Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Double Bubble Nubble Loop with Island Explorer
Photo by Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia
The Double Bubble Nubble is fun to say and fun to do for anyone looking for a longer (6.6 mile) hike filled with short but steep climbs up three peaks with stunning views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake in the valley below. This hike is mostly moderate with a few areas of intense rock scramble.
The Bubbles are an extremely worthwhile hike in Acadia National Park for their scenic and iconic value. Combining these two summits with Conners Nubble will give hikers an exciting 6.6-mile trek with numerous, breathtaking vistas. The bus has the advantage of dropping hikers a mile away from the formal start of the loop, an inaccessible location to vehicles.
For a short distance (0.4 miles) hikers will walk along the mixed-use Carriage Roads before connecting to flat and gradual hiking trails weaving south towards Jordan Pond along the Jordan Pond Carry. Hikers have a choice when it comes to summiting South Bubble and summiting is not necessary to complete the loop if hikers want to skip it all together. The steepest and most strenuous trail entails more than 450 feet of climb over 0.2 miles. Hikers will need use of their hands in places over intense but brief rock scramble. For this reason, the southern ridge along the Bubbles Trail up South Bubble is not recommended for dogs.
The summit of South Bubble overlooks Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, and the glacier erratic, Bubble Rock, is a worthwhile, 0.1-mile side trip off the summit to see this large boulder teetering on the edge. The northern decent is a more gradual trail and an alternative out and back summit for anyone looking to avoid extreme rock scramble.
The continuation of the Bubbles Trail up the North Bubble is comparatively more moderate, and the summit gives views over Eagle Lake, typically with far fewer people. Continuing north to Conner’s Nubble will thin the crowds further and the summit offers yet another scenic overlook of Eagle Lake before the trail loops back around to its starting point.
The Bubbles are an extremely worthwhile hike in Acadia National Park for their scenic and iconic value. Combining these two summits with Conners Nubble will give hikers an exciting 6.6-mile trek with numerous, breathtaking vistas. The bus has the advantage of dropping hikers a mile away from the formal start of the loop, an inaccessible location to vehicles.
For a short distance (0.4 miles) hikers will walk along the mixed-use Carriage Roads before connecting to flat and gradual hiking trails weaving south towards Jordan Pond along the Jordan Pond Carry. Hikers have a choice when it comes to summiting South Bubble and summiting is not necessary to complete the loop if hikers want to skip it all together. The steepest and most strenuous trail entails more than 450 feet of climb over 0.2 miles. Hikers will need use of their hands in places over intense but brief rock scramble. For this reason, the southern ridge along the Bubbles Trail up South Bubble is not recommended for dogs.
The summit of South Bubble overlooks Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, and the glacier erratic, Bubble Rock, is a worthwhile, 0.1-mile side trip off the summit to see this large boulder teetering on the edge. The northern decent is a more gradual trail and an alternative out and back summit for anyone looking to avoid extreme rock scramble.
The continuation of the Bubbles Trail up the North Bubble is comparatively more moderate, and the summit gives views over Eagle Lake, typically with far fewer people. Continuing north to Conner’s Nubble will thin the crowds further and the summit offers yet another scenic overlook of Eagle Lake before the trail loops back around to its starting point.
Details
Duration
4-5 Hours
The loop is a longer distance trail for the park with three distinct periods of rock scrambles to summits—one of which is an extreme rock scramble gaining more than 450 feet in 0.2 miles and requiring the use of hands and arms. Apart from the short climbs, the rest of the trail is mostly gradual with rocks and roots.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Hiking: Disembark the bus at Bubble Pond. This lot has the only bathroom on the hike but does not have water, so come prepared. Visitors can explore one of the famous carriage road bridges and the shores of Bubble Pond directly from this lot. To begin the hike, follow the carriage road to the left, cross the road and walk towards Eagle Lake for 0.4 miles.
At the carriage road intersection (signpost number 7) take the fork to the left. Keep an eye out for the Eagle Lake Trail trailhead on the right side of the road just past this intersection.
Follow the Eagle Lake Trail 0.6 miles to the intersection with the Jordan Pond Carry trail. Take the Jordan Pond Carry another 0.6 miles over a gradual, wooded climb to the Bubbles Divide trail intersection.
(Alternative Hike: Hikers who wish to avoid intense rock scramble can take the Bubbles Divide trail to summit the South Bubble from the North. Hikers who may desire a shorter or less intense hike can take the Bubbles Divide trail to skip the South Bubble all together and go straight to the North Bubble. This option cuts about one mile off the hike.)
