From easy strolls along coastal paths to summit climbs to thrilling cliff walks, there are a lot of amazing hikes in Acadia National Park. You can walk along the rocky coastline, circle Jordan Pond, climb granite peaks, or tackle Acadia’s famous iron-rung trails, where ladders and metal rungs take you straight up exposed cliff faces.
One of the things that makes Acadia so unique, and so exciting, is the large number of trails with ladders and metal rungs. Similar to a via ferrata, you can hike along narrow ledges and climb up sheer rock faces with the aid of these metal rungs. Some, like the Beehive, are a fun introduction. Others, like the Precipice Trail, are seriously hair-raising.
If defying gravity on a cliff trail is not for you, keep your feet on solid ground and hike to the summit of a mountain or stroll along the coast.
Most of the trails on this list are 3 miles long or shorter, so it is possible to hike several of these trails, even if you only have a day or two in Acadia National Park.
In this guide, we share our favorite hikes, which ones we’d prioritize if your time is limited, and how to choose the best Acadia hikes for your experience level.
Our Experiences in Acadia: Tim and I spent three days hiking in Acadia National Park in October, right at peak fall color. Kara returned in the summer to hike on remote Isle au Haut, the quietest corner of the park. We are avid hikers and have visited 56 of the 63 U.S. national parks, hiking everything from short scenic trails to Angels Landing and Half Dome. We hiked every trail in this post, and all photos are our own.
October 2026 Update: We’ve reorganized this guide into easy walks, summit and coastal hikes, and ladder trails. We also added Isle au Haut, star ratings for every hike, a “which hike should you choose” table, and updated trail stats.
Which Acadia Hike Should You Choose?
With so many great hikes packed into Acadia National Park, choosing which ones to do can be surprisingly difficult. These are our top picks based on what you are looking for.
| If you want… | We recommend… |
|---|---|
| Best overall hike | Precipice Trail |
| Best hike for first-time visitors | Beehive Trail |
| Best easy hike | Jordan Pond Path |
| Best coastal hike | Ocean Path |
| Best hike with iron rungs | Precipice Trail |
| Best short hike | South Bubble |
| Best summit views | Cadillac Summit Loop Trail |
| Best hike for families | Jordan Pond Path |
| Best hike to escape the crowds | Isle au Haut Southern Coast Loop |
| Best fall hike | Dorr Mountain or Jordan Pond |
| Best easy hike away from the busiest areas | Sundew Trail |
Our Top Picks
If you only have time for one hike: Combine Jordan Cliffs, South Bubble, and the Jordan Pond Path into one loop. You get iron rungs and ledges, two different views over Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock, and an easy lakeside finish that ends at the Jordan Pond House for popovers. Tim and I did this and loved it.
If you want the most thrilling hike in the park: The Precipice Trail was our favorite hike in Acadia. It is a steep, exposed climb up iron rungs and narrow ledges, so it’s only for experienced hikers with a good head for heights. Note that it’s closed for peregrine falcon nesting from early spring into midsummer.
If you want a ladder trail but aren’t sure about heights: Start with the Beehive Trail or the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail. Both have iron rungs and cliff views with much less exposure than the Precipice, and Beech Cliff is far less crowded.
If you are hiking with kids or want an easy trail: The Jordan Pond Path is flat, beautiful, and easy to shorten.
If you want to leave the crowds behind: Take the ferry to Isle au Haut and hike the loop from Duck Harbor. It’s a full-day commitment, but you’ll have rugged coastline mostly to yourself.
If you want something quiet but easy: The Sundew Trail is a good choice. It doesn’t have the dramatic scenery of Acadia’s summit hikes, but it offers a peaceful walk through a less-visited part of the park.
Map of the Hiking Trails in Acadia
Below is a map of Acadia National Park. Each black marker indicates a different area of the park to visit. Red markers indicate hiking trails, green markers mark places to visit and things to do, blue markers mark recommended hotels, and yellow markers mark recommended restaurants. Park Loop Road runs through the heart of Mount Desert Island.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
About our ratings: Our ratings reflect the overall hiking experience, including scenery, trail variety, crowds, and whether we think the hike is worth your time. Difficulty does not affect the rating. A short, easy walk can earn five stars if the experience is worth it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional: One of the best hikes in Acadia; worth planning your day around.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Very good: Highly recommended, especially for the right type of hiker.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Good: Enjoyable, but we’d prioritize other trails if time is limited.
