Great Head

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Is the trail accessible for a wheelchair?

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

Q: 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.

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Best Season

Spring–Fall

Busiest Season

Summer (July–August)

Features

Coastal headland; pink granite; panoramic views of Sand Beach and adjacent coastline

Elevation

145 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

145 ft

Access

Not wheelchair accessible

Main Features

Coastal headland; pink granite; panoramic views of Sand Beach and adjacent coastline

What You'll See

Rocky eastern coastline, pink granite outcrops, views toward Sand Beach and The Beehive; variable light on the rock; gulls overhead

What Makes It Special

Prominent pink granite characteristic of Mount Desert Island; ~420-million-year-old rock; tea house ruins along the trail

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall; mornings and golden hours enhance the pink granite color and reduce glare.

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

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 145 ft

Distance from Entrance: Varies

GPS: Not available

What Makes It Unique:

Prominent pink granite characteristic of Mount Desert Island; ~420-million-year-old rock; tea house ruins along the trail

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

Size: Not available

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Fish Species: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Coastal headland; pink granite

Scientific Interest:

Visible pink granite structure; 420-million-year-old rock; coastal erosion shaping Mount Desert Island

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Not wheelchair accessible

Road: Paved to parking areas; rocky trail segments

Seasonal Access: Spring–Fall; winter access limited by snow and ice

Parking: Sand Beach parking area is often full; Schooner Head Road parking area is available as an alternative.

Entry Fees: Not specified

Trails

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

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

Coastal overlooks along the loop; early light on pink granite

Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise and sunset illuminate the pink granite and coastal cliffs

Stargazing: Not a primary stargazing site

Facilities

Restrooms (Not available)

Cell Service: Unknown

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Gulls overhead; marine life in tidal pools depending on tide

Best Wildlife Viewing: Year-round gull presence; tidal pools best at low tide

Wildflower Peak: Not available

Fall Colors Peak: Not available

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Spring–Fall

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds

Road Opens: Not specified

Busiest: Summer (July–August)

Parking Fills: Parking fills by early morning during peak season

Snow Until: Winter snow/ice limits access

Winter Access: Limited

Weather:

Fog possible; midday glare; coastal winds; variable conditions

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Sand Beach; The Beehive Trail; Gorham Mountain; Otter Cliff; Thunder Hole

Nearby Services:

Bar Harbor restaurants and lodging; Sand Beach facilities

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.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Rocky, uneven terrain; steep sections; not wheelchair accessible

Family Friendly:

Exposed edges require close supervision; hold hands; stick to established paths

Nearby Facilities:

Restrooms at Sand Beach; Bar Harbor services nearby

FAQs

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?

Can I bring my kids to the Great Head Trail?

Is the trail accessible for a wheelchair?

Will I see wildlife along the way?

📖 National Park Service — Acadia National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 acadiamagic.com 📖 ericsturgeon.com 📖 npplan.com 📖 mainetrailfinder.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 arcgis.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 jameskaiser.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 musingsofarover.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 youtube.com 📖 chasingadvntr.com 📖 seesimplelove.com 📖 acadia.ws ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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