Hiking in Acadia National Park

Heading to Maine is almost a rite of passage among American hiking enthusiasts. Acadia is consistently one of the top 10 most visited national parks for good reason. The park is almost 50,000 acres along the coastline and has more than 150 miles of hiking trails. There’s something for everyone when hiking in Acadia National Park.

Short & Easy Hikes in Acadia National Park

While some hiking trails in Acadia feature rather tough summits, there are plenty of options for everyone. These trails below are family-friendly and great for those who want a gentle stroll for whatever reason. They’re not handicap accessible though some may be work for those with limited mobility issues.

Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop – .5 miles/mostly flat

Let’s start with the most popular site in Acadia National Park – Cadillac Mountain. Many people wouldn’t even consider this a hike since you’re driving to the top of the mountain but once you get there, there is a paved .5 mile loop around the summit. It gives you absolutely stunning views and there are informational plaques to give you some insight to the area.

Note that Cadillac Mountain is VERY popular and you must have a separate reservation to drive up the mountain. Reservations for Cadillac Mountain must be made online, you cannot purchase them at the park (even at the visitor’s centers!) and cell service within the park can be very spotty so I highly recommend booking in advance before you get to the park.

Ocean Path – up to 2 miles/mostly flat

Beyond Cadillac Mountain, one of the biggest draws to Acadia is the stunning shoreline. The Ocean Path, which begins at the Sand Beach parking lot, is one of the best ways to experience it.

Ocean Path officially runs from Sand Beach to Otter Point, which is approximately 2 miles and takes 2-3 hours. However, there are several access points and you can definitely choose to just walk a small portion of the path. It’s mostly flat which makes it great for families and small kids.

If you walk the full path, you will pass the famous Thunder Hole (be sure to check the tide if you want to hear the “thunder”) as well as Monument Cove and Boulder Beach.

Jordan Pond Loop – 3.5 miles/mostly level

The Jordan Pond Path is a relatively easy loop and one of the most popular hikes in Acadia. The path is well-kept with a gravel trail that later turns into an elevated wooden boardwalk as you cross streams. While you can walk it in either direction, counter-clockwise will give you the best views, including of South Bubble Mountain and North Bubble Mountain.

Access to the path is from the Jordan Pond House parking lot or the Jordan Pond North parking lot. Both tend to fill up so I recommend getting here as early as possible.

The Jordan Pond House is one of the best-rated park restaurants – not just in Acadia but in all of the national parks – so do try to time your hike with reservations at the restaurant if possible.

If you’re not hiking with kids or anyone with a fear of heights, you can also reach the top of South Bubble via this trail.

South Bubble Mountain – 1 mile or 1.7 miles/ some elevation change

South Bubble Mountain is one of the mountains that you can see from Jordan Pond Loop. While hiking to the top from Jordan Pond is not advised for those with families or a fear of heights, there is another access point.

Park at the Bubbles Parking lot and follow the South Bubbles Trail which will bring you to the summit as well as to Bubble Rock. Bubble Rock, a huge boulder that is balanced on the edge of the mountain (said to have been deposited by a glacier) is a popular photo spot. Note, however, that there is a significant drop off behind the rock so keep an eye on kids.

From there, you have two options – you can continue along the South Bubbles Trail for more views of Jordan Pond then turn around before the trail begins descending. Or, for a bit more adventure, continue on the path down towards Jordan Pond, either to the Jordan Pond Carry Trail (and back to the Bubbles parking lot) or the longer and more scenic path along Bubbles Divide Trail. Note that for these longer trails, a bit of scrambling is required and they’re not suitable for kids or those with limited mobility.

Day Hikes in Acadia National Park

Those who consider hiking the day’s main activity will enjoy these day hikes in Acadia, ranging from moderate to strenuous. Note that most of these hikes are not suitable for small kids or those with limited mobility.

North Bubbles Trail – 3.4 miles / moderately difficult

This North Bubble Mountain hike also includes Conners Nubble. Like the South Bubble Mountain trail above, this Acadia day hike begins in the Bubbles Parking Lot and the Bubbles Divide trailhead. Follow the North Bubble spur trail this time and you’ll be rewarded with the summit and views of Jordan Pond.

As you continue down the trailhead, you’ll be rewarded with views of Eagle Lake. The path does cross the carriage road and then you’ll head to the second peak of the hike – Conners Nubble and panoramic views of Eagle Lake.

This hike offers diverse scenery, as you get epic views from both peaks, but much of the path after Conner Nubbles is through the pine forest. Quiet, tranquil, and while not ‘off the beaten path”, it is much less touristy than other trails.

Gorham Mountain – 2 miles / moderate

Gorham Mountain isn’t the tallest mountain in the park and of the day hikes on this list, this is the most family friendly. It’s easily accessible and while there is an elevation gain, the path itself is not difficult. (In fact, part of the trail is steps.)

To hike Gorham Mountain, park in the Gorham Mountain Parking Lot which is right after the Thunder Hole Lot. You’ll begin walking through the forest (with lots of blueberries in the summer!) then ascend up the mountain. You’ll be rewarded with views of Otter Point, Sand Beach, the Beehive, and Cadillac Mountain.

You can return the way you came or head down the Cadillac Cliffs Trail instead. Note that this trail is steeper and does require a bit of scrambling so if you’re hiking with kids, best to stick with the in-and-out path.

Pemetic Mountain – 6 miles / moderately difficult

Pemetic Mountain is one of the most notable peaks in all of Acadia National Park and of the major mountains, one of the easiest to summit. There are actually several different trails with a variety in difficulty leading up to the peak.

Pemetic South Ridge Trail is the “easiest” of the trails, beginning at the Jordan Pond North Lot and the Jordan Pond Path. At the junction with Bubbles & Jordan Pond Path, follow the trail away from Jordan Pond, across the road, and finally to the Pemetic South Ridge Trail north. Return the way you came or take the Pemetic North Ridge Trail to the carriage road along Bubble Pond and then back to Jordan Pond.

The Pemetic East Cliff Trail is an alternate start to the South Ridge Trail with a more direct route but is much steeper.

Pemetic North Ridge Trail can also be taken to the summit from Bubble Pond Parking lot but the scenery is not as beautiful as the south ridge trail and parking is limited.

The adventurous may want to consider the Pemetic Northwest Trail. It begins at the Bubbles parking lot then ascends up the mountain, directly through boulder fields. The trail splits at one point where you can take the ladder down the ravine or along the steep ledge (and after the second ladder up the ravine, it rejoins). Note that this trail is not appropriate for most kids, those without steady feet, or anyone with a fear of heights.