Best trails in Mount Desert
4.7(46,570 reviews)
Looking for the best hiking trails in Mount Desert? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 72 scenic trails in the Mount Desert area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Explore one of 7 easy hiking trails in Mount Desert or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Mount Desert that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(8858)
•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...
2
(4495)
•Moderate
•7.0 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...
3
(1433)
•Hard
•3.1 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.
There is a short section with iron rungs on South Bubble, so it is not recommended to bring dogs on this hike.
4
(2112)
•Moderate
•1.4 mi
A fun loop hike up to the top of a rocky mountain called South Bubble which has a very cool large glacial erratic left over from the last ice age. It is perched on the very edge of the steep cliff face and looks like it could be pushed off. The trail then descends to the north end of Jordan Pond for some great views. Follow a nice carriage road back to the trailhead.
While it is dog friendly, there are some rock faces and sections of this trail that are fairly tricky for dogs.
5
(2944)
•Moderate
•1.2 mi
•Est. 44m
This loop will bring visitors to one of the areas only remaining fire towers. After leaving the Beech Mountain Trailhead, hikers will enter a forested area before it opens up offering views of Long Pond and Mansell Mt.
If summiting Beech Mountain for a sunrise or sunset hike be sure to bring appropriate layers and a headlamp.
6
(1662)
•Moderate
•1.5 mi
From the Bubbles Divide Trail, users can take spur trails up to North Bubble, South Bubble, and Bubble Rock.
The summit of the Bubbles provides excellent views of the surrounding mountains and Jordan Pond.
The Bubbles are a unique and famous Acadia landmark that is a must do hike. Sections of the trail are rocky so good shoes are recommended.
Acadia National Park lists this as a trail not recommended for dogs, even though they are technically allowed on leash.
7
(1259)
•Moderate
•1.2 mi
•Est. 39m
From the Bubbles Divide Trailhead, follow the trail to The Bubbles Junction.
Follow the route south to summit South Bubble and enjoy views of Jordan Pond, the surrounding Bubbles, Penobscot Mountain, and Pemetic Mountain.
This is an absolutely classic Acadia hike that should not be missed! Shoes with good traction are recommended.
Most hikers will opt to hike over the top and back to the parking area via the Jordan Pond Carry Trail reflected here:...
8
(1616)
•Hard
•3.7 mi
This loop offers great views of Somes Sound and Echo Lake while summiting two peaks. There is a good variety of wooded sections of trail and open sections.
Hikers should only attempt this hike during dry conditions. The trail features many granite slopes near cliff edges that are extremely treacherous when wet.
Acadia National Park lists this as a trail not recommended for dogs, even though they are technically allowed on leash.
9
(1272)
•Hard
•5.6 mi
This is a loop trail that allows you to summit six peaks within Acadia.
It is a challenging route with beautiful views throughout of surrounding lakes, mountains, and coast.
Hikers will cross Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Peak, Sargent Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, and Cedar Swamp Mountain along the route.
10
(1306)
•Moderate
•2.2 mi
•Est. 1h 25m
This loop begins from Route 3 and will lead to the summit of two peaks, Bald Peak Parkman Mountain, and along a forested path with some steep sections and rocky footing.
The trail does feature one iron rung section to assist with scaling the steep slope.
The summit of both mountains is wide open with terrific views.
Showing results 1–10 of 72
Trail reviews for Mount Desert
This is a great easy trail! There is a point where there are large rocks that you gotta climb and must be careful, but otherwise it’s beginner friendly!
Jordan Pond Path
Beautiful view about a mile and a half in! Keeps getting better from there! It’s definitely a moderate hike with a couple spots where you scramble.
Parking: Free, Medium lot
Parked at Jordan Pond House lot and walked around Jordan Pond - took a detour to do the Bubble summit. Bubble Summit - doable might be using your hands for balance on rocks. There are blue paint marks indicating where you need to go on the path. I came the same way down as the way up - heard there was an easier route to go down off the back side - did not try it though
Awesome climb up. At the fire tower we took the south mountain trail down.
A bit wet and foggy, so did not get much of a view, but the climb up was rewarding. North is a bit steeper and rockier than South, but both short and doable with a good pair of hikers and poles for those who need the steadiness like myself.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails in Mount Desert?
There are plenty of things to do on Mount Desert's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 70 hiking trails, 26 running trails, 10 walking trails, and more.
What is the longest trail in Mount Desert?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Mount Desert is Around The Mountain Loop Trail via Jordan Pond. This trail is estimated to be 12.3 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Mount Desert?
Mount Desert: With an ascent of 2,946 ft, Penobscot, Sargent, North Bubble, Eagle Lake and Pemetic Mountain has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Jordan Cliffs, Penobscot, Sargent, Bubbles, and Pemetic Mountain Loop [CLOSED] with 2,644 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail in Mount Desert?
The most popular and difficult trail in Mount Desert is Jordan Pond to South Bubble Summit with a 4.7-star rating from 1,433 reviews.
Are there camping trails available in Mount Desert?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Mount Desert and the most popular is Around The Mountain Loop Trail via Jordan Pond with an average 4.8 star rating from 305 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Mount Desert?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 running trails in Mount Desert and the most popular is Jordan Pond Path with an average 4.8 star rating from 8,858 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Mount Desert?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Mount Desert and the most popular is Hadlock Loop from Carriage Road with an average 4.6 star rating from 590 community reviews.