Keep following the Jordan Pond Carry, gradually descending to the Bubbles Trail intersection. Take this trail to summit South Bubble. This is an intense climb, gaining approximately 460 feet in 0.2 miles. The ascent is slow and there are a few instances of rock scramble where hikers will need to use their hands to balance or hoist themselves as they scramble.
At the summit of South Bubble, hikers are treated to stunning views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. Hikers can explore a short side trip to Bubble Rock (0.1 miles). Bubble Rock is Acadia’s most famous glacier erratic: a large boulder that was deposited by glaciers when they retreated from the area about 16,000 years ago.
Continue on the Bubbles Trail to more gradually descend South Bubble. In 0.4 miles from the summit, the trail will again intersect with the Bubbles Divide Trail. Follow the trail to the right for 0.1 miles and then continue on the Bubbles Trail to summit the North Bubble. The climb up North Bubble rises 270 feet over 0.3 miles and has more moderate rock scramble. North Bubble typically attracts less hikers than South Bubble and has breathtaking views over Eagle Lake at its summit.
Still following the Bubbles Trail, hikers then descend North Bubble for 0.8 miles, dropping approximately 400 feet. The trail will briefly cross the carriage road and ascend 0.1 miles, 120 feet to the summit of Conners Nubble; it is a brief climb with minimal scramble. Conners Nubble hosts yet another beautiful vista of Eagle Lake.
0.5 miles and 300 feet down the nubble will be the Eagle Lake Trail intersection. Take this trail to the right and follow around Eagle Lake for 1.7 miles back to the Carriage Roads. This trail is mostly flat with boulder hoping as it follows the shore. Along the way, the trail will once more pass the Jordan Pond Carry intersection where hikers turned at the start of the hike. Where the Eagle Lake Trail ends, take the carriage road left to the intersection and keep right to Bubble Pond for the last 0.4 miles.
At the carriage road intersection (signpost number 7) take the fork to the left. Keep an eye out for the Eagle Lake Trail trailhead on the right side of the road just past this intersection.
Follow the Eagle Lake Trail 0.6 miles to the intersection with the Jordan Pond Carry trail. Take the Jordan Pond Carry another 0.6 miles over a gradual, wooded climb to the Bubbles Divide trail intersection.
(Alternative Hike: Hikers who wish to avoid intense rock scramble can take the Bubbles Divide trail to summit the South Bubble from the North. Hikers who may desire a shorter or less intense hike can take the Bubbles Divide trail to skip the South Bubble all together and go straight to the North Bubble. This option cuts about one mile off the hike.)
Keep following the Jordan Pond Carry, gradually descending to the Bubbles Trail intersection. Take this trail to summit South Bubble. This is an intense climb, gaining approximately 460 feet in 0.2 miles. The ascent is slow and there are a few instances of rock scramble where hikers will need to use their hands to balance or hoist themselves as they scramble.
At the summit of South Bubble, hikers are treated to stunning views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. Hikers can explore a short side trip to Bubble Rock (0.1 miles). Bubble Rock is Acadia’s most famous glacier erratic: a large boulder that was deposited by glaciers when they retreated from the area about 16,000 years ago.
Continue on the Bubbles Trail to more gradually descend South Bubble. In 0.4 miles from the summit, the trail will again intersect with the Bubbles Divide Trail. Follow the trail to the right for 0.1 miles and then continue on the Bubbles Trail to summit the North Bubble. The climb up North Bubble rises 270 feet over 0.3 miles and has more moderate rock scramble. North Bubble typically attracts less hikers than South Bubble and has breathtaking views over Eagle Lake at its summit.
Still following the Bubbles Trail, hikers then descend North Bubble for 0.8 miles, dropping approximately 400 feet. The trail will briefly cross the carriage road and ascend 0.1 miles, 120 feet to the summit of Conners Nubble; it is a brief climb with minimal scramble. Conners Nubble hosts yet another beautiful vista of Eagle Lake.
0.5 miles and 300 feet down the nubble will be the Eagle Lake Trail intersection. Take this trail to the right and follow around Eagle Lake for 1.7 miles back to the Carriage Roads. This trail is mostly flat with boulder hoping as it follows the shore. Along the way, the trail will once more pass the Jordan Pond Carry intersection where hikers turned at the start of the hike. Where the Eagle Lake Trail ends, take the carriage road left to the intersection and keep right to Bubble Pond for the last 0.4 miles.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on a leash. (6-feet or shorter). Not Recommended on South Bubble summit.
