Popular Trails

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park offers over 100 miles of interconnected and looping hiking trails that appeal to explorers of all skill levels. A few of the more popular routes are…

Shore Path
Along the shore of Frenchman Bay—starting at the town pier near Agamont Park—runs a narrow path bordered by beach roses: the Shore Path. Less than a mile long, the path follows the seawall and offers striking views of the Atlantic and the Porcupine Islands to the left and gorgeous, sprawling homes and inns to the right.

Bar Island Walk
You'll want to check the tide charts before heading out on this jaunt. At low tide, there's plenty of time to walk across the shell-covered sand bar from Bridge Street to Bar Island (less than a mile). You'll get ocean-side views of West Street's Millionaire's Row, and then from the island's highest point, a wonderful look back at lively Bar Harbor.

Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain lies between Echo Lake and Great Pond (Long Pond on some maps). Its summit is easy to reach from either the Beech Cliff parking area or the pumping station area at the foot of Great Pond. Beech Mountain can also be climbed on its southwest flank, beginning at the south end of Great Pond. An added attraction near Beech Mountain is the Beech Cliff-Canada Cliff area just to the east of the Beech Cliff parking area. These rugged cliffs offer spectacular views of Echo Lake. (1.5 miles, moderate) (839 FT./256M.)

Flying Mountain
Guarding the entrance to Somes Sound, this low peak offers perhaps the greatest reward on the island for a small effort. The reward for a few minutes' climb to the open top is a fine panorama of the Sound, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and the islands to the south - the Cranberries, Greening, Sutton, Baker and Bear.This trail starts at the end of Fernald Point Road in Southwest Harbor, with beautiful views of Somes Sound from its peak. (1.0 miles, moderate) (284 ft./87 m.)

Great Head
At the far end of Sand Beach, granite steps take you uphill quickly. When you reach the top and turn around, you'll see tiny people on the beach you left behind. Then follow the trail along the ocean's edge and enjoy views of the Atlantic and its crashing surf. Giant rock outcroppings make great spots for pictures. (1.3 miles, moderate)

Gorham Mountain
From the upper parking lot at Sand Beach, you warm up gradually along Ocean Drive toward Thunder Hole. Then you cross the road and head up the mountain. In and out of the woods, you ascend steadily, pausing at turnouts for spectacular views from Sand Beach all the way to Otter Creek. (4 miles, moderate)

Ocean Drive
Also leaving from the upper parking lot at Sand Beach, this easy walk takes you to Otter Point and back. The entire trail skirts the Atlantic, so you have breathtaking views at every step. Stop at Thunder Hole for photos. (4 miles, easy)

Great Meadow
Start in town at the Village Green and connect to the Jesup Path, which meanders through the woods near Kebo Valley Golf Club and across a bog to Great Meadow, a freshwater marsh. (2.5 miles, easy)

Walkers, hikers, and climbers have all kinds of choices with more than 60 trails to travel in the park. Many trails are also open to bicyclists and winter traffic.