Bubble Rock

100-ton glacial erratic on a cliff edge above Jordan Pond; Lucerne Granite origin hints at ancient ice.

Insider tip

Parking fills by 9am in peak season; arrive early or use Island Explorer

Insider tip

Bubble Rock is a glacial erratic; observe the rounded edges and Lucerne Granite origin

The light

Golden-hour lighting useful for photography around Jordan Pond

Heads up

Gravity hazard at the cliff edge; no barriers; slippery granite stairs when wet; stay back from the edge and wear sturdy footwear

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Geological Formation767 ftNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Bubble Rock sits on the cliff edge above Jordan Pond, a 100-ton boulder ready to drop into view. It was carried by glaciers from Lucerne, Maine, about 40 miles away, and left behind as the ice melted. From here, Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, and Penobscot Mountain frame the view.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Park Loop Road, drive to the Bubbles Divide Parking Lot; follow the Bubble Rock Trail about 1.5 miles round-trip to Bubble Rock.
Road Type
Paved
Parking Availability
Fills by 9 a.m. in peak season; overflow parking available; Island Explorer bus operates late June–early September, restricting private vehicle access
Peak Fill Times
9 a.m.
GPS Coordinates
44.33943, -68.25378

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring through fall
Best Visit Times
Spring–Fall; mornings for wildlife; avoid peak weekend mid-day in summer
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Golden-hour lighting useful for photography around Jordan Pond
Best Season
Spring through fall
Busiest Season
Weekends and mid-summer
Seasonal Access
Spring–Fall focus; winter access not indicated
Weather Patterns
Mornings can be foggy; midday glare; summer crowds; typical Acadia weather
Fall Colors Peak
Autumn colors peak in fall, contrasting with Jordan Pond

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Glacial erratic on the edge of a cliff, composed of Lucerne Granite; weight about 100 tons; views overlook Jordan Pond with Pemetic and Penobscot Mountains nearby; bedrock is Cadillac Mountain Granite in the surrounding area; end moraine context evident at Jordan Pond
What Youll See
Bubble Rock perched at the cliff edge with Jordan Pond and surrounding peaks; views extend to Pemetic Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, and the Atlantic horizon beyond
Unique Characteristics
A 100-ton glacial erratic transported roughly 40 miles from Lucerne Granite; evidence of glacial transport; ties to the larger Bubbles formed by ice movement
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour shots over Jordan Pond; rock as foreground with mountains in the background; backlit morning lighting over the pond
Photography Spots
Bubble Rock viewing area; Jordan Pond; Pemetic Mountain
Best Viewpoints
Stand at the Bubble Rock viewing area along the cliff edge for a frontal frame with Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
Common Wildlife
Peregrine falcons on cliffs; white-tailed deer; songbirds; squirrels; potential foxes or raccoons
Best Wildlife Times
Spring and fall migrations; mornings ideal for wildlife viewing
Geological Formation Type
Glacial erratic
Scientific Interest
Demonstrates glacial transport; supports the historical understanding of vast ice sheets shaping Acadia; highlights end-moraine influence on Jordan Pond

Facilities, fees & access

Permits Required
0
Restrooms Available
0
Restroom Type
Vault toilets may be available at other park trailheads; none at the Bubble Rock trailhead
Picnic Areas
0
Water Available
0
Interpretive Signs
1
Accessibility
Moderate; steep granite stairs and exposed sections; not wheelchair-friendly
Accessibility Level
Moderate; not wheelchair-friendly due to steep stairs and exposed sections
Nearby Services
Jordan Pond House nearby; Island Explorer bus; vault toilets at other park locations
Nearby Facilities
Jordan Pond House and park facilities nearby; no restrooms at the trailhead
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed cliff edge; supervise children closely; hold hands near edge

Safety

Safety Considerations
Gravity hazard at the cliff edge; no barriers; slippery granite stairs when wet; stay back from the edge and wear sturdy footwear

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, Jordan Pond House, Bubbles Divide Parking Lot
Connecting Trails
Bubble Rock Trail from Bubbles Divide; connections to North Bubble Loop
Trailheads Here
Bubbles Divide Parking Lot; Bubble Rock Trail

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Parking fills by 9am in peak season; arrive early or use Island Explorer
  • Bubble Rock is a glacial erratic; observe the rounded edges and Lucerne Granite origin
  • Wear sturdy footwear; wet granite stairs can be slick
Tips Advice
  • Parking fills by 9 a.m. in peak season; arrive early or use Island Explorer.
  • Stay back from the cliff edge; no barriers.
  • Wear sturdy footwear; granite stairs can be slick when wet.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park – The Bubbles (South Bubble)
Elevation Feet
767
Visitor Center Present
0
Guided Tours Available
1
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
4.8 stars from 375 reviews. Visitors note the dramatic cliff-edge setting and the massive size of Bubble Rock; expect crowded parking during peak season

Location

Bubble Rock overlook in Acadia National Park offers a dramatic cliffside view of forested hills and a blue lake.Bubble Rock overlook on granite outcrop in Acadia National Park showcases surrounding spruce forests and blue skies above.Bubble Rock overlook at Acadia National Park sits on a rocky promontory with a cross and surrounding pines.Bubble Rock shoreline at Acadia National Park shows clear lake water, rocks, and driftwood with forested hills in the background.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 9am to get parking?

Yes. The Bubbles Divide Parking Lot fills by 9 a.m. in peak season; plan to arrive early or use Island Explorer to reach the trailhead.

Is it worth the 1.5-mile round-trip hike just to see Bubble Rock?

Yes. A 100-ton glacial erratic sits at the cliff edge with views of Jordan Pond and surrounding peaks; the walk is moderate and the payoff is a direct encounter with glacial history.

Can I bring kids or dogs on this trail?

The trail is moderate with exposed cliff edges and no guardrails; keep children close and dogs leashed where allowed; check park policies for dogs on this specific route.

Will I see wildlife, and when is best?

Peregrine falcons inhabit the cliffs; early mornings in spring and fall offer the best wildlife opportunities.

Is there wheelchair access or easy terrain for accessibility?

No. The route includes steep granite stairs and exposed sections, so it is not wheelchair-friendly.

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.