Strenuous
The Beehive Trail
Sand Beach Area
1.6 mi loop+520ft1.5–2 hrs
Iron rungs bolted into vertical granite, exposed ledges, and a 360° summit view over the Atlantic. One of Acadia's most thrilling short hikes.
Acadia National Park
Trail Guides
Detailed guides for Acadia’s best hikes — from flat coastal walks to iron-rung scrambles. Every trail includes at-a-glance stats, parking details, and seasonal notes.
10 trails
Strenuous
The Precipice Trail
Champlain Mountain
1.6 mi out-and-back+1,000ft2–3 hrs
Nearly vertical cliff climbing up Champlain Mountain's east face. Iron rungs, open ledges, and views of Frenchman Bay from 1,058 feet. Acadia's most serious iron rung route.
Easy
Jordan Pond Path
Jordan Pond
3.3 mi loop+180ft1.5–2 hrs
A flat 3.3-mile loop around Acadia's clearest lake with The Bubbles reflected in still water. Ends at the Jordan Pond House — famous for popovers and afternoon tea.
Easy
Ocean Path
Sand Beach to Otter Point
4.4 mi out-and-back+50ft1.5–2 hrs
Flat coastal path along pink granite shoreline, passing Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. The most accessible dramatic scenery in Acadia.
Strenuous
Cadillac South Ridge Trail
Cadillac Mountain
7.0 mi out-and-back+1,530ft4–5 hrs
7 miles of increasingly exposed ridgeline to the highest summit on the US Atlantic seaboard north of Brazil. The best hike-earned view in Acadia.
Moderate
Gorham Mountain Trail
Sand Beach Area
3.5 mi loop+525ft2–2.5 hrs
Gradual granite slab ascent to an open summit with 180° ocean views. Less crowded than Beehive with similar reward. The ideal moderate hike for first-timers.
Moderate
Acadia Mountain Trail
West Side of MDI
2.5 mi loop+680ft1.5–2 hrs
Steep climb to summit views of Somes Sound — a glacially carved fjord-like inlet. A quarter of the crowds of east-side trails, the same quality of view.
Moderate
Great Head Trail
Sand Beach Area
1.7 mi loop+145ft1–1.5 hrs
A short loop from Sand Beach over granite headlands with Atlantic cliff views. More secluded than Ocean Path despite starting from the same lot.
Easy
Bubble Rock Trail
The Bubbles
1.6 mi round trip+400ft45 min–1 hr
Short, steep hike to a 14-foot glacial boulder balanced on the edge of South Bubble. Classic Jordan Pond views and one of Acadia's most photographed geological curiosities.
Easy
Flying Mountain Trail
West Side of MDI
1.5 mi loop+280ft1–1.5 hrs
At 284 feet, the lowest summit in Acadia — but the view of Valley Cove and Somes Sound punches well above its elevation. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone short on time.