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Top Hiking areas in Bar Harbor, United States
Top Rated Hiking areas in Bar Harbor
Top Reviewed Hiking areas in Bar Harbor
Bar Island Land Bridge
Wild Gardens of Acadia
Beehive Trail
Bar Island Land Bridge
Compass Harbor Trailhead
Gorham Mountain Trailhead
Dorr Mountain
Ocean Path Trailhead
Canon Brook Trailhead
Conners Nubble
Reviews
Beautiful walk. Dramatic views. Mostly easy path to walk along. Definitely check out the little offshoots for the great coastal views. Get there early to beat the crowds. We started a little after 7 from Sand Beach. It was just starting to get busy as we were walking back to Thunder Hole to catch the bus.
It’s amazing!!!!
My dog and I did this trail when we visited Acadia in June. We did this trail as an out-and-back (2 miles) since we had already completed Ocean Path the previous day. It was busy but had rewarding views at the top of the mountain.
Nice moderate hike. Recommend sturdy close toe shoes. Nice views. Will walk beside the road for a bit.
After spending a full week in Acadia, this is something I would do again. It was a simple, yet stunning adventure. We parked at Sand Beach. From there, the path is clearly marked and is finished with fine gravel. We took the little side footpaths to go down to the rocks and water’s edge. Pack a lunch and make a day of it!
As a fairly fit senior who read reviews that this trail was “easy” I would say that this is not the case. It’s more of a moderate level trail with many uneven areas stepping through boulders patches and uneven surfaces. The start of the ascending trail head had me scrambling and navigating large boulders, large areas of rock shoulders, exposed roots and slick rocks (be careful when wet). The rest of the path was similar throughout the hike with sections of boulder scrambling, rock steps, narrow passages and exposed tree roots. We took the optional Cadillac trail (located after the metal commemorative plaque on the right fork - look for the sign!) on the accent. It’s easy to miss as the blue blaze is not well marked but there is a sign post. The Cadillac trail featured a narrow squeeze entry, many steep narrow rocky steep steps around rocky bluffs, an old cave and metal rung bar rail steps with metal rung hand holds. The summit offered nice views although on our day mist and fog kicked in offering a calm meditative feel as the sea bell buoys called to us from below. Recommend Wearing hiking shoes! Definitely not a flat easy path. Note that if coming off the Beehive trail this trail connects for a more gradual decent. I would not recommend Cadillac coming down. It took us about 2 hours up - in and down - out from the trail head. Small parking area at trail head. No facilities.
Fun trail following the water. Plenty of views and stops including sand beach and the water spout. Hike is moderate and follows the road for a distance. Enjoy!!!!!!
Great hike. While there are star hikes like beehive, this is a great hike and offers spectacular views of the ocean from the top. We loved it.
The views were beautiful and the hike was moderately difficult. The blue markers along the trails in Acadia are the real hero. Using the free version of the app “all trails” was also helpful for someone who was hiking solo to ensure I was on the right path.
Great little hike with some good elevation change without being too challenging. Great views, about 600' up.
We loved the views from this trail! Took lots of photos. Breath taking!
I LOVE hiking Ocean Path Trail year round. One of my favorite hikes on earth. This trail is rated as “easy” and is a 4.5 mile “out-and-back” hike; plus extra mileage for the endless spur trails. Be sure to check out the spurs! Total elevation gain is about 375 feet. This trail follows alongside Park Loop Road. Ocean Path is well maintained and easy to follow. I love the sounds of the crashing waves and the briny smell of the salty ocean water here. Lots to see. There is little to no cell service here. I recommend a waterproof Acadia paper map from Amazon or the paid subscription to AllTrails app which allows downloading trail maps for use offline where there’s no cell service. Main points on Ocean Path Trail include (A) Sand Beach, you can park at this large parking lot as one of the starting points for hiking Ocean Path. Sand Beach is gorgeous. Trail access to Beehive Trail begins here. (B) Thunder Hole, google the tide schedule and visit this spot around high tide to witness the iconic thundering sounds of crashing waves here (C) Gorham Mountain Trail offers stunning views of the entire Ocean Path and the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see (D) Monument Cove contains granite pillars and a beautiful cobblestone beach (E) Fabbri is a picnic area, parking lot, and restrooms (F) Otter Cliffs are sheer vertical cliffs over 100 high and about 500 feet wide. These cliffs are popular for rock climbers. Ocean Path Trail ends at the Otter Cliffs area (G) spur trails, as I mentioned be sure to take the extra time to explore the numerous side trails (spurs) branching off from Ocean Path Trail, many spurs lead to rocky outcrops with spectacular views of Acadia National Park!
