Acadia Mountain Loop - 3.3mi Moderate to Strenuous Hike

Acadia Mountain overlook along rugged granite ledges with green pines and a blue Atlantic vista in Acadia National Park.

Acadia Mountain Loop demands grit. Expect 2.8–3.9 miles with 581–800 ft of gain and sections of rock scrambling on granite slabs. The route rewards with sweeping coastal views from the summit and a waterfall along Man O' War Brook. Hydration is non-negotiable; carry 2 liters, wear sturdy boots, and stay alert on exposed ledges.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3.3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 700

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 700
Estimated Time: 1-3 hours for most hikers; up to 4 hours for a slower pace or combined loop
Trail Surface: Packed dirt and forest floor with roots; steep granite slabs, open granite slopes, rocky ledges, boulder fields; stone staircases and log steps
Trail Features: Man O' War Brook waterfall
panoramic Somes Sound and Echo Lake views
granite slabs and boulder fields
stone staircases and log steps
Trail Highlights: Summit overlooks Somes Sound, Echo Lake, and the Atlantic; a waterfall near Man O' War Brook adds a moment of cadence to the grind.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Acadia Mountain Trailhead, off Route 102, ~3 miles north of Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME
Parking Lot Size: Small roadside parking lot, ~30 cars
Parking Fill Time: Full by 9 AM on busy summer weekends; arrive before 9 AM
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Island Explorer Route #7 stops at the Acadia Mountain trailhead; free shuttle; park pass required

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Park entrance pass required year-round for all vehicles and individuals; passes can be bought online or at park entrances; Cadillac Mountain-specific timed reservations may apply but general access not restricted
Fees: 7-Day Vehicle Pass $35, Motorcycle Pass $30, Individual (foot/bike) $20, Annual Acadia Pass $55, America the Beautiful Pass $80
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Snow possible December–March; mud season in spring

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No reliable natural water sources; carry all water
Accessibility: Unknown

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Class 2 rock scrambling
exposed granite slopes
steep drop-offs
rocky terrain
Hazard Details: Hands required for stability on scrambling; exposure on eastern side; risk of slipping on granite in dry or wet conditions
Cell Service: Spotty to non-existent; download offline maps
Crowd Level: Moderate to crowded during peak season and weekends
Peak Crowd Times: Peak season weekends; early mornings are better
Best Season: Late spring through fall (May–October)
Best Time To Visit: Arrive before 9 AM on busy days; May–October offer the best conditions.
Tips Advice: Carry 2 liters of water minimum
Wear sturdy boots with good traction
Use trekking poles on descents
Start early and pace yourself

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park, Maine
Trail Markers: Bring a map; navigation can be tricky as markers aren’t described
Dogs Allowed: Unknown
Biking Allowed: Unknown
Shade Level: Mix of full sun on granite outcrops and canopy cover in forested sections
Emergency Contacts: Unknown
Map Recommended: 1
Alltrails Link: Unknown
Snow Dates: December–March
Mud Season: Spring thaw; trails can be muddy
Wildflower Peak: Unknown
Fall Colors Peak: Unknown
Bug Season: Warmer months may bring mosquitoes; plan accordingly
Insider Tips: Hike clockwise: ascend the west side, descend the east for best views on the way down
Arrive by 9 AM or use Island Explorer to avoid parking crush
Use trekking poles on steep descents and granite sections
Keep ahead of weather shifts; carry extra layer for summit exposure
Recent Updates: Unknown
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families with older children and experienced young hikers; steep sections and drop-offs may unsettle toddlers
Nearby Facilities: Trailhead restroom; Island Explorer stop; parking
Review Summary: Hikers say the burn is real and the trail is well-maintained; the payoff of coastal views and a waterfall makes the effort worthwhile.

Location

Photos

Acadia Mountain Trail stairs wind through rocky forest terrain in Acadia National Park.

Acadia Mountain overlook on the Acadia National Park trail offers a panoramic view of the rugged coastline and wooded islands.

Summit view from Acadia Mountain along the Acadia Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park.

Dog stands on a rocky summit beside a wooden sign reading Acadia Mountain Elev. 681 ft in Acadia National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on Acadia Mountain Trail?

Bear encounters are rare on Mount Desert Island; follow standard bear-country precautions: make noise, store food securely, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Is it safe to hike alone on this loop?

Cell service is spotty; for safety, hike with a buddy or tell someone your plan. Bring a map, compass, and a means to call for help if needed.

Do I need a permit to hike Acadia Mountain Loop?

A park entrance pass is required year-round for all vehicles and individuals entering Acadia National Park.

Can kids do this trail?

Suitable for older children and experienced younger hikers; steep sections and exposure can be challenging for younger kids or those afraid of heights.