Great Head

Great Head coastal overlook along Acadia National Park in Maine, with rocky shoreline and blue Atlantic.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: Not available
Accessibility: Rocky, uneven terrain; steep sections; not wheelchair accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Sand Beach; The Beehive Trail; Gorham Mountain; Otter Cliff; Thunder Hole
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms at Sand Beach; Bar Harbor services nearby
Best Time To Visit: Spring through fall; mornings and golden hours enhance the pink granite color and reduce glare.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Exposed edges require close supervision; hold hands; stick to established paths
Recent Updates: Not available
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 145
Distance From Entrance: Varies
Accessibility Level: Not wheelchair accessible
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.
Parking Availability: Sand Beach parking area is often full; Schooner Head Road parking area is available as an alternative.
Road Type: Paved to parking areas; rocky trail segments
Seasonal Access: Spring–Fall; winter access limited by snow and ice
Entry Fees: Not specified
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
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
Best Viewpoints: Coastal overlooks along the loop and cliff-edge viewpoints above the shoreline
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
Stargazing Quality: Not a primary stargazing site
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Sunrise and sunset illuminate the pink granite and coastal cliffs
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Not available
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unknown
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Great Head Trail; Sand Beach parking area; Schooner Head Road
Connecting Trails: The Great Head Trail connects with the Sand Beach area and Schooner Head Road; multiple coastal viewpoints
Nearby Services: Bar Harbor restaurants and lodging; Sand Beach facilities
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
Wildflower Peak: Not available
Fall Colors Peak: Not available
Geological Formation Type: Coastal headland; pink granite
Scientific Interest: Visible pink granite structure; 420-million-year-old rock; coastal erosion shaping Mount Desert Island
Road Opening Dates: Not specified
Snow Lingering: Winter snow/ice limits access
Winter Access: Limited
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
Best Season: Spring–Fall
Weather Patterns: Fog possible; midday glare; coastal winds; variable conditions
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by early morning during peak season
Busiest Season: Summer (July–August)
Waterfall Height: Not available
Waterfall Flow Rate: Not available
Lake Size: Not available
Fishing Species: Not available
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

Photos

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.