⭐️⭐️ Fine if you’re nearby: Pleasant, but not worth a special trip.
Best Easy Walks in Acadia
Cadillac Summit Loop
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Some of the best views in Acadia for almost no effort. This is a great choice for everyone, especially at sunrise, but you’ll need a vehicle reservation to drive up during peak season.
Distance: 0.3 miles | Time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: Minimal
Short, easy, and offering some of the best views of Acadia National Park, this is a great hike for everyone. From this trail, you get panoramic views over the park, Bar Harbor, and the numerous small islands that are scattered across the ocean.
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
Due to its location and height, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first spots in the United States to see the sunrise, making this Acadia’s most popular sunrise spot.
Getting Here: The loop starts at the parking lot on the summit of Cadillac Mountain. A vehicle reservation is required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from late May through October. Reservations are released in advance on Recreation.gov, and sunrise slots sell out quickly.
Jordan Pond Path
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of our favorite easy hikes in Acadia. It’s flat, the views across Jordan Pond to the Bubbles are beautiful, and it ends at the Jordan Pond House for popovers.
Distance: 3.3 miles | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: Minimal
This easy path does a full loop around Jordan Pond. It’s flat, so it’s great for all ages and ability levels, and there’s nearly always something to look at, from the Bubbles at the north end of the pond to the reflections of the trees in fall.
Jordan Pond Path
Jordan Pond Path
Parts of the west side of the loop cross rocky sections and long stretches of boardwalk, so wear sturdy shoes even though the trail is easy. Once you finish, stop at the Jordan Pond House for its famous popovers.
Getting Here: Park at the Jordan Pond House. This lot fills early in summer and fall, so arrive before 8 am or take the Island Explorer shuttle, which stops here.
Extend This Hike: For a bigger adventure, combine the Jordan Pond Path with the Jordan Cliffs Trail and South Bubble. Keep reading for details.
Ocean Path
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The coastal scenery is lovely, but much of the trail runs right alongside Park Loop Road. If you’re short on time, you can see the highlights by driving and stopping at the viewpoints.
Distance: 4 miles out-and-back (about 2 miles round trip from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole) | Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: Minimal
This easy walk from Sand Beach to Otter Point is one of Acadia’s most popular trails. It’s flat, it’s easy, and you have coastline views the entire way. Thunder Hole, where waves crash into a narrow inlet and create a thundering boom, is one of the highlights.
Ocean Path
Most of this trail sits alongside Park Loop Road, so at times you’ll have better views of the cars than of the coastal cliffs. For this reason, we thought this hike was just OK. You can see Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs without hiking by driving Park Loop Road and stopping at each viewpoint. Expect big crowds midday either way.
Getting Here: Park at the Sand Beach parking lot on Park Loop Road. It fills by mid-morning in summer, so arrive early or take the Island Explorer shuttle.
Sundew Trail (Schoodic Peninsula)
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️ A pleasant forest-and-coast walk, but not worth the trip on its own. Add it on only if you’re already visiting the Schoodic Peninsula.
Distance: 2 miles | Time: 1 to 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: Minimal
This hike is on the Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia National Park on the mainland and a spot famous for its dramatic, wave-battered coastline. The easy loop passes through a dense, fragrant spruce forest and along the shore. On a clear day, you can see across the bay to Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain.
Schoodic Peninsula
The Sundew Trail is a nice walk, but in my opinion, it isn’t worth traveling here just for this hike. If you already plan to visit Schoodic Point, it’s a pleasant addition to your day.
Getting Here: The Schoodic Peninsula is about an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor. In summer, you can also take the seasonal ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and ride the Island Explorer’s Schoodic route around the peninsula. The trail starts near the Schoodic Institute.
Best Summit & Coastal Hikes in Acadia
South Bubble Trail
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A short, steep climb to one of the best views over Jordan Pond, plus a close-up look at Bubble Rock. This is one of our favorite hikes in Acadia, and it’s even better as part of the Jordan Cliffs loop.
