As a nature enthusiast, I have always been drawn to Acadia National Park’s rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes. When my family discussed places to visit for our summer vacation, I knew I had to suggest Acadia National Park. Thankfully they were all on board to explore the park’s 47,000 acres of pristine wilderness and 150 miles of trails.
One of the best ways to experience Acadia’s diverse terrain is by hiking its many trails. Acadia has hikes for all skill levels and interests, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover. From scenic coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents, the park’s trail system offers endless possibilities for adventure and exploration.
In this guide, I’ll highlight some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park. These hikes show off the park’s most breathtaking scenery and unique features. So, put on your hiking boots and get ready to discover the natural wonders of Acadia!
- Get an America the Beautiful Pass
For $80, you & your family can get into any national park for a year. *Families of 4th graders get in free with the Every Kid Outdoor Program. Acadia National Park does have an entrance fee. It is $30 for a private vehicle if you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass. - Seasonal Closures
While Acadia National Park is open year-round, trails & roads can sometimes close due to construction, Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season, and other reasons. It’s essential that you check the current conditions before you head out there. - Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration backpacks are a lifesaver! The recommended amount of water to bring on a hike is 2 quarts of water per person per 2-hour hike. - Bug Spray
- Bring Snacks
- Dress in Moisture-Wicking Layers
During our visit in July, there was a massive heat wave with an unbelievable amount of humidity. Without moisture-wicking clothes, we would have been drenched. Moisture-wicking clothes pull the sweat & moisture away from your body, keeping you dry. They also are light and dry really fast, unlike cotton or other fabrics. - Island Explorer
The Island Explorer is a free shuttle that stops all over Acadia. This shuttle is particularly handy when visiting during peak season when parking may be an issue. With the Island Explorer, you can park anywhere and catch the shuttle to wherever you are headed.
More on Acadia National Park
East Coast Road Trip to Acadia
U.S. National Park Checklist
Best National Parks for Kids
The Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Below are the 10 best hikes in Acadia National Park. These hikes showcase many of the different landscapes that Acadia has to offer.
The Beehive Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 508 ft.
- Time to Complete: 2 hrs.
- Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
- Dog Friendly: No
- Suitable for Young Kids: No
It’s no surprise that the Beehive Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park. With its challenging yet fun iron rungs and ladder sections that lead up a steep granite mountain face, and impressive panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush forests, and mountains, it’s hard to beat. The Beehive Loop Trail is one of my family’s favorite hikes of all time, and we have hiked a ton of trails.
*I recommend that you start the loop going counterclockwise. This will ensure that you climb up the rungs instead of climbing down them, which is easier.
Beehive Trail Parking Area – For this trail, you’ll use the Sand Beach parking lot, which also has bathrooms. To get to the trailhead, you’ll cross Park Loop Road and start your hike on the Bowl Trail. You’ll only be on the Bowl Trail for a short distance before you veer off onto the Beehive Trail.
*I chose the Beehive Trail over the Precipice Trail because it’s easier and better suited for families with older children. Also, the Precipice Loop Trail is subject to closure due to falcon nesting (approximately mid-April to mid-July).
View Beehive Trail conditions and recent reviews.
Bar Island Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Elevation Gain: 216 ft.
- Time to Complete: 60 min.
- Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime
- Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
- Suitable for Young Kids: Yes
If you are not familiar with high tide and low tide, I highly recommend you do this trail. The water over this trail is around 12 feet deep at high tide, but at low tide, it completely disappears, making it possible to walk to the island.
On your walk out to the island, keep an eye out for tide pools with sea stars, crabs, and snails. We saw a seagull carrying a sea star. We learned and experienced so many things while hiking this trail. Bar Island is a great hike for small children.
If you do hike this trail, make sure to check back at high tide to see how deep the water truly gets.
Bar Island Trail Parking Area – Park in downtown Bar Harbor and then make your way to Bridge Street. Bridge Street will lead you right to the trailhead.
*The land bridge is available to cross 1.5 hours before and after low tide. Check the times for Bar Harbor high tide and low tide before you go.
*If you get stranded, water taxis are available for a fee. The next low tide won’t happen again for 9 hours.
View Bar Island Trail conditions and recent reviews.
Jordan Pond Path
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 42 ft.
- Time to Complete: 60 min.
- Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime
- Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
- Suitable for Young Kids: Yes
Jordan Pond is one of Acadia’s most iconic landscapes. This easy trail follows the shores of Jordan Pond, a crystal-clear body of water that is surrounded by the park’s iconic mountains (Pematic, Penobscot & The Bubbles). Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape reflected in the pond.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You might find nesting peregrine falcons on the granite cliffs, tadpoles, loons & signs of beaver activity.
Jordan Pond Trail Parking Area – You can park at Jordan Pond House or Jordan Pond Boat Launch. Both parking areas have bathrooms. It’s best to arrive early for parking as the parking lots can fill quickly.
*Swimming or wading is not permitted in Jordan Pond.
View Jordan Pond Path trail conditions and recent reviews.
Pemetic Mountain Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.9 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 1040 ft.
- Time to Complete: 2.5 hrs.
- Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Dog Friendly: No
- Suitable for Young Kids: No
The Pemetic Mountain Loop Trail begins at the Jordan Pond House and winds up to the summit of Pemetic Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the park. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and coastline as you ascend to the summit. This trail is a great way to get a good view of bubble rock.
The summit also offers a chance to see local wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, bears, and moose. So, go prepared. We didn’t see any wildlife when we went, but that doesn’t mean you won’t.
