One of Acadia’s most unique and fascinating features is many hiking trails. Are you within Acadia and looking for “hiking trails near me”? Out of the 216 great hiking trails, you will find one you enjoy. Most of the hiking trails reviewed below are 4 miles long or less. So you can comfortably hike several of these trails even if you have a day or two in Acadia Park. Here are the best hiking trails you will find in Acadia.
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7 Hiking Trails in Acadia Park You Should not Miss
Precipice Trail
It is the most thrilling and dangerous hike in Acadia. With rock scrambling, different sections of cliff walks (some at high elevations), and plenty of exposure, you ought to be comfortable with heights to accomplish this hike.
The view from the trail and the Champlain Mountain summit is spectacular. Unfortunately, it is a dangerous hike, and not even the best hiking shoes can keep you steady if you are acrophobic.
The trail measures 2.5 miles and takes roughly 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. You can hike the trail out-and-back.
Beehive Trail
It is an easier version of the Precipice Trail that features cliff walks and metal rungs but less exposure and less elevation gain.
Unfortunately, it has narrow cliff edges and non-technical metal rungs, so it’s still not the best choice if you fear heights. The Beehive Trail has a beautiful view over Sand Beach and Great Head.
The trail measures 1.4 miles and takes roughly 1-2 hours to complete.
Ocean Path
It is an easy and the most popular hiking trail in Acadia, starting from Sand Beach to Otter Point. The amazing thing is that it is flat, and along the entire walk, you have fantastic coastline views.
One of the great highlights is Thunder Hole, a spot where the waves perfectly hit the rocks to create a thundering sound. The Ocean Path mostly sits alongside Park Loop Road, meaning you will have better views of passing cars on the road than coastal cliffs.
The trail measures 4 miles. It is about 2 miles from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole. The whole course takes hikers 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete.
South Bubble Trail
Hike to the top of the South Bubble to experience the best views over Jordan Pond. The so-called “bubbles” are two medium mountains located next to each other at the Jordan Pond’s north end.
South Bubble offers magnificent views from the summit, with its exposed granite face. Hikers can see Bubble Rock, a massive granite boulder that sits precariously on the edge of a cliff.
The South Bubble Trail measures 1-2.5 miles and takes roughly 1.5-3 hours, depending on the route you choose.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop
The trail measures 13 kilometers and is a heavily trafficked loop trail situated near Bar Harbor, Maine, featuring a waterfall. It is primarily used for running and hiking and is recommended for the May-October period.
You can run or walk your dogs on this trail, but you must keep them on a leash at all times.
Beech Cliff Ladder Trail
It is a terrific hiking trail with most trail features such as ladders and iron rungs, brief cliff walks, and scenic views over the coastline and the lakes. It is not as dangerous as the Precipice or Beehive trail, making it an excellent option if you seek a thrill without the danger of alternative cliff trails.
It measures 2.2 miles and takes hikers between 1.5 to 2 hours to finish the hike.
Sundew Trail
It is located on Schoodic Peninsula, a spot famous for the dramatic coastline. It is an easy-to-walk loop trail with lovely coastal views and paths via a dense, fragrant forest.
The trail is a short 2-mile hike and will take you 1-1.5 hours to finish.
Bottom Line
There are many great hiking trails to accomplish in Acadia. Most of these trails are designed with extra precaution features such as rungs and ladders to make the hike easier. They also have fantastic views of the coastline and nature features you can enjoy.
However, if it is your first time visiting Acadia, you need good hiking equipment, quality and strong hiking pants, comfortable hiking boots, and a guide to walk you through any of the park trails.