Distance: 1 mile (from the Bubbles parking lot) | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 400 feet
For one of the best views over Jordan Pond, hike to the top of South Bubble.
The “Bubbles” are two small mountains that sit side by side at the north end of Jordan Pond. South Bubble, with its exposed granite face, offers amazing views from the summit. Near the top, you also can see Bubble Rock, an enormous granite boulder that precariously sits on the edge of a cliff.
South Bubble Trail
The climb is short but steep, with some scrambling over granite. Take extra care if the rock is wet, since it gets very slippery.
Getting Here: The shortest route starts at the Bubbles parking lot on Park Loop Road, just north of Jordan Pond. Don’t confuse it with the Bubble Pond parking lot. This small lot fills quickly, so arrive early. From here, take the Bubbles Divide Trail to South Bubble and Bubble Rock.
You can also start at the Jordan Pond House and walk the Jordan Pond Path or the Jordan Cliffs Trail to the north end of the pond, then climb South Bubble from there. This makes a longer, more varied hike of 3 to 5 miles.
Extend This Hike: Our favorite way to hike South Bubble is as part of the Jordan Cliffs + South Bubble + Jordan Pond Path loop, described below in the Jordan Cliffs section.
Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ We both liked this hike, but we thought that views from Cadillac Mountain, Champlain Mountain, and Beech Cliffs (mentioned next) were better. However, this seems to be a low traffic trail, so if you don’t mind a brutal stair climb and want a break from the crowds, this is one to consider.
Distance: 3.4 miles | Time: 3 to 4 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,200 feet
The Ladder Trail is one of Acadia’s toughest climbs and it will make your thighs scream. It is essentially one massive stair climb to the top with a few ladders thrown in, just to keep things interesting. Pace yourself at the start. Tim and I thought this was one of the toughest climbs we did in Acadia.
Start of the Ladder Trail
Dorr Mountain
View from Dorr Mountain
From the peak of Dorr Mountain, you get spectacular views over Acadia National Park, or so we have heard. Unfortunately, low-lying clouds covered the peak of Dorr Mountain during our hike, so we never got to see the views that so many others have raved about. However, on the hike back down to sea level, while on the Dorr South Ridge Trail, we had beautiful views of the park.
How to Do This: Hike the Ladder Trail to the summit of Dorr Mountain. Take the Dorr South Ridge Trail and enjoy the views of the coastline. Once on the Canon Brook Trail, the hike is flat and easy and gorgeous in October. Our favorite part of the hike was seeing the two small ponds in the Gorge, not far from the Dorr Mountain Trailhead.
Getting Here: The Ladder Trail starts on Route 3, just south of the Sieur de Monts area near The Tarn. Parking is limited to a small roadside lot.
Isle au Haut Loop
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is Acadia without the crowds: rugged cliffs, rocky coves, and quiet forest trails on a remote island. Getting here takes a ferry ride and most of a day, but it’s a memorable adventure for experienced hikers.
Distance: 4.5 miles | Time: 3 to 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,100 feet
Isle au Haut is a remote island in Penobscot Bay, and roughly half of it belongs to Acadia National Park. Very few visitors make the trip, so you get a side of Acadia that most people never see.
Kara hiked here with a friend in July 2023, and she often felt like she had the island entirely to herself. The loop from Duck Harbor follows the island’s southern coastline past steep cliffs, rocky coves, and spots like Squeaker Cove, then heads back through spruce forest.
The trails here are rugged and rocky, and there are no services on this part of the island. Bring everything you need, including plenty of water, food, and layers.
Getting Here: Isle au Haut is reached by the Isle au Haut Boat Services ferry from Stonington, about 1.5 hours from Bar Harbor. For hiking, ride the ferry all the way to the Duck Harbor landing, which has seasonal summer service. The year-round mailboat only stops at the town landing on the north end of the island, far from the best trails. Plan your hike around the return ferry time.
Isle au Haut Day Trip: Things to Do & How to Get Here
How to plan a day trip to Isle au Haut and hike the coastal loop trail.Best Iron Rung & Ladder Trails in Acadia
The ladder trails are what make Acadia National Park so unique. Iron rungs, ladders, and handrails bolted into the granite help you climb cliff faces and edge along narrow ledges. They’re a lot of fun, but they aren’t for everyone. If you’re nervous about heights, start with Beech Cliff or the Beehive before deciding whether the Precipice is for you. Never hike these trails when the rock is wet, and don’t bring small children.
Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This trail beat our expectations. You get ladders and iron rungs, big views over Echo Lake and the coast, and far fewer people than the Beehive or Precipice. It’s a great choice if you want a thrill without the extreme exposure.
Distance: 2.2 miles | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 700 feet
This hike has a little bit of everything: iron rungs and ladders, scenic views over lakes and the coastline, and brief cliff walks. It’s not quite as hair-raising as Precipice or Beehive, so this is a nice option if you are looking for a thrill without the danger of these other cliff trails. Plus, we saw very few people on this trail, a nice bonus.
Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
On this hike, you get one of the best views of Acadia National Park, especially in autumn.
The highlight is the short Beech Cliff Loop at the top, where you get the best views of the day. Some sections are exposed, but the cliff tops are wide, so if you’re afraid of heights you can stand well back from the edge and still enjoy the view.
How to Do This: From the Echo Lake Beach parking lot, take the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail up to the cliffs, a short but steep climb with several ladders. Walk the Beech Cliff Loop, then descend on the Canada Cliff Trail back to the parking lot.
Getting Here: Park at the Echo Lake Beach parking lot off Route 102, on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island.
Beehive Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length of Time: 1 to 2 hours
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The best introduction to Acadia’s ladder trails. You get iron rungs, narrow ledges, and a fantastic view over Sand Beach in a short hike. It’s busy, so go early.
Distance: 1.4 miles | Time: 1 to 2 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 450 feet
If you are looking for a thrilling hike with an awesome view, this is one of the best hikes in Acadia to put on your to-do list.
This trail is a tamer, easier version of the Precipice Trail. The Beehive Trail also features sections of cliff walks and metal rungs, but with less elevation gain and less exposure, this is a good option if you are not quite sure if you can handle the Precipice Trail.
However, as you can see in our photos, there are sections of narrow cliff ledges and non-technical climbs up metal rungs. If you have a fear of heights or are hiking with young kids, skip this hike.
The Beehive Trail is located just a short distance south of the Precipice Trail but the views are a lot different. Now, you look out over Sand Beach and Great Head.
Beehive Trail
How to Do This: From the Sand Beach parking lot, follow the Bowl Trail to the start of the Beehive Trail and climb to the summit. Go up the iron rungs only, not down. Descend past The Bowl, a small mountain pond, and back to the parking lot.
Getting Here: Park at the Sand Beach parking lot on Park Loop Road. It fills early in summer and fall, so arrive by 8 am or take the Island Explorer shuttle.
Hiking the Beehive Trail in Acadia: What It’s Really Like
Everything you need to know to hike the Beehive Trail.Jordan Cliffs Trail
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Iron rungs, narrow ledges, and a beautiful view over Jordan Pond, with fewer people than the easy path below. It’s best done as part of a loop with South Bubble.
Distance: 3.5 miles (Jordan Cliffs + Jordan Pond Path loop) | Time: 2 to 3 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 900 feet
For another spot to enjoy amazing views over Jordan Pond, plus the chance to walk along narrow ledges with the help of iron rungs, put the Jordan Cliffs Trail on your list.
From the Jordan Pond House, it’s a steep climb to the cliffs, but once you’re up high the views are beautiful. Because of the exposed ledges and difficulty, this trail is much less crowded than the Jordan Pond Path. If you want to escape the crowds and still see Jordan Pond, this is a nice option.
View from the Jordan Cliffs Trail
The Jordan Cliffs Trail can be combined with several other trails in the area.
Jordan Cliffs + Jordan Pond Path
A relatively short, scenic option is to take the Spring Trail from the Jordan Pond House, hike the Jordan Cliffs Trail, and return to the Jordan Pond House via the Jordan Pond Path.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours
Jordan Cliffs + South Bubble + Jordan Pond Path
How about combining three trails into one?
Take the Spring Trail from the Jordan Pond House, hike the Jordan Cliffs Trail to the Bubbles Divide Trail, and enjoy the view from South Bubble. To get back to the Jordan Pond House, hike down the South Bubble Trail to the Jordan Pond Path.
