Acadia National Park is a hikers’ paradise that is of pristine nature and rugged ocean path along with its unique values. Its huge trail system with over 120 miles of trails sign for explorations bringing something for every hiker. Yes, you have a wide choice from easy and short hikes to the strenuous and most thrilling. Here we bring you the must-do hikes in Acadia National Park. Even this is not all included, hope there is enough to keep you best occupied for the best days.
- Precipice Trail
- Beehive Trail
- Ocean Path
- Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail
- South Bubble Trail
- Jordan Pond Path
- Jordan Cliff Trail
- Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
Being home to a large number of trails, Acadia stands more unique and exciting among the rest. Whether you are eyeing for a short day out along the shoreline or looking for a long whole day of unlimited adventures, Acadia is a great choice for your plans. So let’s get started.
Must-do Hikes in Acadia National Park
Precipice Trail
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty level: Very hard
- Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Best Time to visit: October
If I say this is the most exciting and the most dangerous trail at Acadia, you would agree. The Precipice Trail is a steep, energetic route to the summit of Champlain Mountain.
With many iron rungs, handrails, ladders, and wooden bridges hikers are much supported in challenging areas. It would be better said the trail is more like a climbing Ferrata route than a normal hiking path.
This strenuous path is about 1.25 miles long on one side but takes about 1000’ feet of elevation. And at the end of the trail, you will meet the most exciting parts of the excursion.
The Precipice Trail is one of the favorite hikes at Acadia and thanks to the spectacular views from the trail, the fun gets doubled. But remember that the Precipice Trail is one of the most dangerous hikes that are mostly recommended for experienced hikers. Those who hike the trail should have a good understanding of heights and it is not recommended for kids and not anyway recommended when raining around.
Beehive Trail
- Estimated Time: 2 to 4 hours
- Length: 2 miles
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Best Time to visit: August
Are you looking for an exciting hiking experience while enjoying rich views; yes, you are at the right point. Beehive Trail is a quite challenging path but comes in the must-do hikes in Acadia National Park. This is definitely not a good option for those who are fearful of heights and this grand peak overlooks Sand Beach from the northwest rewarding picturesque views. Beehive Trail is like an easier version of the most challenging Precipice Trail.
This interesting path features cliff walk sections and metal rugs. And with less height and exposure, this is the choice of many who refuse to with the Precipice Trail. But for those who have fear of heights and plan hikes with kids, Beehive Trail is better ignored.
The Beehive Trail is quite close to the location of the south Precipice Trail but generates views quite different. This is easily reachable through the free Island Explorer bus line and it opens at the Bowl Trailhead close to Sand Beach.
Ocean Path
- Length: 4 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Best Time to visit: August
For you looking for easy hikes in Acadia National Park, Ocean Path is a great option from Sand Beach to Otter Point. But with multiple parking, lots alongside the distance agree to shorter strolls as well. This is an incredibly beautiful, easy, and highly popular must-do hike in Acadia national park. Ocean Path is flat and you can find amazing coastline views along the complete journey. And along the way, you can find some wonderful spots including Thunder Hole.
This roadside trail is family-friendly and you can enjoy hikes with your kids. But take good care about slippery rocks and exposed cliffs could be dangerous. Ocean path is a casual stroll by the coastline which is at the top of Acadia’s hikes. So expect a crowd in midday. And to watch the spots along the way, it is not compulsorily to hike the trail. In fact, you can watch the highlights like Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliffs just by driving the Park Loop Road. So, do this hike as a must!
Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail
- Length: 0.3 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes
- Best Time to visit: August
To get some best views of Acadia, Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop is a must-do hike that is very short and easy. On the other way, this is a hike for everyone and no Acadia trip would be complete without a visit here. In this trail, you will be rewarded with amazing views, of various islands across the ocean, and Bar Harbor. This is an easy loop trail that is short and strolls around the summit posing the picturesque views in all ways.
Cadillac Mountain is one of the most popular sunrise spots in the US. Therefore, from the end of May through October, you are required early reservations to drive to the Cadillac Mountain Summit. Make sure you visit the national park service website before you plan the visit.
South Bubble Trail
- Length: 1 to 2.5 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderately hard
- Estimated Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Best Time to visit: April through October
Never miss the hike to the top of the South Bubble and catch amazing views over the Jordan Pond. South Bubble Trail is a moderately hard day hike trail that is from the Bubbles Parking Lot to Bubble Rock and to the top of the popular South Bubble generating arresting views from the summit. And catch the view of Bubble Rock the biggest granite Boulder that is located on the edge of the cliff insecurely.
Hike to South Bubble Trail is moderately hard yet short bringing a good chance for a family-friendly hike. But make sure you watch your children well as exposed cliffs near Bubble Rock could bring harm and also the trail can get strenuous if you go down the south face in the direction of Jordan Pond. And here you have a chance to hike point-to-point.
Jordan Pond Path
- Length: Round trip of 3.3 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best Time to visit: April through October
Jordan Pond Path is an easy hike trail for all families which is a full loop around the Jordan Pond. The path is flat and is a great hike for all ages and all levels of capacities. And at the end of the hike, you meet the Jordan House Restaurant to have some delicious plates at the time of Acadia.
Jordan Cliff Trail
For the best scenes over the Jordan Pond, the Jordan Cliff trail is a must on your list. That is where you can hike along the narrow ledges with the support of the iron rungs. The path up to the peak of the trail from the Jordan Pond House is hard and steep. But once you reached it, you can catch the most amazing views from the top.
However, this trail is less crowded due to its level of difficulty through exposed ledges. But if you think it would be fine for you and fewer crowds is a top benefit to you, this Jordan Cliff trail would be a perfect fit for you.
This Jordan Cliff Trail combines with other trails in Acadia.
Jordan Cliffs + Jordan Pond Path
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Moderately short and a beautiful path to drive through Spring Trail from Jordan Pond House and hike Jordan Cliffs Trail and use Jordan Pond Path to return to Joran pond House.
Jordan Cliffs + South Bubble + Jordan Pond Path
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
This is about joining three trails into one hard but absolutely worth adventure. Get Spring Trail from Jordan Pond House, hike through Jordan Cliffs to get to the Bubble Divide Trail, and catch amazing views around the South Bubble. And when you are returning hike down South Bubble to the Jordan Pond Path and get to the Jordan Pond House.
Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
- Length: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best Time to visit: August
If you are looking for a hike with everything, Beech Cliff Ladder Trail is a perfect addition to your list of must-do hikes in Acadia National Park. It takes you through amazing views, ladders and iron rungs, a picturesque coastline, and a short cliff walk. This is a quite challenging trail but not as much as Precipice or Beehive. So for those who are looking for an adventurous path but less in danger, this is a perfect fit. And with only a few people, you can enjoy a crowd-free time there.
Where do you plan to hike? Hope you had the best options! To get more details about the must-do hikes in Acadia National park, we recommend you to visit the website of the National Park Service where you can also get updates on the trail status.
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