Gorham Mountain (in Acadia National Park) is a great mountain to hike year round. Be sure to also check out Cadillac Cliffs which branches off of the main Gorham Mountain trail. I recommend downloading the AllTrails app. There is no cell service here. With the paid AllTrails annual subscription you can download maps (ahead of time) to navigate these trails even without cell service. The views of the Atlantic Ocean from Gorham Mountain are spectacular. This trail offers a mix of old lava rock formations, areas socked in by trees, cliffs, and connections to many other trails. There is no restroom at this parking lot. Trailhead parking is limited to about 8-10 vehicles; plan to arrive early to ensure a spot. This trail is well maintained and well marked. A park pass is required to access this trail; check online for passes.
Unique experience! The bar is completely underwater most of the time, but dry for about an hour and a half on either side of low tide. We showed up about 45 minutes ahead of the morning low tide, and had plenty of time to hike across and up to the crest of the island and back, in no particular hurry. Parking is at the meters on West St; driving out onto the bar is no longer allowed, and enforcement is enthusiastic. No public bathrooms nearby.
The hike is a little challenging because of the iron rungs. It’s all worth it in the end though because the view is just stunning from the top. One advice: Plan to go early in the morning(around 5am or 6am) to avoid crowds.
Just plan to visit during low tides and it’s a beautiful spot for sunset/sunrise while visiting Bar Harbor if you didn’t get car permit for Cadillac at Acadia. Also spotted 4x4 driving on the bridge.
Moderate trail with some minimal hiking involved. Wonderful view of the sea and the park with beautiful fall colours!
It's a relatively short trail that you can fit multiple trails into to make a larger loop (gorham Mountain trail, the bowl, thunderhole) the entire bigger loop took up about 3-4 hours I reckon.
Expect good inclines and uneven rocky footing. A good pair of boots or hiking shoes would be recommended.
There is also a fair bit of climbing involved at the end of the trail which requires average fitness and flexibility.
Overall a wonderful hike! :D
It's a relatively short trail that you can fit multiple trails into to make a larger loop (gorham Mountain trail, the bowl, thunderhole) the entire bigger loop took up about 3-4 hours I reckon.
Expect good inclines and uneven rocky footing. A good pair of boots or hiking shoes would be recommended.
There is also a fair bit of climbing involved at the end of the trail which requires average fitness and flexibility.
Overall a wonderful hike! :D
This area is so stunning! I saw so many people come and go within 10 minutes of arriving, which is sad because there is so much beauty beyond the entrance garden!
We walked the meadow loop which was easy and relaxing. Take your time here and don’t rush to look around :)
We walked the meadow loop which was easy and relaxing. Take your time here and don’t rush to look around :)
Lovely even in the fall. Beautiful trails, lots of birds. Relaxing.
Probably one of the most beautiful hikes I've done!! The views throughout are incredible, it doesn't feel like we're in Maine at all with the clear blue water. We even saw some otters on the rocks. The trail is quite flat so it's suitable for most hikers. We arrived quite early in the morning to beat the rush hour and the heat. When we left there were a lot of people trying to find a parking, so definitely recommend arriving early!
Wouldn’t even call this a hike because it’s extremely short. However, pops you right out onto the rocks with almost no tourists. Really cool to explore the rocky coast on your own, so close to Bar Harbor.
Great quiet and serene wild gardens. Not busy at all an hour before close with plenty of parking. This was a great stop after a full day in the park. All gravel trails that took us around a half an hour to walk through. No dogs allowed. The gardens weren’t too iconic and I wouldn’t need to stop by again, but I’m glad we did. It’s great this space is preserved. The original Abbe museum is on the property, a covered spring and several trails off-shooting from the area. Also great space to relax and picnic outside of the actual gardens. Would lightly recommend.
It looked like it would be a wonderful place to visit in the spring or summer when everything is in bloom. But when we visited in mid-October, there wasn't much in bloom so it wasn't the most exciting. The nature center was also closed for the season already.
It’s nice. Sometimes you’re running into tourists, but most of the time you won’t. There’s some nice old ruins of a burn down mansion and it’s pretty good swimming.
Easy walk or bike on the eagle lake carriage road. Then a moderate hike up to the lookout point taking the bubble trail. Good view of the lake and adjacent Cadillac mountain. Started from the Eagle Lake Bridge.
My wife and I did the Beehive Trail on 9/27/23. Beautiful weather. The trail is moderate. Not a seasoned hiker/mountaineer but was able to do the entire trail just fine. Took my time which is what I would suggest that you do
So
That you can savor the beautiful views.
On the way back took the longer way back past the “Bowl Pond”. Highly recommend the same….