Tim and I did this and loved it. It is a tough hike, with two strenuous climbs and one very steep descent down the South Bubble Trail, so this hike can trash your quads. But you get to enjoy the view over Jordan Pond from two different vantage points, hike along narrow ledges, and finish the hike off with an easy, leisurely stroll along Jordan Pond. Plus, once you are finished, you can eat all the popovers you like!
Distance: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length of Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Getting Here: Park at the Jordan Pond House, or take the Island Explorer shuttle, since this lot fills early.
Seasonal Closure: The Jordan Cliffs Trail closes each spring to protect nesting peregrine falcons. In 2026, the closure began March 1. The trail typically reopens in late July or early August if nesting is successful, or sooner if it fails. Check the NPS Acadia current conditions page before you go.
Precipice Trail
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our favorite hike in Acadia, and the most thrilling. In less than a mile, you climb more than 1,000 feet up iron rungs and across exposed ledges to spectacular views from Champlain Mountain. It’s only for experienced hikers with a good head for heights.
Distance: 3.2 miles (loop) | Time: 2 to 3 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,000+ feet
This is, without a doubt, the most thrilling, and the most dangerous hike in Acadia National Park.
With rock scrambling, several sections of cliff walks (with some of these at a very high elevation), and lots of exposure, you need to have a good head for heights in order to do this hike.
From the parking lot on the Park Loop Road, it’s a strenuous climb to the summit of Champlain Mountain. In less than one mile, you will ascend over 1,000 feet. You’ll rock scramble, crawl under boulders larger than your car, and climb up series after series of metal rungs. At times, you will be walking along cliffs that are only a few feet wide.
Precipice Trail
From the parking lot on the Park Loop Road, it’s a strenuous climb to the summit of Champlain Mountain. In less than one mile, you will ascend over 1,000 feet. You’ll rock scramble, crawl under boulders larger than your car, and climb up series after series of metal rungs. At times, you will be walking along cliffs that are only a few feet wide.
This was our favorite hike in Acadia National Park. Not only is this hike tons of fun, but the views from the trail and the summit of Champlain Mountain are spectacular.
This hike is dangerous. People have fallen and died from the Precipice Trail, so this hike is not to be underestimated. In order to do this hike, you should have prior hiking experience and a good head for heights. This hike is not recommended for small kids or if it is wet or raining. The granite surfaces are extremely slippery and dangerous when wet.
How to Do This: You can hike the Precipice Trail out-and-back, but for safety reasons it is best to turn this into a loop hike. From the Precipice Trail trailhead on Park Loop Road, take the Precipice Trail to the Champlain Summit. At the summit, take the Champlain North Ridge Trail to the Orange & Black Path to the parking lot.
Getting Here: Park at the Precipice Trail parking lot on Park Loop Road. The lot is small and fills early.
Seasonal Closure: The Precipice Trail and its parking lot close each spring to protect nesting peregrine falcons. In 2026, the closure began March 1. The trail typically reopens in late July or early August if nesting is successful, or sooner if it fails. Check the NPS Acadia current conditions page before planning your hike. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, the Beehive is a great alternative.
How to Hike the Precipice Trail, Acadia’s Most Thrilling Hike
Step-by-step trail guide for the Precipice Trail, plus lots of photos so you know what to expect.When is the Best Time to Go Hiking in Acadia National Park?
We visited Acadia National Park in October 2019. Tim and I spent three full days in the park, from October 11 to 13. During our visit, the fall colors were considered to be “high,” with 50 to 70% of the trees displaying fall colors. This is based on the fall foliage report on the Maine Foliage website. Temperatures were cool and comfortable for the steep ladder climbs. We had one day of low clouds, which hid the view from Dorr Mountain, but the rest of our trip was crisp and clear. Trailhead parking lots were very busy, since fall is a popular time for leaf peepers, so early starts were important.
For coastal Maine, fall colors usually peak in mid-October, though the timing varies each year with the weather. Before you go, check the Maine fall foliage report for current conditions.
Kara visited in July 2023 to hike on Isle au Haut. Summer is a great time for the island, since the ferry runs to the Duck Harbor landing, which puts you right next to the best trails.
