Best Hikes in Acadia National Park

Acadia is a gem of the U.S. east coast, and some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park include cliff trails, quiet ponds, historic Maine lighthouses, and ocean views. This park offers hiking trails suitable for all ages and skill levels. While some cliff hikes can be challenging, many trails are family-friendly and perfect for beginners.

We’ve spent weeks exploring this national park during the autumn season, and each visit rewards us with unforgettable experiences. The park encompasses more than 47,000 acres of coastal beauty, and the fall’s vivid foliage adds to its allure.

This guide highlights the best hikes in Acadia National Park—trails that showcase the park’s stunning landscapes and vibrant natural scenery.

Where To Stay In Acadia

Best Hikes In Acadia National Park

1. Beehive Trail

The Beehive Trail is a captivating cliff trail that offers exceptional views of Acadia National Park. Moreover, it is regarded as one of the best hikes for fall foliage, showcasing stunning colors during autumn.

This trail presents some climbing sections with rungs and steep drop-offs, making it a moderate to difficult hike. While exhilarating, caution is advised for those uncomfortable with heights or mobility issues. A slip during wet or icy conditions could lead to serious consequences.

At the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and the Acadia coastline with distant islands.

This is a loop hike with a different return path that offers an easier descent. Generally, you can complete the full loop in 1 to 2 hours.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard

2. Precipice Trail

As the premier hike in Acadia National Park, the Precipice Trail is renowned for its stunning views and adrenaline-pumping challenges. It is considered a more precarious version of the Angels Landing hike on the U.S. east coast.

This thrilling trail requires navigating between massive boulders, scaling steep inclines using metal ladders, and crossing narrow cliff edges. Due to its difficulty, this hike is recommended for experienced hikers only.

Many people have encountered serious accidents here, so those with mobility challenges or a fear of heights should reconsider this trail. Similar to the Beehive Trail, this hike is best avoided during wet or icy conditions.

Like Beehive, this is also a loop hike with a more manageable return path. You can reach the summit in about 1.5 hours, with a considerably faster descent.

Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet (320 m)
Difficulty: Hard

3. Jordan Pond Loop

The Jordan Pond Loop is a gentle hike that circles one of Acadia’s most iconic ponds. Known for its crystal-clear waters, it’s also the deepest pond in the park.

This scenic hike can be completed in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and while some sections may be muddy or narrow, it is generally accessible for all ages.

After your hike, indulge in popovers at the Jordan House Restaurant. The best fall foliage views can be found on the north side of the pond.

Distance: 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

4. South Bubble Trail

This short yet rewarding hike leads to the top of South Bubble Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of Jordan Pond below, especially beautiful during fall.

Along the route, you will encounter Bubble Rock, a large granite boulder perched on a cliff. The starting point of this hike can dictate its difficulty, as beginning from the small parking lot at Bubbles Divide results in a quick 30-minute ascent to the summit.

If you opt to start farther away from Jordan Pond or extend your hike, the adventure can become more strenuous. Regardless, this remains one of the top hiking options in Acadia National Park!

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 350 feet (110 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

5. Ocean Path

The Ocean Path presents an easy and flat walk along the stunning coastline of Acadia National Park, featuring numerous scenic lookout points for photography.

This trail stretches from Sand Beach to Otter Point, measuring approximately 2.2 miles long, or 4.5 miles roundtrip. It’s suitable for everyone, making it one of the easiest hikes in Acadia!

Feel free to adjust your hike length based on your preference; several parking areas are available along the path. Thunder Hole, located halfway along the trail, is a must-see where waves crash against the rocks, creating a dynamic ‘boom’ sound— arriving near high tide is ideal.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

6. Cadillac Summit Loop

Cadillac Mountain is a renowned sunrise destination in Acadia National Park, recognized as one of the first places in the U.S. to witness the dawn due to its easternmost location.

You can easily drive to the summit, but it can become crowded, so vehicle reservations are often necessary during peak seasons. Sunset is also a beautiful time for photography without needing reservations.

