Witch Hole Pond

Cadillac granite pond formed by glacial retreat.

Insider tip

Download offline maps

Insider tip

Start early to beat crowds

The light

Soft light at dawn and dusk; fall foliage adds color

Heads up

Stay on carriage-road surfaces; surfaces are uneven and hills challenge footing; in winter gear is essential for snow/ice; cell service is spotty; water is col…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.5
Geological Formation179 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

An hourglass-shaped pond sits beside a carriage road, its still water reflecting pines and the early morning light. From the northern shore, views sweep along Cadillac granite walls and the pond’s glassy surface. It formed as glaciers retreated 10,000–20,000 years ago, leaving a hollow that filled with water; the bedrock here is Cadillac granite, roughly 420 million years old.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Hulls Cove Visitor Center, take the half-mile steep trail to the carriage roads, then follow the Witch Hole Pond Loop for about 3.3 miles
Distance From Entrance
3.3 miles loop (Hulls Cove to Witch Hole Pond Loop)
Road Type
Gravel carriage roads
Parking Availability
Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking
Peak Fill Times
Busiest in summer; peak hours 10:00 am–5:00 pm; weekends common
GPS Coordinates
N44° 24.089' W68° 14.374'

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring through fall for the most accessible carriage-road exploration; winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the carriage roads.
Best Visit Times
Early spring and late fall to avoid crowds; weekdays preferred during peak season
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Soft light at dawn and dusk; fall foliage adds color
Best Season
Spring through fall
Busiest Season
Summer
Seasonal Access
Spring–fall for full access; winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the carriage roads
Winter Access
Winter: snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the carriage roads; routes maintained

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Hourglass-shaped pond on Cadillac granite; 28 acres; max depth 33 ft; views along the northern shore from the carriage roads; beaver activity and brook trout habitat
What Youll See
Northern carriage-road viewpoints circling the pond; Cadillac granite bedrock exposed along the shore; beaver dams and waterfowl along the water's edge; a shallow, reflective surface across the pond
Unique Characteristics
Cadillac granite bedrock; hourglass pond shape carved by glaciers; beaver activity; proximity to Wabanaki heritage
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise/sunset reflections on the pond; fall foliage along the shore; dusk beaver activity; early morning mist over the water
Photography Spots
Northern shore viewpoints along the loop; early light on the pond and surrounding Cadillac granite
Best Viewpoints
Northern shore viewpoints along the loop; elevated vantage points from the Hulls Cove approach offer broad framing of the pond
Common Wildlife
Beavers; waterfowl; songbirds; frogs; brook trout; deer; chipmunks; squirrels
Best Wildlife Times
Dusk for beaver activity; general birdwatching around wetlands
Geological Formation Type
Cadillac granite bedrock; glacial hollow forming Witch Hole Pond
Scientific Interest
Cadillac granite mineralogy with coarse quartz and pink feldspar; glacial history and a brook-trout habitat in a granite basin; Wabanaki heritage in the region
Stargazing Quality
Good; dark skies away from town, though trail activity can increase after hours

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Spotty; download offline maps recommended
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Carriage roads accessible for walking and biking; steep Hulls Cove approach may challenge some visitors; wheelchairs not ideal on the steep trail
Accessibility Level
Moderate; carriage roads are well-maintained gravel paths; half-mile trail from Hulls Cove to the roads is steep and bike dismount is required
Nearby Services
Hulls Cove Visitor Center provides parking, restrooms, and potable water
Nearby Facilities
Hulls Cove Visitor Center with restrooms and potable water; signage along carriage roads may exist
Family Friendly Notes
Carriage roads are suitable for families, but the steep access from Hulls Cove warrants caution for young children around water

Safety

Safety Considerations
Stay on carriage-road surfaces; surfaces are uneven and hills challenge footing; in winter gear is essential for snow/ice; cell service is spotty; water is cold—avoid falls

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Hulls Cove Visitor Center; carriage roads; Duck Brook outlet; nearby Cadillac Mountain views
Connecting Trails
Witch Hole Pond Loop carriage road; half-mile steep trail from Hulls Cove to carriage roads
Trailheads Here
Hulls Cove Visitor Center to carriage roads; Witch Hole Pond Loop start along the carriage roads

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Download offline maps
  • Start early to beat crowds
  • Watch for beavers at dusk
  • Bring insect repellent in summer
Tips Advice
  • Look for beaver activity around dusk
  • Hulls Cove access provides parking; the 3.3-mile Witch Hole Pond Loop follows carriage roads
  • Wear sturdy footwear; carriage roads are gravel and hilly
  • Cell service is spotty—download offline maps and share your plan
  • Respect wildlife; keep a safe distance from beavers and waterfowl

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Elevation Feet
179
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Lake Size
28 acres
Fishing Species
Brook trout
Fishing Nearby
Yes
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
The Witch Hole Pond loop earns a solid 4.5 from a small set of reviewers. Visitors appreciate the straightforward 3.3-mile carriage-road loop, clear pond views, and the scientific context provided by Cadillac granite and glacial history. Be prepared for variable crowds in summer and a steep approach from Hulls Cove for bikers.

Location

Witch Hole Pond in Acadia National Park glows at sunset with snow-covered trees and quiet woodland.Witch Hole Pond framed by pine trees and rocky shoreline in Acadia National Park, along the Bass Harbor region.Witch Hole Pond in Acadia National Park with a forested stream feeding a tranquil pond along rocky banks.Witch Hole Pond flows through rocky cascades in a forested Acadia National Park setting along rocky banks.

Frequently asked questions

Should I plan to arrive early to get parking at Hulls Cove?

Parking is available at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, but during peak season expect crowded conditions, so plan for early arrival or be prepared for limited parking and time your visit accordingly.

Is the 3.3-mile Witch Hole Pond Loop doable for beginners or families?

Yes; the carriage roads are generally flat to gently rolling, making the loop approachable for many visitors. The half-mile access trail from Hulls Cove to the carriage roads is steep and may require dismounting for bikes, so plan for a slower start if you’re with younger children or new hikers.

Can I bring my dog to the Witch Hole Pond area?

Dogs are allowed on the carriage roads, but always behave responsibly and maintain distance from wildlife; leash rules may apply in specific areas—check the current park signage before you go.

Is the area safe for wildlife viewing, and when is the best time to see beavers?

Yes, beavers are common around Witch Hole Pond, especially at dusk. Stay back from water and use binoculars or a camera with zoom to observe without disturbing the animals.

Is swimming or boating allowed in Witch Hole Pond?

Swimming and boating are not listed as permitted activities at Witch Hole Pond; plan to enjoy scenic views, wildlife, and the geology from the carriage roads.

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Dark waters in a granite basin. Swim the lifeguarded beach, paddle, or hike Beech Mountain from one lot.

Little Hunters Beach

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Shatter Zone

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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.