schoodic Peninsula)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Length of Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
The Sundew Trail on the Schoodic Peninsula is a peaceful and scenic hike that winds through a mossy forest and along the rugged coastline, offering hikers a chance to explore the lesser-known side of Acadia National Park. This easy trail showcases the peninsula’s unique flora and Acadia National Park wildlife including sundew plants, pitcher plants, and coastal birds, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The Sundew Trail is a hidden gem that provides a tranquil escape from the crowds and a glimpse into the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Are the best hikes in Acadia National Park suitable for children?
There are still many of the best hikes in Acadia National Park that are kid-friendly. Because the park has many trails suitable for different age groups and skill levels such as: Jordan Pond Trail – this flat, easy trail loops around Jordan Lake. However, hiking trips with young children should always be considered carefully. In general, even though they are at an easy level, they will be difficult for young children.
When hiking with kids in Acadia, it’s important to start early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Bringing essentials like a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent is important for a comfortable hike. Wearing suitable footwear such as hiking shoes is also a way to ensure children’s safety.
Also, don’t forget to take regular breaks to allow your child to rest and appreciate their surroundings. Finally, always prioritize safety by keeping a close eye on children, especially near water and on rocky roads.
Acadia National Park hiking tips for you
Because I have experienced most of the hikes in Acadia, I have a few tips for you.
First, hiking in Acadia National Park has trails for all levels. Therefore, make sure you wear suitable shoes to ensure safety and comfort. Check the weather and dress in layers. Bring water and snacks for energy.
Second, I recommend starting your trip early to avoid crowds and see wildlife. Bring a map and know how to navigate throughout the trip. Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park. Stay on designated roads to protect the environment. Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance. Especially remember to choose trails that are suitable for children and make the hike fun for them.
Finally, I think we should give guided hikes and ranger-led educational tours a try to learn more about the park’s history. pellets. Rangers can provide you with valuable insights and advice.
Conclusion
Acadia National Park offers a wide range of hiking experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The unique features of each trail, from iron rungs and ladders to panoramic vistas and diverse ecosystems, provide hikers with a memorable and rewarding outdoor adventure. Exploring the best hikes in Acadia National Park is an adventure you won’t forget. Happy hiking!