Here’s what to expect in each season:
- Spring (April to May): This is mud season. The carriage roads close during the spring thaw, and the Precipice and Jordan Cliffs Trails close for peregrine falcon nesting. Park Loop Road opens in mid-April, and black flies can be bothersome in late May and June.
- Summer (June to August): Every trail is open by late summer, including the Precipice and Jordan Cliffs once the nesting closures lift. This is peak season, so expect full parking lots by mid-morning, plus fog and humidity on some days.
- Fall (September to October): This is our favorite time to hike in Acadia. September brings cool temperatures, smaller crowds, and fully open trails. Mid-October brings peak fall color, but also the return of big crowds.
- Winter (November to March): Most of Park Loop Road closes to cars, and icy granite makes the ladder trails dangerous. Winter is better for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the carriage roads than for hiking.
Our favorite time to hike in Acadia is early to mid-October. You get comfortable hiking temperatures, gorgeous fall color, and every trail open. If you’d rather avoid the leaf-peeping crowds, mid- to late September is a great alternative.
Tim on the Beehive Trail
Important Tips for Hiking in Acadia National Park
Hiking in Acadia takes a little planning. Trailhead parking lots fill early, some of the best trails close for parts of the year, and the ladder trails are not to be underestimated. These are the most important things to know before you go.
Start Early
Acadia is one of the busiest national parks in the country, and its trailhead parking lots are small. The lots at Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, the Precipice Trail, and the Bubbles can fill by mid-morning in summer and on fall weekends.
Getting on the trail early means easier parking, fewer people on the ladders, and cooler temperatures for the steep climbs. It also leaves time for a second or third hike later in the day.
Ride the Island Explorer
The Island Explorer shuttle connects Bar Harbor, the campgrounds, and the major trailheads on Mount Desert Island, including Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and the Bubbles. It’s the easiest way to avoid the parking hassle. It also makes one-way hikes possible, since you can start at one trailhead and ride back from another.
The shuttle runs from early summer through mid-October. Check the Island Explorer website for the current schedule.
Reserve Cadillac Summit Road in Advance
To drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain from late May through October, you need a vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov. Sunrise slots sell out fast, so book as soon as your dates are set. If you don’t get one, you can still hike to the summit on the Cadillac North Ridge or South Ridge Trail.
Know Your Limits on the Ladder Trails
The Precipice, Beehive, Jordan Cliffs, and Beech Cliff Trails are a highlight of hiking in Acadia, but they involve real exposure. A few rules of thumb:
- Go up, not down. Climbing iron rungs is much safer than descending them. Hike up the ladders and rungs of Precipice and Beehive (not down them), and use the recommended descent trails.
- Test yourself on an easier trail first. If you’re unsure how you’ll feel about heights, hike the Beehive or Beech Cliff before attempting the Precipice.
- Leave small children at home. These trails aren’t safe for young kids, and some of the rungs are a long reach for smaller hikers.
Stay Off Wet Granite
Acadia’s pink granite becomes extremely slippery when wet. Rain, morning dew, and coastal fog can all leave the rock slick. If it’s wet, skip the ladder trails and steep summit hikes. Choose an easier walk like the Jordan Pond Path or Ocean Path instead.
Check Trail Closures Before You Go
The Precipice and Jordan Cliffs Trails close each spring for peregrine falcon nesting, often into late July or early August. Other trails and roads occasionally close for construction or storm damage. Check the NPS Acadia current conditions page before you go, and have a backup hike in mind.
Check for Ticks
Ticks are common in Maine, especially in tall grass and brush. Wear long pants on wooded trails, use insect repellent, and check yourself for ticks after each hike.
What to Bring on an Acadia Hike
For most hikes, we recommend carrying:
- Plenty of water
- Snacks or lunch
- Rain jacket
- Extra layer (it can be much cooler and windier on the summits)
- Sun protection
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
- Insect repellent
- Offline trail map or navigation
- Basic first-aid supplies
For Isle au Haut, bring everything you’ll need for the full day. There are no services near the Duck Harbor trails.