Activity Fee
No
A park pass is required for any activity in the park. The pass should be left displayed in personal vehicles. Visitors are not required to carry it with them and will not be asked to show it while on the trail or riding the bus.
Location
Double Bubble Nubble Loop
Hiking: The loop treks hikers over South and North Bubble and Conners Nubble along the shores of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake.
The Double Bubble Nubble loop treks hikers to iconic park destinations with stunning vistas. The trail summits South Bubble, North Bubble and Conners Nubble who's bald, granite summits offer breathtaking views of glistening Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake hundreds of feet below them. Taller peaks like Cadillac Mountain rise in the distance to complete these stunning views of Acadia’s glacially carved, U-shaped valleys. When not atop one of the three separate summits, hikers are exploring wooded trails and the shore of Eagle Lake for a more intimate discovery of the Park’s many wonders.
Disembark the bus at Bubble Pond. This lot has the only bathroom on the hike but does not have water, so come prepared. Visitors can explore one of the famous carriage road bridges and the shores of Bubble Pond directly from this lot. To begin the hike, follow the carriage road to the left, cross the road and walk towards Eagle Lake for 0.4 miles.
At the carriage road intersection (signpost number 7) take the fork to the left. Keep an eye out for the Eagle Lake Trail trailhead on the right side of the road just past this intersection.
Follow the Eagle Lake Trail 0.6 miles to the intersection with the Jordan Pond Carry trail. Take the Jordan Pond Carry another 0.6 miles over a gradual, wooded climb to the Bubbles Divide trail intersection.
(Alternative Hike: Hikers who wish to avoid intense rock scramble can take the Bubbles Divide trail to summit the South Bubble from the North. Hikers who may desire a shorter or less intense hike can take the Bubbles Divide trail to skip the South Bubble all together and go straight to the North Bubble. This option cuts about one mile off the hike.)
Keep following the Jordan Pond Carry, gradually descending to the Bubbles Trail intersection. Take this trail to summit South Bubble. This is an intense climb, gaining approximately 460 feet in 0.2 miles. The ascent is slow and there are a few instances of rock scramble where hikers will need to use their hands to balance or hoist themselves as they scramble.
At the summit of South Bubble, hikers are treated to stunning views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. Hikers can explore a short side trip to Bubble Rock (0.1 miles). Bubble Rock is Acadia’s most famous glacier erratic: a large boulder that was deposited by glaciers when they retreated from the area about 16,000 years ago.
Continue on the Bubbles Trail to more gradually descend South Bubble. In 0.4 miles from the summit, the trail will again intersect with the Bubbles Divide Trail. Follow the trail to the right for 0.1 miles and then continue on the Bubbles Trail to summit the North Bubble. The climb up North Bubble rises 270 feet over 0.3 miles and has more moderate rock scramble. North Bubble typically attracts less hikers than South Bubble and has breathtaking views over Eagle Lake at its summit.
Still following the Bubbles Trail, hikers then descend North Bubble for 0.8 miles, dropping approximately 400 feet. The trail will briefly cross the carriage road and ascend 0.1 miles, 120 feet to the summit of Conners Nubble; it is a brief climb with minimal scramble. Conners Nubble hosts yet another beautiful vista of Eagle Lake.
0.5 miles and 300 feet down the nubble will be the Eagle Lake Trail intersection. Take this trail to the right and follow around Eagle Lake for 1.7 miles back to the Carriage Roads. This trail is mostly flat with boulder hoping as it follows the shore. Along the way, the trail will once more pass the Jordan Pond Carry intersection where hikers turned at the start of the hike. Where the Eagle Lake Trail ends, take the carriage road left to the intersection and keep right to Bubble Pond for the last 0.4 miles.
Bus Information For the most direct bus options, hikers should begin their journey at the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center bus hub.
Departure: Take the #5 Jordan Pond bus. Disembark the bus at the Bubble Pond. This trip will take approx. 15 minutes.
Upon disembarking, hikers can follow the Carriage Road to the left and across the road to begin the hike.
