Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach Trek with Island Explorer
Sam Mallon, Friends of Acadia
The trek from Sieur de Monts to Sand beach connects four trails and summits Champlain Mountain for a 4.1-mile hike made possible by the Island Explorer Bus. The trails take hikers up a strenuous climb to a mountain summit with breathtaking views, through woodlands and past lakes and ponds while starting and ending at popular destinations with even more to explore.
Hiking from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach is a predominantly strenuous climb with great reward. Before starting the trek, visitors can explore the heart of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, meandering on historic paths, past historical buildings or checking out the exhibits and talking to a ranger at the Nature Center.
Summiting Champlain Mountain will be a tough 1.2 mile climb up 900 feet, but the views on the way and at the top stretch for miles in all directions, overlooking mountains, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. The more gradual decent will continue to treat hikers to sweeping views. The daring can take a dip in Acadia’s second highest lake/pond, The Bowl, or simply enjoy the calm along the shores.
Hikers can choose to end their hike at Sand Beach where many enjoy swimming in the cold Atlantic waters. For anyone who still hasn’t gotten enough, this trek intersects with several other trails like Gorham Mountain and the Ocean Path that offer extension further south and to more bus stops.
The start and end of this trek is along the Park’s scenic loop road and the number 4 Loop Road bus (the primary bus for this section) will continue to other popular destinations like Jordan Pond. Visitors wanting to explore more should check out other popular and scenic trails at locations along the Park Loop Road.
Hiking from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach is a predominantly strenuous climb with great reward. Before starting the trek, visitors can explore the heart of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, meandering on historic paths, past historical buildings or checking out the exhibits and talking to a ranger at the Nature Center.
Summiting Champlain Mountain will be a tough 1.2 mile climb up 900 feet, but the views on the way and at the top stretch for miles in all directions, overlooking mountains, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. The more gradual decent will continue to treat hikers to sweeping views. The daring can take a dip in Acadia’s second highest lake/pond, The Bowl, or simply enjoy the calm along the shores.
Hikers can choose to end their hike at Sand Beach where many enjoy swimming in the cold Atlantic waters. For anyone who still hasn’t gotten enough, this trek intersects with several other trails like Gorham Mountain and the Ocean Path that offer extension further south and to more bus stops.
The start and end of this trek is along the Park’s scenic loop road and the number 4 Loop Road bus (the primary bus for this section) will continue to other popular destinations like Jordan Pond. Visitors wanting to explore more should check out other popular and scenic trails at locations along the Park Loop Road.
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
This trail has over 900 feet of elevation gain in a 1.2-mile stretch making for a strenuous, slow climb to summit Champlain. While the decent along Champlain South Ridge Trail is more gradual, all trails in this trek have rocks, roots and grade the hiker must be always mindful of.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Hiking: Disembark the bus at Sieur de Monts to begin the hike. Sieur de Monts has the first and last restrooms and water before the terminus of the trail at Sand Beach. Other sites include the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the historic Abbe Museum and the Nature Center where passport stamp collectors can receive a stamp.
Follow the path back behind the Nature Center. Hikers can take either the Jessup Path or the Wild Gardens Path (both of equal length and level) .3-miles south to The Tarn. These trails can be found to the south (far left) along the dirt access road lining the trees. Upon reaching the lake, follow the trail left following signs for Beachcroft Path. Cross the road to the Beachcroft trailhead.
The Beachcroft Trail begins a mostly exposed, strenuous 1.2 mile climb up 900 feet in elevation. The trail is predominantly stone steps with some minor switchbacks with views of The Tarn and Dorr Mountain to the west. Follow the trail to the summit of Champlain Mountain at 1058 feet where hikers can now enjoy views towards the north and east over Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Descend on Champlain South Ridge Trail south of the summit. This trail is partially wooded and stretches across exposed granite, rocks, roots and steps. 1.6 miles and 600 feet down the trail, hikers will parallel The Bowl—Acadia's second highest lake/pond. Swimming is allowed in The Bowl.
As hikers pass around the lake there will be the Bowl Trail intersection. Take this trail .9 miles to the trek’s terminus at Sand Beach. The rest of the 300 feet in decent are wooded with mostly gradual steps and a small-boulder field to navigate.
