Flying Mountain Trailhead

Dave Schlag, trail crew foreman, installs a map in a new kiosk at the Flying Mountain Trailhead.

NPS Photo by Jay Elhard

Quick Facts

Location:

North of Southwest Harbor, ME off State Route 102 via Fernald Point Road

Amenities

2 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Trailhead

The Flying Mountain Trailhead is located north of Southwest Harbor, ME off State Route 102 via Fernald Point Road. It directly serves Flying Mountain and Valley Cove Trails with connections to Valley Peak Trail and Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail.
 

Flying Mountain Trail

Climbing Flying Mountain rewards hikers with stunning views of Somes Sound, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and surrounding mountains and islands. A popular 1.4-mile (2.3 km) loop hike over the summit leads to Valley Cove and its secluded, rocky beach before returning to the trailhead.

Leaving the parking area, this rooty and rocky trail ascends the southern flank of Flying Mountain. A climb up a steep rock ledge is required before reaching the 284-foot summit. The trail then follows the ridge before descending steeply to Valley Cove and its rocky beach. Hikers can complete a 1.4 mile loop back to the trailhead via the Valley Cove Trail.

Valley Cove Trail

This wide, flat gravel trail starts behind a gate at the northern edge of a parking area and follows an old road bed to Valley Cove and Somes Sound. The trail narrows as it approaches an intersection with the Flying Mountain Trail. Here hikers are greeted with glimpses of the ocean through the trees. A cribwork staircase provides access to the beach at Valley Cove.