Dead River Trailhead to Great Pond Mountain Summit

Dead River Trailhead at Great Pond Mountain Wildlands offers sweeping views across Acadia National Park.

Dead River Trail is an easy, wide gravel path, 2.5 miles to the Dead River Gate trailhead. To reach Great Pond Mountain’s summit, add the Stuart Gross Trail for a total ~7 miles with about 850 ft of elevation gain. The final climb is steeper and exposed near the bald summit. High reward for the effort, with wildlife and broad views once you top out.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 7
Route Type: Out-and-back; potential loop via Stuart Gross to the summit
Difficulty Level: Easy on Dead River Trail; moderate overall when including the summit ascent via Stuart Gross
Elevation Gain Feet: 850

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 7
Route Type: Out-and-back; potential loop via Stuart Gross to the summit
Difficulty Level: Easy on Dead River Trail; moderate overall when including the summit ascent via Stuart Gross
Elevation Gain Feet: 850
Estimated Time: Dead River Trail: 1-2 hours. Summit route: 3-5 hours total.
Trail Surface: Dead River Trail: wide gravel; Stuart Gross Trail: footpath with bedrock sections
Trail Features: Wide gravel Dead River Trail
Forest canopy with shaded sections
Stuart Gross Trail bedrock segments
Bald summit with exposed views
Diverse wildlife including bears, moose, birds
Trail Highlights: Summit bald with expansive views toward Acadia, Camden Hills, and Schoodic Mountain; tranquil Dead River shoreline and diverse Maine wildlife

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Dead River Trailhead, Dead River Gate on Don Fish Road, Orland, ME; GPS: 24 Don Fish Trail, Orland, ME
Parking Lot Size: Large lot at Dead River Trailhead; additional parking at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery
Parking Fill Time: Usually available at Dead River Trailhead; Hatchery parking always available
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service listed for this trailhead

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required for day use
Fees: Free
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Access road may be closed in April/May due to soft conditions

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No reliable water sources on the trail; carry sufficient water
Accessibility: Dead River section is user-friendly; summit ascent involves exposed, uneven terrain; not fully ADA accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bear activity in the area
Slick surfaces in winter
Exposure at the bald summit
Limited cell service in parts of the Wildlands
Hazard Details: Carry bear spray where permitted; secure food; traction aids for icy sections; watch footing on bedrock in the Stuart Gross segment
Cell Service: Partial coverage in some areas; not reliable at the summit
Crowd Level: Can get crowded during peak seasons
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends and holiday weekends
Best Season: Summer and fall
Best Time To Visit: Summer and fall offer the best conditions. Arrive early on weekends to secure parking; the Hatchery lot is usually open and can be a good backup.
Tips Advice: Carry at least 2 liters of water.
Wear sturdy footwear; trekking poles help on the ascent.
Start early to avoid crowds and take advantage of parking at the Hatchery if needed.
Keep food secured and make noise to deter bears.
Stay on the Dead River Trail; the Stuart Gross connector has bedrock sections that require attention.

More details

Park Area: Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, Acadia National Park (Orland, Maine)
Trail Markers: Well-marked on Dead River; Stuart Gross has cairns and signage
Dogs Allowed: Leashed dogs allowed on Dead River Trail; follow park rules; not advised on exposed summit sections
Biking Allowed: Dead River Trail: biking permitted; Stuart Gross Trail: footpath only
Shade Level: Mix of shade and sun on Dead River; summit exposed
Emergency Contacts: Acadia National Park rangers; local dispatch; Orland EMS
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Road may close in spring; winter conditions can persist at summit; snow/ice require spikes or snowshoes
Mud Season: April/May
Wildflower Peak: Spring and summer bring wildflowers along the Dead River Trail and Stuart Gross Trail.
Bug Season: Typical Maine insect seasons; no specifics provided
Insider Tips: Combine Dead River with Stuart Gross for the full summit.
Arrive early on weekends to secure parking; Hatchery lot is a reliable backup.
Pack snacks and use trekking poles for the ascent; expect a steeper finish to the bald summit.
Recent Updates: Trail open with standard conditions; no major closures reported; peak-season crowds noted
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families on Dead River Trail; summit hike is moderate and should be supervised with children
Nearby Facilities: Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery nearby; Orland amenities; Hatchery parking space often available
Review Summary: Hikers praise the well-marked Dead River path and the tranquil forest tone. The summit hike via Stuart Gross adds a solid workout and rewarding views, with crowds becoming an issue in peak season.

Location

Photos

Dead River Trailhead at Acadia National Park's Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, a wooden information board amid green pines.

Dead River Trailhead in Acadia National Park winds through a sunlit forest of pines and maples.

Dead River Trailhead at Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, Acadia National Park, overlooking a tranquil lake with forested shores.

Dead River Trailhead along the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Bear activity has been reported in the area; store food securely, make noise while hiking, and be cautious at dawn and dusk.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, but inform someone of your plan and check weather. Carry water, a map, and a means to call for help; cell service is spotty in parts of the Wildlands.

Is there water along the trail?

No reliable water sources are documented on the trail; plan to carry enough water for the round trip.

Is the summit hike suitable for kids?

The Dead River portion is beginner-friendly; the summit ascent via Stuart Gross is moderate and should be supervised for children; pace and fatigue management are key.

Do I need a permit for day use?

No permit required for day use.