Car-Free Acadia

The Beech Cliff Trail climbs a steep rock face from the southern end of Echo Lake to the top of the cliffs. Continue north along the short and fun Beech Cliff Loop to be treated to even more views from the top of the cliffs. The descent is more gradual and goes down a forested area via the Canada Cliffs Trail back to the beginning of the hike.

The trek to summit both Bubbles and Conners Nubble summits three peaks and accesses iconic park locations. Hikers will be treated to views of lakes and mountains while exploring woodlands. By hiking with the use of the Island Explorer Bus, these trails are accessible in a unique way and helps hikers overcome the crowds while exploring popular viewpoints.

This is a great option for hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. It follows Kebo Brook which cuts deeply through the granite bedrock with views of steep canyons walls from the gorge below. The final portion of the path ascends a steep rock face and gives hikers vistas of Dorr Mountain, Frenchman Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, as well the deeply cut gorge itself. The summit of Cadillac Mountain provides a 360-degree view out over Mount Desert Island.

Great Head Trial provides visitors a chance to hike a shorter trail and get amazing views of the ocean and forest in the same hike. Enjoy the views while relaxing on the beach afterward.

If looking for a way to relax, to take in some magnificent views, or to just burn some of the calories from the popovers consumed at the Jordan Pond house, the Jordan Pond Path is a great choice. Even just walking along the eastern shoreline is a certain way to enjoy some scenic vistas of one of Acadia’s iconic locations.  

Ocean Path follows atop Acadia’s granite cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. While exploring the Ocean Path, visitors can enjoy scenic vistas and iconic park locations including Sand beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs. Combining this hike with Acadia’s Island Explorer bus gives hikers flexibility in trail distance on what would otherwise be an out-and-back hike.

The hike up and over Pemetic takes hikers to the shores of both Bubble and Jordan Pond and summits Pemetic Mountain. Nearly 360-degree views look out over Cadillac, Sargent and Penobscot peaks, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cranberry Isles. Hiking this peak with use of the Island Explorer Bus offers hikers a bus-stop-only starting point for a strenuous hike with minimal mileage.

The trails up Sargent and Penobscot Mountains are located a short distance from the Jordan Pond House restaurant and gift shop.     

The trails from Sieur de Monts to Jesup Path are located adjacent to the Nature Center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia in a wooded area.  

The trek from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach connects four trails and summits Champlain Mountain. Hikers will be treated to views of lakes, mountains and ocean while exploring woodlands, ponds and bare summits. By hiking with the use of the Island Explorer Bus, these trails are transformed from out-and-back hikes to a scenic trek across Acadia National Park.

Acadia Mountain Trail follows up the east and west side of the mountain with views of the surrounding mountains and bodies of water. With the Island Explorer bus, visitors won't need to park along the road and can ride to the trailhead stress-free.

Beginning at the Village Green in Bar Harbor and ending at the Sieur de Mont Area this hike includes the Great Meadow Loop, the Hemlock Road Trail, and the Jesup Path. With virtually no elevation gain it traverses a Bar Harbor neighborhood, crosses the Great Meadow, and finishes with a boardwalk at the Nature Center.