Greetings, outdoor enthusiasts! Are you seeking a breathtaking adventure in one of America’s most scenic national parks? Look no further than Acadia National Park, located on the rugged coast of Maine. This park offers a truly unparalleled outdoor experience, with its diverse landscapes that range from stunning ocean views to towering mountains and pristine lakes. With over 120 miles of trails, hiking in Acadia National Park is something people travel from all over the world to do, from leisurely walks to challenging treks. In this blog, we will highlight the 10 best trails in the park, each offering unique and awe-inspiring experiences. So grab your hiking boots and join us as we explore the stunning beauty of Acadia National Park!

#1 – The Beehive Loop Trail

The Beehive Loop Trail is a short and sweet 1.5 mile loop and must-do hike for all visitors to Acadia National Park. This popular loop offers incredible and sweeping views that stretch for miles and with some challenging rung and ladder sections for a added bonus. When tackling this hike, it is highly recommended to go counterclockwise starting from the Sand Beach Parking Lot. This will take you up the rung and ladder sections first, which is a much less strenuous way to hike this challenging loop. With picturesque views of the Acadia landscape, incredible rock formations, and wild blueberries and raspberries abound, this memorable trail is not to be missed!
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 1.5 mi
Time: 58m
Rating: 4.8/5

#2 – Jordan Pond Path

The Jordan Pond Path is a great way to take in all the beauty Acadia National Park has to offer. This 3.1 mile loop trail has wooden walkways that wind along the Jordan Pond shoreline and is dotted with additional trails that offer stunning views. While the majority of the trail is level, there are some rocky spots that require extra attention, especially in the wetter months of the year. No matter the season, the backdrop of the peaceful pond and majestic bubbling streams are beautiful and take you away from it all. This is a must-visit destination that should not be missed!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.1 mi
Time: 55m
Rating: 4.7/5

#3 – Gorham Mountain Loop

At just under 3 miles, this loop trail is a wonderful and achievable way to experience Acadia National Park! Starting from the Gorham Mountain Trailhead, this loop takes you along the jagged mountain ledges, providing scenic views and access points to look out to the Atlantic from above. After taking in the spectacular views from below, you will get to the trailhead and further down the path you start to make your way over to the iconic Sand Beach. With an up and down terrain, this trail is a great place to explore and get to know the park in an intimate way.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.0 mi
Time: 1h 29m
Rating: 4.7/5

#4 – Cadillac North Ridge Trail

This trail is an Acadia highlight and should not be missed. To get to the trailhead, you may need to park before a closed section of the park loop road nearest the trailhead. From there, you take the Kebo Trail for a little bit, and then the Cadillac North Ridge Trail takes you to the summit. The views from the top will rival the magnificent views of Cadillac Mountain and Schoodic Peninsula that you can see from this trail. Much of the trail is exposed to full sun and rocky in many places, but the reward is worth the effort!
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.2 mi
Time: 2h 23m
Rating: 4.7/5

#5 – Ocean Path Trail

A great trail for walking, running or biking, the 4.5 mile Ocean Path trail will take you right along Park Loop Road with scenic views and access to numerous areas along the way. The whole trail is relatively flat and is perfect to meander and take in all the beauty the park has to offer. If you are lucky, you can explore the trail at sunrise or sunset, where it is covered in a blanket of twinkling lights, and when this sleepier path awaits like a hidden gem. With its easy terrain and stunning views, a visit here will be remembered forever!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.5 mi
Time: 1h 39m
Rating: 4.6/5

#6 – Thunder Hole to Sand Beach

Thunder Hole is arguably one of the most popular view points in the park and makes for a stunning trail start and end. To get to the trailhead, head to the Thunder Hole Information center and then cross the street to get a full view of this unique inlet. After viewing Thunder Hole, follow the Ocean Path north along the rocky coast to Sand Beach. This section of the trail is a great place to get up close and personal with the ocean and its crashing waves, as well as look for sea critters around the rocky ledges. With two picturesque view points, this trail is a great activity for the whole family.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 mi
Time: 42m
Rating: 4.4/5

#7 – The Bowl via Bowl Trail

This trail is a relatively short 1.2 mile loop trail and takes you to the famous Bowl, which is tucked into the side of Champlain Mountain. Starting from the parking area and the Bowl Trail, you will skirt around the side of The Beehive and be able to take in its stunning rock formations. With a variety of terrain, ranging from steps to boulder scrambles, this trail can challenge the most experienced hiker, but is also a great way to get a small taste of the park and explore the iconic landscape.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.2 mi
Time: 45m
Rating: 4.7/5

#8 – Gorham Mountain

This beautiful 1.6 mile out and back trail will take you up the south ridge of Gorham Mountain. Countless views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cadillac Mountain can be viewed from the summit, so take some time to take it all in! Along the way you may even notice the occasional wild animals skittering away as you make your way up the mountain. With its rocky terrain, this trail is best tackled with shoes with great traction to keep you balanced and steady. With its unparalleled views and thrill of the climb, this trail should be in any adventurer’s checklist!
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.6 mi
Time: 54m
Rating: 4.7/5

#9 – Precipice Loop

This difficult and steep 2.1 mile loop trail is an advanced hiker’s paradise! Strategically placed iron rungs, ladders and ledges make this an exciting climb and offer incredible views of the National Park. This trail is not recommended for small children, those who suffer from vertigo, or those who are hiking during wet conditions. Despite the risks, the payoff is worth it and unparalleled if you’re up for the challenge!
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 2.1 mi
Time: 1h 43m
Rating: 4.9/5

#10 – Cadillac South Ridge Trail

The Cadillac South Ridge Trail is a challenging 6.7 mile out and back trail and is a great way to experience Cadillac Mountain from an entirely different angle. This trail begins in a parking lot near the Blackwoods Campground and will take you along a winding path up and around the south ridge of Cadillac Mountain. This is a great trail to take in the crisp fall weather and the changing colors of the leaves, but the views will be just as great during all the other seasons of the year. While you work up some sweat along the way, don’t forget to stop and take in the beauty of the park, as this is sure to be a hike you will never forget.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.7 mi
Time: 3h 33m
Rating: 4.8/5

Looking for ideas for your next visit to Mount Desert Island and beyond? Check out our Acadia National Park Guide!