Best trails in Acadia National Park
4.6·181,415 reviews·United States: #9 of 60 national parks
Want to find the best trails in Acadia National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 248 great trails for hiking, birding, and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 59 easy hiking trails in Acadia National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 6 to 4,445 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Acadia National Park.
Top trails
1
(12492)
•Hard
•1.5 mi
The Beehive Trail Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park. This popular loop offers incredible views, with some challenging rung and ladder sections. This loop starts at the Sand Beach Parking Lot, traverses over the Beehive, reaches the Bowl Pond, and then loops back on the Bowl Trail.
The route should only be hiked in the counterclockwise direction. Going counterclockwise, you go up the rungs and ladders, which is much easier than going down them. Also, this way you...
2
(9267)
•Easy
•3.3 mi
•Est. 1h 0m
There are great views on a lot of the walk around the lake. This trail can get crowded at points, especially on the parts where there were narrower wooden walkways for paths. Go early, as it can be difficult to find a parking spot due to the traffic. The backdrop of the pond and bubbles are beautiful as you meander through the woods along the pond. The boardwalks are unique, and outside of a couple of muddy spots, this trail is very enjoyable.
There’s a section with some rocky terrain but...
3
(6866)
•Moderate
•3.0 mi
•Est. 1h 29m
The Gorham Mountain Loop is a wonderful hike that will take you over mountain ledges, along the shore of the Atlantic, and the iconic Sand Beach.
From the Gorham Mountain Trailhead you will go up and over the ledges of Gorham Mountain while taking in ocean views. After descending the mountain and meeting the Bowl Trail, you will cross over to the Sand Beach Parking lot and take the Ocean Path past Thunder Hole.
Continue walking past Thunder Hole and look for a stump with Gorham Mountain...
4
(4883)
•Easy
•4.1 mi
•Est. 1h 31m
Starting at the south end of the upper Sand Beach Parking lot, the easy 2.2 mile mostly flat one-way Ocean Path trail parallels the loop road all the way to Otter Point. The path offers scenic views and numerous access points to outcroppings above the rocky shore, including major attractions like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Great trail to stroll or to deviate and explore the best Acadia has to offer. Get to the area early before any tour buses or late around sunset and you can have the...
5
(7172)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 2h 24m
This trail goes to the highest point in Acadia National Park. To get to the start of the hike, you may need to park before a closed section of the park loop road nearest the trailhead. From there, you take the Kebo Trail for a little bit, and then there's a sign to the start of the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. You will stay on this trail until you reach the summit and use it to descend back to the trailhead.
From the top Schoodic Peninsula and Frenchman Bay are visible. This hike is popular...
6
(4403)
•Hard
•3.5 mi
This hike involves scaling ladders and scrambling, making it very technical.
Along the way visitors will enjoy views from atop The Beehive and Gorham Mountain, and walk alongside The Bowl pond and Atlantic Ocean.
It is recommended to do this hike counter clockwise so hikers are ascending the ladders on The Beehive rather than descending them.
7
(4247)
•Moderate
•6.7 mi
Cadillac Mountain is known for its spectacular views, especially at sunrise. This route begins in a parking lot near the Blackwoods Campground and is one of the longest stretches of trail on Mount Desert Island. There is also an access trail from the campground itself. The true summit is to the left where the South Ridge Trail opens onto the gravel access road. Look for two survey benchmarks established by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856 and 1954.
The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge...
8
(2493)
•Hard
•3.5 mi
From the Jordan Pond boat ramp, walk alongside the eastern banks of the pond.
This trail will lead to the base of South Bubble, hike and scramble up this trail and enjoy the views from the summit of South Bubble.
Descend back down South Bubble and follow the western bank of Jordan Pond back to the trailhead.
There is a short section with iron rungs on South Bubble, so it is not recommended to bring dogs on this hike.
9
(5491)
•Hard
•2.6 mi
The Precipice Trail is a difficult and very steep loop trail using iron rungs and ladders on exposed cliffs providing spectacular views of Acadia National Park.
The hike is not recommended during wet conditions, or if you experience vertigo; also not recommended for small children. The trail starts up steps and through some boulder scrambles. While officially a non-technical hike due to strategically placed iron rungs, ladders and rock ledges, this is really a climb that requires you to be...
10
(4439)
•Moderate
•1.8 mi
The Great Head Trail features rocky outcroppings, sandy beach access, and ocean views over a short distance.
Along the way hikers will see the remains of an old stone tower which formerly housed an observatory and tea room.
There are some large boulders that can be difficult for dogs to jump on and off.
Showing results 1–10 of 248
Guides
Trail reviews for Acadia National Park
Best hike in Acadia and probably one of my all-time faves. I got off trail on the return/descent as I didnt see the marking but quickly backtracked. The variety in terrain, the boulders and overall challenge made it super fun!
Parking: Free, Small lot
Started at 5am and made the sunrise. Absolutely stunning and well worth it if you’re in Acadia. The view at the top will take a breath.
Parking: Large lot
Cadillac South Ridge Trail
Beautiful hike, saw a lovely sunset on the way through. Only saw maybe 3 people. Really peaceful and beautiful views without being too difficult. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Acadia.
Difficulty: Moderate
Gorham Mountain Loop
Great hike for a quick trip to Acadia! Hits the thrill of Beehive (the rungs are great), the fascination of Thunder Hole, and the beauty of the rocky coastline. The forest is mossy and mystical. Saw a bald eagle over the bowl. Great views to stop and eat a snack with. Rocky, so take sturdy shoes and resilient ankles. Most of the elevation is in the first half. Excellent bathroom access at trailhead and by the Fabbri memorial about halfway through the hike. Mid November Sunday was a great temperature with layers and not crowded at all. Only complaint about the season is the Visitors Center being closed and sunset at 4. Get your hikes in early! Quick note: I noticed another review say dog friendly, but I would be wary of bringing a dog on the rungs of Beehive.
Beehive, the Bowl, Gorham Mountain, Ocean Drive Loop
Beautiful off-season hike! Lots of crispy leaves in some spots make for hidden trail steps, so take your time. Only saw two people the whole trek. Our pup had no trouble keeping up (50-ish lb lab mix). Great sliver of Acadia.
Valley Peak Trail
Was my first time hiking in Acadia Park, the beehive was difficult and a bit dangerous in some sections on the way up. It was however challenging and fun. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re afraid of heights or have bad knees. But the views were so worth it!
Conditions: No bugs, Dry ground, Well maintained
The Bowl via Beehive Trail
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Acadia National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Acadia National Park is The Beehive Loop Trail, which has a 4.9 star rating from 12,492 reviews. This trail is 1.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 508 ft.
What is the longest trail in Acadia National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Acadia National Park is Mount Desert Island Marathon. This trail is estimated to be 26.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Acadia National Park?
There are 248 trails in Acadia National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 181,415 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Acadia National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Acadia National Park has you covered. Cadillac, Dorr, Pemetic, and Bubbles Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 4,445 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Dorr, Cadillac, Pemetic and Dike Peak Loop, which will get you 3,248 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Acadia National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 camping trails in Acadia National Park and the most popular is Quarry Path and Otter Cove Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 336 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Acadia National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 126 running trails in Acadia National Park and the most popular is Jordan Pond Path with an average 4.8 star rating from 9,267 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Acadia National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 20 biking trails in Acadia National Park and the most popular is Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,685 community reviews.