Canon Brook Trail - 2.4mi Black Diamond Hike

Canon Brook Trailhead in Acadia National Park features a black woodpecker perched on a fallen log amid green foliage.

Out-and-back 2.4 miles with 683 ft of grind. The climb is a serious push: granite faces, stream bed sections, and a pine-needle finish. High reward for the effort awaits at the upper reach with views toward Dorr Mountain, Champlain Mountain, and Featherbed Pond. Bring ample water and stay focused on your footing.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Hard (Black Diamond)
Elevation Gain Feet: 683

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Hard (Black Diamond)
Elevation Gain Feet: 683
Estimated Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Trail Surface: Rocky climb with granite faces; stream-bed sections; pine-needle path near the end
Trail Features: Granite faces and rocky sections
Canon Brook crossings and small gorges
Pine-needle path near the end
Granite stairways
Trail Highlights: Open granite rock section where Canon Brook threads through a crevasse; views toward Dorr Mountain and Champlain Mountain; Featherbed Pond

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 44.33492, -68.23418; roadside parking along Route 3, ~1 mile south of Sieur de Monts Entrance
Parking Lot Size: Small roadside pullout
Parking Fill Time: Unknown
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Fare-free Island Explorer may provide access to nearby trailheads

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Park entrance pass required May 1–Oct 31; buy online or in-park
Fees: $30-$35 private vehicle; $15-$20 individual pass
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closures noted.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Canon Brook; small ponds and waterfalls; carry water; filtration recommended
Accessibility: Rooty and steep; not wheelchair accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Slippery rocks when wet
Steep granite sections
Gorges and granite stairways
Exposure on open rock sections
Sun exposure on exposed rock
Hazard Details: Slippery when wet, especially on granite; steep faces require careful footing; occasional gorges and stairs; some exposure on open rock sections; heat risk in sunlit patches
Cell Service: Unknown
Crowd Level: Light
Peak Crowd Times: Unknown
Best Season: Late spring through fall (June-October).
Best Time To Visit: Start early; best June–October for drier conditions.
Tips Advice: Carry 2 liters water minimum
Tighten boots; sturdy boots essential for granite and rocky sections
Bring a map; trail markers can be subtle in wooded areas
Weather can flip quickly; blue skies can turn to hail in minutes on exposed rock

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park
Trail Markers: Unknown
Dogs Allowed: Unknown
Biking Allowed: Unknown
Shade Level: Canopy-covered with wooded sections; open rock sections
Emergency Contacts: Unknown
Map Recommended: 1
Alltrails Link: Unknown
Snow Dates: Snowfall can make trails impassable from late fall through spring.
Mud Season: Spring can be muddy after snowmelt.
Wildflower Peak: Unknown
Fall Colors Peak: Unknown
Bug Season: Mosquitoes and black flies common in warmer months near water and woods
Insider Tips: This trail can be used as a connector to Cadillac Mountain or Dorr Mountain via other trails
Start early due to sun exposure in open rock areas
Sturdy boots and trekking poles strongly recommended
Island Explorer may provide access to nearby trailheads
Recent Updates: Unknown
Family Friendly Notes: Hard rating; not ideal for very young children
Nearby Facilities: Unknown
Review Summary: Hikers note lighter crowds and interesting granite sections along Canon Brook; some find the ascent tougher than expected due to steep, rocky terrain. The payoff includes views toward Dorr and Champlain Mountain and access to Featherbed Pond.