Acadia National Park is currently one of the top 10 most visited National Parks with over 3 million visitors each year for hikes and relaxation. While there are over a 100 miles of beautiful hiking trails we have narrowed down a few of our favorite must do hikes in Acadia. Even though Acadia is on an island it’s not uncommon to see bears or moose in the park so always pack accordingly.
Listed in no particular order
Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is one of the clearest lakes in Maine and the trail is a fantastic 3.4 mile loop around the lake. This is an extremely popular hike and the parking lot fills up quickly so plan accordingly. Park Rangers will issue tickets and were very active for illegal parking in this area while we were visiting.
The trail is for the most part easy and paved with gravel but there are sections going up and over rocks. One section has a raised boardwalk path to protect the area so please do not walk off of the boardwalk. To extend this hike you can take the trails up to The Bubbles and get an incredible view overlooking Jordan Pond. There are clear open spots to enjoy the lake and breeze, beautiful scenery, and with the easy going terrain this is a great hike for the entire family.
The Bubbles – Bubble Rock
The Bubbles hike is around 1.6 miles round trip if you visit the north and south bubble. While the trail is relativly short and with an elevation of only a little over 750ft at the top, there are sections that can be pretty steep. The south bubble is the spot to get an amazing view of Jordan Pond.
The parking lot for the Bubbles is small so we recommend hiking to the bubbles via Jordan Pond loop trail. Both parking lots fill up quickly so the earlier you get here the better. While up on the South Bubble go check out Bubble Rock – a giant rock boulder that sits on the side of the cliff top. While this is a short and uphill hike, this is another great hike for the entire family to experience.
Bar Path Island
Located near Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Path Island is a little over 2 miles including the lookout on the island. During low tide you can walk the Bar Path Trail to another Island that is also part of Acadia Nation Park. During the walk you can search for sea shells, crabs and starfish from the ocean bottom. If you choose to hike along the island, be aware of the times so you are not stuck on the island when the tide comes in. Once on the island you will reach a peak to see a great view of Bar Harbor and all the boats. The trail is fun and fantastic for the entire family.
The Beehive Trail
The Beehive Trail is a short 1.5 mile loop, but it’s not for the faint of heart. This trail is difficult, steep, and you’ll be maneuvering around rocks and boulders. There are handles into the rock to help to pull yourself up, but can be extremely difficult for most. If you are unsure at all about your ability on this type of trail you should not attempt it. The back way is slightly less strenuous as there are no boulders to maneuver around. Once at the top you get an incredible view of Sand Beach and the Gulf of Maine. While this is an amazing hike and very rewarding please proceed with caution. This hike is not for the whole family.
Acadia in Maine may not seem like an exciting place to visit, but it has some of the best hikes and views around. It’s not a top 10 National Park for no reason. Make sure after spending your day at the park you don’t forget head to Bar Harbor and get some fresh caught lobster rolls at the local eateries.