So
That you can savor the beautiful views.
On the way back took the longer way back past the “Bowl Pond”. Highly recommend the same….
This hike ranks among my top experiences—it's undeniably challenging, though not insurmountable. I'd caution against it for children or anyone fearful of heights. The trail's popularity often leads to congestion; we waited up to 30-45 minutes at certain narrow passages, limiting passage to a single person at a time. A more manageable alternative is the Grotto trail. The panoramic vistas from the summit are truly breathtaking, making the 1.4-mile trek well worth the effort.
IG: journey_man16
IG: journey_man16
A 4 mile hike at the gorgeous Acadia National Park. There are way too many trails and each one of them have beautiful views! Definitely very crowded on a weekend but totally worth the visit! I had to rush before heading out of town but I want to come back and explore more!
Absolutely LOVED stopping here and would go again the next time in Acadia National Park. You can take 15 minutes to explore or over an hour, it’s totally up to you. Scenic walk is by the honor system and incredibly affordable.
The trail is absolutely beautiful but it is not for people that have fear of heights. The ladders and passages on the cliffs are not for the fainted hearts as the climb is quasi vertical. I would not recommend it for your children as this is quite a dangerous ascension. The connection to the bowl is much milder and allows beautiful views too.
Beehive trail is second most toughest trail after the precipice trail. It is very rocky and I would not recommend to do it with a toddler. Kids 8 and up should be fine if they do not have fear of heights. The elevation gain is significant but once you are up there, the view is breathtaking. You can see sand beach , bar island from the top. There are iron rods by which you will be climbing and in some places even that is not there. It will give adrenaline rush . You should not attempt this trail when it is raining or snowing. If you have a little one you can take the bowl trail and still get to the same beehive summit. Coming down the beehive summit is through the bowl trail. You should do it early morning . Reason being weather will be much pleasant at that time, parking lot spots will be available and it will be generally less crowded.
Amazing experience. This is about .75 mile land bridge to bar island.
The bridge opens during low tide and can walk to Bar Island and it is very fun to kids to collect sea shells and watch sea life.
We saw may crabs, a star fish and many more living creatures along the path.
Look for thr low tide time and visit. Otherwise you will see the land bridge is covered with water up to 20 ft and cannot walk to bar island.
The bridge opens during low tide and can walk to Bar Island and it is very fun to kids to collect sea shells and watch sea life.
We saw may crabs, a star fish and many more living creatures along the path.
Look for thr low tide time and visit. Otherwise you will see the land bridge is covered with water up to 20 ft and cannot walk to bar island.
Such a unique experience being able to explore the entire area during low tide. There were all sorts of crabs and snails to play with. One of our favorite activities in bar harbor especially with young kids.
We LOVED this place!
Things you need to know:
- You need to look up the high/low tide times
- If you start crossing before the bridge is clear, you will have wet shoes. Fix: bring water shoes. Bare feet are not recommended (sharp rocks and shell bits)
- It’s a 30-60 minute free activity. You walk to the island and back. You don’t drive there
Things you need to know:
- You need to look up the high/low tide times
- If you start crossing before the bridge is clear, you will have wet shoes. Fix: bring water shoes. Bare feet are not recommended (sharp rocks and shell bits)
- It’s a 30-60 minute free activity. You walk to the island and back. You don’t drive there
My husband and I arrived very early in the morning around 645am, right after the sunrise people were leaving but before the main crowds came around 10am. Parking was already on the street.
Despite that, the ocean path trail was a beautiful hike! We enjoyed going off the path to explore the rocks and scenery, it took about 3.5 hours round trip. We loved seeing the rocky coastline, the lobster boats, sand beach etc! Definitely recommend! :)
Despite that, the ocean path trail was a beautiful hike! We enjoyed going off the path to explore the rocks and scenery, it took about 3.5 hours round trip. We loved seeing the rocky coastline, the lobster boats, sand beach etc! Definitely recommend! :)
This is a very cool hike! Crossing the land bridge to Bar Island is so cool! Make sure to watch out for the tides!
The Beehive Trail is one of the best hiking trails I. The country. You climb up metal rungs on the side of a small mountain to get to a stunning view. This is a must do in Acadia National Park!
On a tour bus so only 20 minutes to explore ɓut would have liked more time to walk the trails. Temp was cool under the trees and folage beautiful.
The view from the summit was incredible. DO NOT hike this trail if conditions are wet. The ladder trail turns into a waterfall and the steps are uneven and tilted making it very unsafe. And the Dorr mountain south ridge trail is not much better, very slippery with a considerable incline
Was a easy hike. I did not find the old farm but went to the beach. It was really cool during low tide. Some sandy spots and some really big rocks to explore. Just be careful walking on the kelp. You can see people's houses looking through the trees carefully. But it is in a deep forest area.