Along the Bowl Trail, hikers will pass intersections for Gorham Mountain Trail at mile 3.4 and 3.5. This is an option for those who wish to extend their hike. For more detail see Hike Gorham Mountain Loop.
At the end of the boulder field, cross the street at the designated crosswalk, walk south (to the right) along the walkway to Sand Beach where there are restrooms, water and ocean swimming. The bus stop is in the main parking lot next to the restrooms and changing rooms.
Follow the path back behind the Nature Center. Hikers can take either the Jessup Path or the Wild Gardens Path (both of equal length and level) .3-miles south to The Tarn. These trails can be found to the south (far left) along the dirt access road lining the trees. Upon reaching the lake, follow the trail left following signs for Beachcroft Path. Cross the road to the Beachcroft trailhead.
The Beachcroft Trail begins a mostly exposed, strenuous 1.2 mile climb up 900 feet in elevation. The trail is predominantly stone steps with some minor switchbacks with views of The Tarn and Dorr Mountain to the west. Follow the trail to the summit of Champlain Mountain at 1058 feet where hikers can now enjoy views towards the north and east over Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Descend on Champlain South Ridge Trail south of the summit. This trail is partially wooded and stretches across exposed granite, rocks, roots and steps. 1.6 miles and 600 feet down the trail, hikers will parallel The Bowl—Acadia's second highest lake/pond. Swimming is allowed in The Bowl.
As hikers pass around the lake there will be the Bowl Trail intersection. Take this trail .9 miles to the trek’s terminus at Sand Beach. The rest of the 300 feet in decent are wooded with mostly gradual steps and a small-boulder field to navigate.
Along the Bowl Trail, hikers will pass intersections for Gorham Mountain Trail at mile 3.4 and 3.5. This is an option for those who wish to extend their hike. For more detail see Hike Gorham Mountain Loop.
At the end of the boulder field, cross the street at the designated crosswalk, walk south (to the right) along the walkway to Sand Beach where there are restrooms, water and ocean swimming. The bus stop is in the main parking lot next to the restrooms and changing rooms.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on a leash. (6-feet or shorter)
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
Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach
Hiking: The trails from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach climb along the tallest mountain on Mount Desert Island's eastern coastline in Acadia National Park. Disembark the bus at Sieur de Monts to begin the hike. Sieur de Monts has the first and last restrooms and water before the terminus of the trail at Sand Beach. Other sites include the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the historic Abbe Museum and the Nature Center where passport stamp collectors can receive a stamp.
Follow the path back behind the Nature Center. Hikers can take either the Jessup Path or the Wild Gardens Path (both of equal length and level) .3-miles south to The Tarn. These trails can be found to the south (far left) along the dirt access road lining the trees. Upon reaching the lake, follow the trail left following signs for Beachcroft Path. Cross the road to the Beachcroft trailhead.
The Beachcroft Trail begins a mostly exposed, strenuous 1.2 mile climb up 900 feet in elevation. The trail is predominantly stone steps with some minor switchbacks with views of The Tarn and Dorr Mountain to the west. Follow the trail to the summit of Champlain Mountain at 1058 feet where hikers can now enjoy views towards the north and east over Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Descend on Champlain South Ridge Trail south of the summit. This trail is partially wooded and stretches across exposed granite, rocks, roots and steps. 1.6 miles and 600 feet down the trail, hikers will parallel The Bowl—Acadia's second highest lake/pond. Swimming is allowed in The Bowl.
As hikers pass around the lake there will be the Bowl Trail intersection. Take this trail .9 miles to the trek’s terminus at Sand Beach. The rest of the 300 feet in decent are wooded with mostly gradual steps and a small-boulder field to navigate.
Along the Bowl Trail, hikers will pass intersections for Gorham Mountain Trail at mile 3.4 and 3.5. This is an option for those who wish to extend their hike. For more detail see Hike Gorham Mountain Loop.
At the end of the boulder field, cross the street at the designated crosswalk, walk south (to the right) along the walkway to Sand Beach where there are restrooms, water and ocean swimming. The bus stop is in the main parking lot next to the restrooms and changing rooms.