This hiking trail features a variety of terrain, including rocky outcroppings, evergreen forests, and exposed ridges. The trail has steep climbs and can be rocky in some sections, so hikers should be prepared with sturdy hiking boots and appropriate gear.
Pemetic Mountain Loop Parking Area – You’ll park at the Jordan Pond boat launch and take the Jordan Pond Path to the rest of the trails.
Are you eager to check off every U.S. national park? Use this helpful national park list. It includes a checklist of every U.S. national park broken down by state & map!
We branched off this trail to see the South Bubble.
To do this you’ll take the Jordan Pond Path Trail to the Bubbles Trail to the Bubbles Divide Trail which gets you back on the original Pemetic Mountain Loop. Sections of the trail to see the South Bubble were pretty difficult with a lot of hiking up/down a steep bald granite mountain.
You can also get to the North Bubble from the South Bubble. Just follow the Bubbles Trail to the Bubbles Divide to the Bubbles trail and you’ll end up at the North Bubble.
View Pemetic Mountain Loop trail conditions & recent reviews.
Thunder Hole to Sand Beach
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.7 miles
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Elevation Gain: 196 ft.
- Time to Complete: 45 min.
- Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Suitable for Young Kids: Yes
Thunder Hole and Sand Beach are two popular attractions in Acadia National Park, located along the park’s stunning coastline.
Thunder Hole is a natural rock formation that creates a booming sound when waves crash into the narrow inlet. It is really neat. My kids had never seen anything like it and were completely enamored.
The sound is caused by the compressed air and water being forced through the narrow crevice and can be heard from a distance of several hundred feet. Thunder Hole is best seen 2 hours before high tide. You can check the tides with this tide chart.
Sand Beach is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach that is nestled between two mountains along the park’s coastline. The beach is Acadia National Park’s only sandy ocean beach. Despite its chilly water temperatures (average 50 – 60 degrees), Sand Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months.
The two attractions are connected by a scenic walking path called Ocean Path. This hiking trail winds along the rocky coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Thunder Hole to Sand Beach Parking area: Just off of Park Loop Road and across the street from Thunder Hole will be a parking lot with a visitor center and restrooms; you’ll want to park here. Once parked, cross the street to watch Thunder Hole. When you’re finished with Thunder Hole, make your way to Ocean Path Trail and follow it to Sand Beach.
Visitors to Thunder Hole and Sand Beach should be aware of the changing tides and surf conditions, which can be dangerous in some areas. It’s important to follow all posted safety warnings and to exercise caution when exploring the coastline.
View Thunder Hole to Sand Beach trail conditions and recent reviews
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.5 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 55 ft.
- Time to Complete: 10 min.
- Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Suitable for Young Kids: Yes
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is a very short & easy way to explore the most famous and highest peak on Mount Desert Island. You’ll drive up Cadillac Summit Road and once at the top, take a short walk around and enjoy some of the best views Acadia has to offer.
At the summit, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, as well as a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The summit also features a gift shop, restrooms, and a small café.
Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations
Reservations are needed if you plan on driving Cadillac Summit Road between May 24 through October 22.
Reservations cost $6 for a private vehicle.
You’ll need to book in advance. Learn more about Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations.
If you can’t get reservations, consider hiking Cadillac North Ridge Trail. This trail will take you by foot to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. There are no reservations necessary for foot traffic.
Did you know that Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern coast of the United States?
View Cadillac Summit Loop trail conditions and recent reviews
What to Pack for Acadia National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Acadia National Park, it’s important to pack carefully to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The park’s rugged terrain and changing weather conditions require hikers to come prepared with the right gear and equipment.
The items listed below were so helpful to us when we visited Acadia National Park in the summer.
*We did not bring our dog, but since Acadia has a BARK Ranger program, I thought I’d add our favorite hiking gear for dogs.
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Helpful Resources for Planning a Trip to Acadia National Park
Helpful Resources We Can’t Live Without
Accommodations- We love and swear by HiltonHonors, but when we want to stay someplace different, we use Hotels.com. You can search for deals on hotels, cabins, houses & more.
Getting There- Roadtripping with our car is how we prefer to travel. That being said, Skyscanner has great deals on flights and RVShare has deals on RV rentals.
Other Favorites-
Save money on gas- Upside
Find pit stops on your route- RoadTrippers
Deals on local food & attractions- Living Social
Explore top city attractions at a fraction of the price- CityPASS
Looking for gear? See the best deals on clothing & gear here, & best travel essentials here.
Looking for road trip food ideas? Check out food for road trips you’ll love.
Learn how to travel on a budget.
See the best hiking apps
Where to Stay in Acadia National Park
We stayed at Hampton Inn in Bangor, Maine. It’s about an hour away from Acadia, which makes it more affordable than the hotels that are closer to Acadia National Park. Being an hour away wasn’t a big deal for us, and we’d happily stay there again.
For more hotel options in Acadia National Park, check out these hotels.
Final Thoughts on Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails that showcase the park’s stunning landscapes and unique features. From the ocean views to the top of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer.
The Jordan Pond Path, Bar Island Trail, Thunder Hole to Sand Beach Trail, Cadillac Summit Loop, Beehive Trail, and Pemetic Mountain Loop are the best Acadia National Park trails. These popular trails are the best way to experience the one of a kind hiking trails and diverse terrain in Acadia. Each trail has its own unique features and challenges, but all offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging ascent, Acadia has a trail that will suit your needs. By exploring the best hikes in Acadia National Park, you’ll discover the beauty and wonder of one of America’s most treasured natural wonders and create memories that will last a lifetime.
What hike are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
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