Return: Back at Bubble Pond, hikers have the options of taking either the #5 Jordan Pond bus or the #4 Loop Road bus back to the Visitor Center.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Restrooms (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond) Bus Stop (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond: #4 and #5)
The Double Bubble Nubble loop treks hikers to iconic park destinations with stunning vistas. The trail summits South Bubble, North Bubble and Conners Nubble who's bald, granite summits offer breathtaking views of glistening Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake hundreds of feet below them. Taller peaks like Cadillac Mountain rise in the distance to complete these stunning views of Acadia’s glacially carved, U-shaped valleys. When not atop one of the three separate summits, hikers are exploring wooded trails and the shore of Eagle Lake for a more intimate discovery of the Park’s many wonders.
Disembark the bus at Bubble Pond. This lot has the only bathroom on the hike but does not have water, so come prepared. Visitors can explore one of the famous carriage road bridges and the shores of Bubble Pond directly from this lot. To begin the hike, follow the carriage road to the left, cross the road and walk towards Eagle Lake for 0.4 miles.
At the carriage road intersection (signpost number 7) take the fork to the left. Keep an eye out for the Eagle Lake Trail trailhead on the right side of the road just past this intersection.
Follow the Eagle Lake Trail 0.6 miles to the intersection with the Jordan Pond Carry trail. Take the Jordan Pond Carry another 0.6 miles over a gradual, wooded climb to the Bubbles Divide trail intersection.
(Alternative Hike: Hikers who wish to avoid intense rock scramble can take the Bubbles Divide trail to summit the South Bubble from the North. Hikers who may desire a shorter or less intense hike can take the Bubbles Divide trail to skip the South Bubble all together and go straight to the North Bubble. This option cuts about one mile off the hike.)
Keep following the Jordan Pond Carry, gradually descending to the Bubbles Trail intersection. Take this trail to summit South Bubble. This is an intense climb, gaining approximately 460 feet in 0.2 miles. The ascent is slow and there are a few instances of rock scramble where hikers will need to use their hands to balance or hoist themselves as they scramble.
At the summit of South Bubble, hikers are treated to stunning views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. Hikers can explore a short side trip to Bubble Rock (0.1 miles). Bubble Rock is Acadia’s most famous glacier erratic: a large boulder that was deposited by glaciers when they retreated from the area about 16,000 years ago.
Continue on the Bubbles Trail to more gradually descend South Bubble. In 0.4 miles from the summit, the trail will again intersect with the Bubbles Divide Trail. Follow the trail to the right for 0.1 miles and then continue on the Bubbles Trail to summit the North Bubble. The climb up North Bubble rises 270 feet over 0.3 miles and has more moderate rock scramble. North Bubble typically attracts less hikers than South Bubble and has breathtaking views over Eagle Lake at its summit.
Still following the Bubbles Trail, hikers then descend North Bubble for 0.8 miles, dropping approximately 400 feet. The trail will briefly cross the carriage road and ascend 0.1 miles, 120 feet to the summit of Conners Nubble; it is a brief climb with minimal scramble. Conners Nubble hosts yet another beautiful vista of Eagle Lake.
0.5 miles and 300 feet down the nubble will be the Eagle Lake Trail intersection. Take this trail to the right and follow around Eagle Lake for 1.7 miles back to the Carriage Roads. This trail is mostly flat with boulder hoping as it follows the shore. Along the way, the trail will once more pass the Jordan Pond Carry intersection where hikers turned at the start of the hike. Where the Eagle Lake Trail ends, take the carriage road left to the intersection and keep right to Bubble Pond for the last 0.4 miles.
Bus Information For the most direct bus options, hikers should begin their journey at the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center bus hub.
Departure: Take the #5 Jordan Pond bus. Disembark the bus at the Bubble Pond. This trip will take approx. 15 minutes.
Upon disembarking, hikers can follow the Carriage Road to the left and across the road to begin the hike.
Return: Back at Bubble Pond, hikers have the options of taking either the #5 Jordan Pond bus or the #4 Loop Road bus back to the Visitor Center.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Restrooms (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond) Bus Stop (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond: #4 and #5)
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The park and trails are open 24 hours a day, but the Island Explorer shuttle begins service to Sand beach at 9 am and ends service between 5:20 and 5:40 pm.
Accessibility Information
Periods of rock scramble make this trail briefly strenuous and its distance a challenge. Hikers should expect many rocks and roots throughout the trail and should be prepared to use their hands for balance when summiting. The trail gains elevation quickly in three distinct places as it summits both Bubbles and Conners Nubble so hikers will need climbing energy throughout the hike.