BUS INFORMATION The Hull’s Cove Visitor Center and Village Green in Bar Harbor are the primary bus hubs on the island. Both have buses that will take hikers to Sieur de Monts and pick up at Sand Beach.
Departure from Hull’s Cove Visitor Center: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus and exit the bus at the Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 15 minutes.
Departure from Village Green: Take the #3 Sand Beach bus and request to stop at Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 15 minutes.
Upon disembarking, the bathrooms are across the parking lot and water and the Nature Center will be straight ahead. Follow the path back behind the Nature Center. The trails start to the far left across the opening.
Return: The #4 and #3 can pick hikers up at the Sand Beach bus stop in the Sand Beach parking lot. The #4 will return to the visitors to the Visitor Center and the #3 will return to Village Green.
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 (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts: #4, #3 and #10)
Restroom (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts)
Water (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts)
Bus Stop (mile 4.1 Sand Beach: #4, #3)
Restroom (mile 4.1 Sand Beach)
Water (mile 4.1 Sand Beach)
Follow the path back behind the Nature Center. Hikers can take either the Jessup Path or the Wild Gardens Path (both of equal length and level) .3-miles south to The Tarn. These trails can be found to the south (far left) along the dirt access road lining the trees. Upon reaching the lake, follow the trail left following signs for Beachcroft Path. Cross the road to the Beachcroft trailhead.
The Beachcroft Trail begins a mostly exposed, strenuous 1.2 mile climb up 900 feet in elevation. The trail is predominantly stone steps with some minor switchbacks with views of The Tarn and Dorr Mountain to the west. Follow the trail to the summit of Champlain Mountain at 1058 feet where hikers can now enjoy views towards the north and east over Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Descend on Champlain South Ridge Trail south of the summit. This trail is partially wooded and stretches across exposed granite, rocks, roots and steps. 1.6 miles and 600 feet down the trail, hikers will parallel The Bowl—Acadia's second highest lake/pond. Swimming is allowed in The Bowl.
As hikers pass around the lake there will be the Bowl Trail intersection. Take this trail .9 miles to the trek’s terminus at Sand Beach. The rest of the 300 feet in decent are wooded with mostly gradual steps and a small-boulder field to navigate.
Along the Bowl Trail, hikers will pass intersections for Gorham Mountain Trail at mile 3.4 and 3.5. This is an option for those who wish to extend their hike. For more detail see Hike Gorham Mountain Loop.
At the end of the boulder field, cross the street at the designated crosswalk, walk south (to the right) along the walkway to Sand Beach where there are restrooms, water and ocean swimming. The bus stop is in the main parking lot next to the restrooms and changing rooms.
BUS INFORMATION The Hull’s Cove Visitor Center and Village Green in Bar Harbor are the primary bus hubs on the island. Both have buses that will take hikers to Sieur de Monts and pick up at Sand Beach.
Departure from Hull’s Cove Visitor Center: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus and exit the bus at the Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 15 minutes.
Departure from Village Green: Take the #3 Sand Beach bus and request to stop at Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 15 minutes.
Upon disembarking, the bathrooms are across the parking lot and water and the Nature Center will be straight ahead. Follow the path back behind the Nature Center. The trails start to the far left across the opening.
Return: The #4 and #3 can pick hikers up at the Sand Beach bus stop in the Sand Beach parking lot. The #4 will return to the visitors to the Visitor Center and the #3 will return to Village Green.
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 (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts: #4, #3 and #10)
Restroom (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts)
Water (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts)
Bus Stop (mile 4.1 Sand Beach: #4, #3)
Restroom (mile 4.1 Sand Beach)
Water (mile 4.1 Sand Beach)
Reservations
No
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Day, Dusk, Dawn. The park and trails are open 24 hours a day, but the Island Explorer shuttle begins service to Sieur de Monts at 9 am and ends service between 5:20 and 5:40 pm at Sand Beach.
Accessibility Information
The first .3 miles from Sieur de Monts is a narrow trail through the woods with rocks and roots but no elevation gain. The 1.2 mile climb up the Beachcroft Trail is strenuous with 900 feet of elevation gain across stone steps and granite slabs. The last 2.5 miles is a more gradual downhill along Champlain South Ridge Trail and the Bowl Trail along granite slabs, rocks, roots and steps back down 900 feet in elevation.