Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Great Head with Island Explorer Bus
Photo by Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia
Great Head rises above Newport Cove and Sand Beach. Standing just 145 feet above the ocean, this huge rock offers amazing views of the ocean and mountains behind the beach. A longer loop of 1.9 miles is available, as well as a shorter loop of 1.3 miles.
Before starting the climb up the rock scramble clean off your hiking boots or shoes the best you can. This will make your footwear have better grip. Along the trail there will be numerous spots to stop and have great views of the ocean, sand beach and the cove. Take extra care to watch where you are stepping as this trail is very rocky. The 1.3-mile loop does not have as many views of the ocean but does include remnants of the old tea house.
Great Head rises above Newport Cove with dramatic view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Smell the salty air and feel the cool breeze blowing off the ocean. This trail also includes remnants of a cool tea house. Enjoy swimming at Sand Beach in the summer and watching for shore birds along the way.
Before starting the climb up the rock scramble clean off your hiking boots or shoes the best you can. This will make your footwear have better grip. Along the trail there will be numerous spots to stop and have great views of the ocean, sand beach and the cove. Take extra care to watch where you are stepping as this trail is very rocky. The 1.3-mile loop does not have as many views of the ocean but does include remnants of the old tea house.
Great Head rises above Newport Cove with dramatic view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Smell the salty air and feel the cool breeze blowing off the ocean. This trail also includes remnants of a cool tea house. Enjoy swimming at Sand Beach in the summer and watching for shore birds along the way.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
From the Hulls Cove Visitor Center take the #4 Island Explorer Bus (running on the shaded Fall Times) and get off at Sand Beach. Walk down the stairs safely to the beach. The bus will pick back up at the same bus stop.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
The trail begins with a steep staircase across from a shallow river. Sand covers the stairs, so use caution. Upon reaching the top of the staircase you come to a flat intersection. Turning right at the intersection, you will access the 1.9-mile loop. There will be a steep rocky scramble where you will need to use your hands. Turning left at the intersection, you will access the more moderate 1.3-mile loop that has a gradual rock field. Use caution and watch your step when ascending the rock field.
There are trail markers along the way to help guide you. Views of the ocean and Schoodic Peninsula can be seen from the back side of Great Head. Avoid the edge at any point along the trail. In this area, waves can reach a height of 3-5 feet or higher. Never turn your back to the ocean and always check behind you before stepping backwards. Coming down the rocky scramble is not recommended so plan to take part of the shorter (1.3 mile) loop down, which will end right next to the stairs at the beach. You can enter the shorter loop as well from the beach instead of doing the stairs.
There are trail markers along the way to help guide you. Views of the ocean and Schoodic Peninsula can be seen from the back side of Great Head. Avoid the edge at any point along the trail. In this area, waves can reach a height of 3-5 feet or higher. Never turn your back to the ocean and always check behind you before stepping backwards. Coming down the rocky scramble is not recommended so plan to take part of the shorter (1.3 mile) loop down, which will end right next to the stairs at the beach. You can enter the shorter loop as well from the beach instead of doing the stairs.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Allowed on the trail (Great Head), but they are not allowed at Sand Beach from June 15th- September 8th. For access to Great Head Trail use Satterly Trail.
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 on the bus.
Location
Great Head Trail
Hiking: The Great Head Trail is located on the Ocean Path Corridor section of the Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park. The trail begins with a steep staircase across from a shallow river. Sand covers the stairs, so use caution. Upon reaching the top of the staircase you come to a flat intersection. Turning right at the intersection, you will access the 1.9-mile loop. There will be a steep rocky scramble where you will need to use your hands. Turning left at the intersection, you will access the more moderate 1.3-mile loop that has a gradual rock field. Use caution and watch your step when ascending the rock field.
There are trail markers along the way to help guide you. Views of the ocean and Schoodic Peninsula can be seen from the back side of Great Head. Avoid the edge at any point along the trail. In this area, waves can reach a height of 3-5 feet or higher. Never turn your back to the ocean and always check behind you before stepping backwards. Coming down the rocky scramble is not recommended so plan to take part of the shorter (1.3 mile) loop down, which will end right next to the stairs at the beach. You can enter the shorter loop as well from the beach instead of doing the stairs.
Bus Information: Park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking area. The bus stops are located to the right of the Pavilion at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Visitor Center.
Departure: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus and exit the bus at Sand Beach. This trip takes about 25 minutes. Upon disembarking at Sand Beach walk towards the sound of the ocean and head down the stairs. Cross the beach to the other end on the other side of the river. This is where the trail starts.
Return: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus back to the Visitor Center Parking Area.
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
Bus Stop (0.0 miles)
Restrooms (0.0 miles)
Changing Rooms (0.0 miles)
There are trail markers along the way to help guide you. Views of the ocean and Schoodic Peninsula can be seen from the back side of Great Head. Avoid the edge at any point along the trail. In this area, waves can reach a height of 3-5 feet or higher. Never turn your back to the ocean and always check behind you before stepping backwards. Coming down the rocky scramble is not recommended so plan to take part of the shorter (1.3 mile) loop down, which will end right next to the stairs at the beach. You can enter the shorter loop as well from the beach instead of doing the stairs.
Bus Information: Park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking area. The bus stops are located to the right of the Pavilion at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Visitor Center.
Departure: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus and exit the bus at Sand Beach. This trip takes about 25 minutes. Upon disembarking at Sand Beach walk towards the sound of the ocean and head down the stairs. Cross the beach to the other end on the other side of the river. This is where the trail starts.
Return: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus back to the Visitor Center Parking Area.
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
Bus Stop (0.0 miles)
Restrooms (0.0 miles)
Changing Rooms (0.0 miles)
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 9am and ends service between 5:20 and 5:40pm.
Accessibility Information
This trail is not accessible since it starts from Sand Beach, which is only accessible by stairs. Due to its uneven surface, this trail cannot be accessed from the small parking lot on Schooner Head Road.