We got to the land bridge about 2 hours before low tide but walked over to the island in several inches of very cold water at the end where the land was still covered. I wore crocs and my husband rolled up his pants and carried his shoes. But we beat the lines of people heading over as we headed back. We found some old house ruins and went to the top to see the overlook but it’s a little blocked by trees. Also saw a couple deer in the Lupines.
A pretty cool (or scary, depending on your perspective) hike up to an absolutely STUNNING view! Would not recommend taking dogs or inexperienced kids on this hike as it would be very dangerous if you're not very careful of footing. Very fun if you're interested in climbing up steep exposed cliff face and metal rungs/handrails. Doesn't require a lot of strength or hiking experience so much as bravery and endurance.
**You CAN see the view without the danger of rungs and narrow passageways by going up the backside of the loop**
**You CAN see the view without the danger of rungs and narrow passageways by going up the backside of the loop**
We did the Gorham Mountain Trail with a short detour to the Cliffs. All in all a pretty moderate hike, especially if you don't take the long way like we did. There is a false summit, though I liked the view better there! After we went back down, we had some lunch on the ocean rocks and just enjoyed the view of the harbor.
We came here to view the sunset in the early evening so we didn’t get to see the land bridge at low tide. But I gotta say the sunset was just amazingly beautiful. There weren’t many folks ( seems like everyone else was at Agmont park ) so we got to enjoy the amazing peaceful view to ourselves. If you are looking for some quiet moment to enjoy this nature’s beauty, this is it! We loved it so much!
Super gorgeous hike! Loved it.
This is a great thing to do. It's so cool to see and if you walk across to the island there is a nice trail and a house that was there but burned down years and years ago. If you do go over there make sure you know when low ride and high tide is. You don't know when the tide starts to come in find out. Because if you get stuck over at the island that will be the most expensive 1/2 mile boat ride you will ever have, don't believe me just ask around. But if you stay on the walk way it's always fun to skip rocks and watch the sunset.
Beautiful lookout with an easy walk! If you wanted, you could hike/walk this trail in about 30 minutes, but it's pretty scenic.
Great place in Acadia to walk around in nature and see some wildlife especially during fall foliage season. I have heard it's also beautiful during spring and summer with all the flowers in bloom. Also one of the few places to see yellow lady slippers.
Difficult trail but well worth the effort. Amazing the work put into the "stairways" up the mountain. Rock scrambles on the way down into the gorge are a challenge as well. Continue up to Cadillac Mt. to finish off the trek. Enjoyed the scenery immensely. July of 22
My son loves roaming here. Peaceful, beautiful, educational. Please consider leaving a donation. It’s a must see along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. While here, check out the other sights to see if they are open. Can be seen in a video on my channel on YouTube. Highly recommend and we definitely will return again!
很享受的风景，这次在阿卡迪亚国家公园感受最好的地方。
There are no doors
By far my absolute favorite trail on bar harbor. Be sure to go after it rains so you can see the waterfall in all its glory.
Incredible views, especially during fall with the changing foliage. Take the trail to North Bubble, which is less busy than South Bubble so you might have the peak to yourself!
Easy tranquil hike with access to a rocky beach at low tide.
This is an easy walk close to Bar Harbor, the walk features Dorr point, beautiful views of Maine's Rocky coast line. This land was the personal location of George Dorr who played a massive role in the creation of Acadia national park. The foundation of his 30 room "summer" home can be seen here amongst a myriad of old stone steps leading down to the shore line. I enjoyed finding the old location of this home and imagined what it would been like to have lived there during the late 1880's
Lovely winter walk with the baby and dog (on leash). Snow but little ice once on the trail.
Nice walk in the woods leading to great views of the ocean and Porcupine Islands
Great hike, medium difficulty, doesn't necessarily need any hiking gear. Rewarding views at the summit!
An absolute must go to when at Acadia National Park. Not only are the views beautiful, especially during the fall, you meet all kinds of great, friendly people on the way. Just remember that the first group of signs, at what seems to be the top, is not the summit. You still have .01 mile to go to the summit.
Great hike. Beautiful views
I accessed this little trail from the Eagle Lake Carriage Road and only hiked to the summit and back...in bicycle shoes (not my best idea!). The views from the nubble (love that word!) of Cadillac Mt and the mountain to the southwest were beautiful shrouded in their fall colors.
2 park rangers said this was their favorite hike in the park. Its never crowded. We loved it and no traffic!
You have to hike a while or ride a bike to get to this trail.