Man O’War Brook Falls

Coastal waterfall on Mount Desert Island; Man O’War Brook spills into Somes Sound over granite.

Insider tip

Start from Acadia Mountain Trailhead for shorter access

Insider tip

Watch for exposed roots along the trail

The light

Good; coastal sunsets over Somes Sound

Heads up

Slippery rocks near water; roots and exposed trail surfaces; some steep sections; cell service spotty

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.5
Coastal Waterfall0 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Along the shoreline, a mossy cascade flows toward Somes Sound. Man O’War Brook descends over granite and metamorphic rock into coastal waters. The landscape bears the mark of Pleistocene glaciation, with granite about 420 million years old shaping the scene.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From the Acadia Mountain Trailhead, take the Man O’War Brook Trail toward Somes Sound. The falls are encountered as the trail nears the water; the Acadia Mountain Loop offers a 2.7-mile alternative.
Distance From Entrance
1 mile one-way (Acadia Mountain Trailhead to falls); 2.7-mile Acadia Mountain Loop
Parking Availability
Parking can fill during peak season

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring and fall for foliage and higher water flow; late afternoon light is ideal for photography.
Best Visit Times
Late afternoon for light; spring/fall for stronger flows
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Good; coastal sunsets over Somes Sound
Best Season
Spring and Fall
Busiest Season
Summer, especially July
Seasonal Access
Open year-round; spring conditions can be slippery, especially near the falls
Weather Patterns
Spring: slippery trails; summer: crowds and coastal weather variability; conditions can shift with sea breezes
Fall Colors Peak
Autumn

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Coastal Waterfall
Main Features
Coastal Waterfall; Somes Sound fjord; mixed bedrock including granite ~420 Ma; glacially influenced terrain
What Youll See
Mossy rock faces, a gentle cascade, shoreline views toward Somes Sound, forested slopes
Unique Characteristics
Coastal waterfall feeding into Somes Sound, the East Coast's fjord system; Mount Desert Island granite dating ~420 million years
Photo Opportunities
Golden hour reflections on Somes Sound; moss-covered granite and the cascading fall
Photography Spots
Golden hour along the shoreline; frames oriented toward Somes Sound and the cascade
Best Viewpoints
Along the Man O'War Brook Trail as it approaches Somes Sound; shoreline vantage spots provide water-level frames
Common Wildlife
Native forest birds and general park fauna
Best Wildlife Times
Morning
Geological Formation Type
Coastal Waterfall
Scientific Interest
Demonstrates freshwater discharge into a marine fjord and interaction with glacially derived bedrock; granite dated to ~420 Ma
Stargazing Quality
Good

Facilities, fees & access

Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Spotty
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Moderate, dirt trail with roots; some steep sections
Accessibility Level
Moderate (trail with roots and some steep sections)
Nearby Services
Restrooms at Acadia Mountain Trailhead; park interpretive programs available
Nearby Facilities
Restrooms at Acadia Mountain Trailhead; no en-route facilities
Family Friendly Notes
Moderate hike with exposed roots; supervise children near drops

Safety

Safety Considerations
Slippery rocks near water; roots and exposed trail surfaces; some steep sections; cell service spotty

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Somes Sound, Mount Desert Island, Acadia Mountain Loop, nearby hiking trails
Connecting Trails
Acadia Mountain Loop; Man O'War Brook Trail
Trailheads Here
Man O'War Brook Trail from Acadia Mountain Trailhead; connection to Acadia Mountain Loop

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Start from Acadia Mountain Trailhead for shorter access
  • Watch for exposed roots along the trail
  • Boat-view vantage from Somes Sound is possible on tours
Tips Advice
  • Look for the cascade along the shoreline as you near Somes Sound
  • The hike from the Acadia Mountain Trailhead is about 1 mile one-way; plan 2 miles round trip if looping
  • Trail is moderate with roots; sturdy boots are essential
  • Parking can fill during peak season; arrive early
  • Boat tours offer a water-view perspective of the falls and Somes Sound

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
Yes
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors describe a peaceful, forest-integrated waterfall experience rather than a dramatic cascade; the 1-mile hike adds a quiet coastal context to Acadia’s trails.

Location

Man O'War Brook Falls cascades down rugged granite cliffs at Acadia National Park, a dramatic coastal waterfall.Man O'War Brook Falls seen from rocky ledges with a small dog in the foreground, Acadia National Park coastline nearby.Man O'War Brook Falls at Acadia National Park along a rugged rocky ledge above misty water.Man O'War Brook Falls cascades over rugged rocks into a calm Acadia National Park inlet.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking can fill during peak season; plan to arrive early in summer or consider arriving before mid-morning for a comfortable start.

Is it worth the 1-mile hike just to see a waterfall?

Yes. The trail offers a quiet coastal forest experience and views toward Somes Sound; it’s a balanced mix of scenery and geology.

Can I see the falls from the water?

Yes. A boat tour provides a water-view perspective of the falls and Somes Sound.

Is the trail kid-friendly?

The 1-mile one-way hike is moderate with roots and some slopes; supervise children and wear sturdy boots.

Is the area secure for alone travelers?

Stay on marked trails, be cautious near water edges, and inform someone of your plans; cell service is spotty in parts of Acadia.

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.