Once at the summit parking area, there’s a short loop trail providing outstanding panoramic views of Acadia, Bar Harbor, and the surrounding islands. This loop can be walked in about 30 minutes, making it one of the park’s easiest access points.

Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

7. Bass Harbor Lighthouse

While not a traditional hike, visiting the Bass Harbor Head Light involves a quick and easy walk down to the coast, where you can admire a historic Maine lighthouse.

This lighthouse, established in 1858, is the only one within Acadia National Park, serving to guard the entrance to Bass Harbor.

While interior access is restricted, visitors can explore the surrounding grounds and easily reach the shoreline to observe tidepools and the magnificent lighthouse from below.

The lighthouse area has limited parking, so it’s best to avoid peak sunset hours unless that’s your primary goal for visiting.

Distance: 0.4 miles (0.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

8. Beech Mountain Fire Tower

Beech Mountain presents a less crowded hiking experience, featuring a historic fire tower with impressive views at the summit, making it an excellent spot for sunset hikes.

This 1.2-mile loop trail is easy enough for all ages, typically completed in under one hour. Attain spectacular vistas of Long Pond along the way, and climb the fire tower for a breathtaking 360-degree perspectives of Acadia.

Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 350 feet (110 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

9. Flying Mountain

This relatively easy hike provides superb views of Northeast Harbor and Somes Sound. Due to lower foot traffic, Flying Mountain offers a serene experience with rewarding scenery.

With moderate elevation, fit hikers can reach the peak in about 20 minutes, enjoying its beautiful surroundings.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 320 feet (100 m)
Difficulty: Easy

10. Jordan Cliffs Trail

Adjacent to Jordan Pond, the Jordan Cliffs Trail takes adventurous hikers up narrow cliff faces on the pond’s west side, revealing unique perspectives of the scenic lake.

This strenuous trail is less frequented, offering serene beauty without the crowds. You can also achieve a loop by connecting this trail with the Jordan Pond Loop or South Bubble Trail.

While fall foliage enhances the experience, the views from the South Bubble Trail remain preferable for most.

Distance: 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet (320 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

Map Of The Best Hikes In Acadia National Park

Utilize this map of Acadia trails to help plan your visit. While the icons provide additional details and directions, please keep in mind that some locations may be approximate.

For more in-depth information on finding the starting points for these trails, numerous individual guides are available.

As always, commit to preserving the environment, respect fellow hikers, and leave no trace. Thank you, and enjoy your travels!

Best Short & Easy Acadia Hikes

Here are select recommendations for short and easy hikes suitable for older adults and families with children:

• Bass Harbor Lighthouse — 0.4 miles (0.6 km) roundtrip
• Beech Mountain Fire Tower — 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip
• Cadillac Summit Loop — 0.5 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip
• Jordan Pond Loop — 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip
• Ocean Path — 4.5 miles (7.2 km) roundtrip
• Sundew Trail (Schoodic Peninsula) — 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip

This is not a complete list of all family-friendly hikes in Acadia National Park but highlights a few favorites.

Best Acadia Trails For Fall Foliage

If your main goal is experiencing the stunning fall foliage in Acadia, consider these top trail suggestions:

• Beech Mountain Fire Tower
• Beehive Trail
• Jordan Cliffs Trail
• Jordan Pond Loop
• South Bubble Trail

This list is far from exhaustive but provides a selection of excellent fall foliage hikes in Acadia National Park.

When To See Fall Foliage In Maine

The optimal period for observing fall foliage in coastal Maine, including Acadia, generally peaks around mid-October. However, it’s important to note that peak dates can vary year to year, occurring a week earlier or later in October.

You can also find impressive colors outside the official peak times. For more information on past fall foliage dates and current projections, visit the Maine state website.

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More Acadia Hiking Tips

Thank you for exploring our list of the best hikes in Acadia National Park! These trails have become some of our favorite spots throughout the years, particularly during fall foliage season.