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Plan Your Trip to Acadia National Park
Ready to start planning? Here are more of our guides to help:
- Want the full overview first? → Our Acadia National Park Travel Guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, with links to all of our in-depth guides.
- Wondering how to plan your days? → Our Acadia National Park Itinerary covers how to fit the hikes, scenic drives, and Bar Harbor into one to three days, plus where to stay.
- Want to see more than just the trails? → Our 14 Epic Things to Do in Acadia National Park guide covers sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, the carriage roads, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and more.
- Making Acadia part of a bigger trip? → Our 12 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary covers how to combine Acadia with Cape Cod, Portland, and the White Mountains.
- Planning other national parks? → Our Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks covers all of them, including recommendations for first-timers.
Comment below if you have any questions about the best hikes in Acadia National Park or if you want to share your favorite hike.
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Pinterest Facebook Flipboard The Beehive Trail is one of the most exciting hikes in Acadia National Park. In just 1.4 miles, you’ll scramble up granite cliffs, climb iron rungs and ladders, cross narrow ledges, and reach a summit with sweeping views over Sand Beach and the Atlantic coastline. It’s short, but don’t let the mileage […]
How to Hike the Precipice Trail, Acadia’s Most Thrilling Hike
The Precipice Trail is Acadia National Park’s most thrilling hike. In less than one mile, you climb more than 1,000 feet up the east face of Champlain Mountain, scrambling over boulders, climbing iron rungs and ladders, and walking across narrow ledges with big drop-offs. This is not your typical hiking trail. The Precipice Trail is […]
Isle au Haut Day Trip: Things to Do & How to Get Here
Isle au Haut is a secluded island in Maine’s Penobscot Bay, offering coastal hiking trails, scenic bike routes, and a peaceful fishing village. A significant part of the island is home to Acadia National Park, and its isolation from Bar Harbor keeps the crowds at bay, making Isle au Haut a dream escape for outdoor […]
20 Fun, Short Hikes in the US National Parks
One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes […]
Best US National Parks to Visit Month-By-Month
Best National Parks to Visit Month-By-Month Most national park planning advice tells you the “best” month to visit a park without showing you the full picture. This guide does both. We’ve visited 56 of the 63 US national parks, many of them multiple times and in different seasons, and timing is consistently one of the […]
Portland, Maine: Things to Do, Day Trip Ideas, Where to Stay & Eat
Portland, a lively city by Maine’s Casco Bay, features historic red-brick buildings, cobbled streets, and century-old monuments. Along the shore, travelers embark on whale watching cruises, ferry tours, and fishing trips on Maine’s blue seas. The city is brimming with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and rooftop bars. With a bustling atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, there’s […]
Cape Elizabeth, Maine: Lighthouses, Lobster Rolls & Beaches
Cape Elizabeth’s enchanting coastline offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historic charm. It is home to the Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, as well as numerous smaller lighthouses and state parks. Here you can bike along scenic trails, savor fresh lobster rolls, and gaze over serene ocean views. Best Things […]
Maine Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Maine
Maine Travel Guide Explore the charm of Maine with its tasty lobster rolls, vast pine forests, and quaint towns by the blue coastline. Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking in Acadia National Park, spotting moose, and discovering historic lighthouses. Dive into the rich maritime culture and explore charming towns for a delightful and easy-to-enjoy experience in […]
Top 10 Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is one of New Hampshire’s most scenic drives, as it travels past rolling mountains, lush pine forests, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way are opportunities to complete several short hikes, in addition to quick overlooks to gaze over gorgeous mountain views. This drive is the perfect way to experience the beauty of […]
Boston Bucket List: 30 Best Things To Do in Boston
Boston is famous for a lot of things: the Boston Red Sox, the Freedom Trail, Harvard and MIT, and the famous Boston Tea Party, the event that kicked off the American Revolutionary War. We spent almost one full week touring Boston and the nearby towns and we were amazed by how much there is to […]
United States Travel Guide: Places to Visit in the USA
Plan your visit to the United States. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, road trip ideas, and sample itineraries.
15 Best US National Parks to Visit in June
The list of US national parks to visit in June is wonderfully long and diverse. Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, spend some time in the tranquil forests in Olympic and Sequoia National Parks, and explore one of the most underrated US national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias. About […]
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