Great Head

Pink granite headland above Sand Beach; coast revealed by coastal erosion.

Insider tip

Take side trails for different coastline angles.

Insider tip

Early morning or late afternoon light reduces glare.

The light

Sunrise and sunset illuminate the pink granite and coastal cliffs

Heads up

Gravity exists here with steep drops; uneven footing; rocks can be slick when wet; stay back from edges; children should be held close

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Geological Formation145 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Rosy pink granite rises along the coast above Sand Beach. A loop trail threads rocky overlooks, revealing the coastline beyond the headland toward The Beehive. This landscape records coastal erosion chiseling the granite on Mount Desert Island.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Sand Beach parking area, follow the Great Head Trail toward the promontory; alternatively access from Schooner Head Road. The loop runs roughly 1.4–1.9 miles round-trip.
Distance From Entrance
Varies
Road Type
Paved to parking areas; rocky trail segments
Parking Availability
Sand Beach parking area is often full; Schooner Head Road parking area is available as an alternative.
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by early morning during peak season

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring through fall; mornings and golden hours enhance the pink granite color and reduce glare.
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Sunrise and sunset illuminate the pink granite and coastal cliffs
Best Season
Spring–Fall
Busiest Season
Summer (July–August)
Seasonal Access
Spring–Fall; winter access limited by snow and ice
Snow Lingering
Winter snow/ice limits access
Winter Access
Limited
Weather Patterns
Fog possible; midday glare; coastal winds; variable conditions

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Coastal headland; pink granite; panoramic views of Sand Beach and adjacent coastline
What Youll See
Rocky eastern coastline, pink granite outcrops, views toward Sand Beach and The Beehive; variable light on the rock; gulls overhead
Unique Characteristics
Prominent pink granite characteristic of Mount Desert Island; ~420-million-year-old rock; tea house ruins along the trail
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise on pink granite; golden hour along the coast; dramatic light over promontories
Photography Spots
Coastal overlooks along the loop; early light on pink granite
Best Viewpoints
Coastal overlooks along the loop and cliff-edge viewpoints above the shoreline
Common Wildlife
Gulls overhead; marine life in tidal pools depending on tide
Best Wildlife Times
Year-round gull presence; tidal pools best at low tide
Geological Formation Type
Coastal headland; pink granite
Scientific Interest
Visible pink granite structure; 420-million-year-old rock; coastal erosion shaping Mount Desert Island
Stargazing Quality
Not a primary stargazing site

Facilities, fees & access

Permits Required
0
Restrooms Available
1
Picnic Areas
0
Water Available
0
Interpretive Signs
0
Accessibility
Rocky, uneven terrain; steep sections; not wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Level
Not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
Bar Harbor restaurants and lodging; Sand Beach facilities
Nearby Facilities
Restrooms at Sand Beach; Bar Harbor services nearby
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges require close supervision; hold hands; stick to established paths

Safety

Safety Considerations
Gravity exists here with steep drops; uneven footing; rocks can be slick when wet; stay back from edges; children should be held close

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Sand Beach; The Beehive Trail; Gorham Mountain; Otter Cliff; Thunder Hole
Connecting Trails
The Great Head Trail connects with the Sand Beach area and Schooner Head Road; multiple coastal viewpoints
Trailheads Here
Great Head Trail; Sand Beach parking area; Schooner Head Road

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Take side trails for different coastline angles.
  • Early morning or late afternoon light reduces glare.
  • Wet granite is slick—move slowly and use handholds.
Tips Advice
  • Explore side trails for different coastal perspectives.
  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
  • The granite can be very slippery when wet—wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park
Elevation Feet
145
Visitor Center Present
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
Visitors praise the coastal views and Sand Beach context; parking is often full; the hike is moderate and suitable for families.

Location

Great Head overlook at Acadia National Park with sandy beach, colorful fall forest, and blue Atlantic waters.Great Head overlook at Acadia National Park features rocky promontory and pine forest with ocean beyond.Great Head Trail boardwalk winds through a spruce forest in Acadia National Park.Great Head overlook rises above rugged granite shores with pine forests in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking often fills by early morning in peak season; consider using Schooner Head Road parking or planning extra time to find a spot.

Is it worth the 1.4–1.9 mile hike just to see the coastline?

Yes. The loop offers multiple coastal viewpoints, including Sand Beach and the promontory above the Beehive; it’s a moderate hike with broad sea panoramas.

Can I bring my kids to the Great Head Trail?

Yes, but the terrain is rocky with uneven footing and exposed edges. Keep children close and supervise at all times.

Is the trail accessible for a wheelchair?

No. The route is rocky and includes steep sections, so it is not wheelchair accessible.

Will I see wildlife along the way?

Gulls are common overhead; you may notice marine life in tidal pools at low tide if conditions allow.

Echo Lake

Dark waters in a granite basin. Swim the lifeguarded beach, paddle, or hike Beech Mountain from one lot.

Little Hunters Beach

Fist-sized cobblestones frame a secluded Atlantic beach. Glacier-rounded stones, slippery rocks, cold water.

Shatter Zone

Chocolate chip cookie rocks reveal an ancient volcano's caldera edge in granite.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.