Flying Mountain Trailhead, Southwest Harbor, ME

Flying Mountain Trailhead overlook in Acadia National Park offers sweeping coastal views over pine forests and rocky shoreline.

Mission Brief: Flying Mountain Trail is a 1.5-mile loop with about 300 feet of elevation gain. Expect log and gravel steps, rocky granite, roots, and exposed ledges as you climb toward Somes Sound overlooks. The route rewards with ocean-facing ridges and a rocky Valley Cove area; parking is tight on busy days, so start early. High reward for the effort—stay sharp, hydrate, and move with purpose.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 300

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 300
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Trail Surface: Log and gravel steps, rocky granite and stone steps, rocks and roots, exposed ledges, dirt/forest floor
Trail Features: Log and gravel steps
Rocky granite and stone steps
Rocks and roots
Exposed ledges
Dirt/forest floor
Overlooks of Somes Sound
Valley Cove rocky beach
Trail Highlights: Overlooks along the summit ridge offer Somes Sound and the ocean; rocky Valley Cove beach as a payoff.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Fernald Point Road, off Route 102, Southwest Harbor, ME
Parking Lot Size: Holding approximately 12 vehicles
Parking Fill Time: Weekend lots fill quickly; aim to arrive by 7:30 AM; roadside overflow if full
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Island Explorer does not directly service this trailhead; driving is recommended.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Park entrance pass required May 1–October 31. Get passes online or at entrance stations. Fees: 7-day private vehicle pass $35; individual hiker pass $20.
Fees: 7-day private vehicle pass $35; individual hiker pass $20
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Peregrine falcon nesting closures on Valley Cove/adjacent sections March 15–August 15; unpaved roads closed mid-November to mid-May; trails may be icy in winter/early spring; mud season in spring thaw.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Dry trail; carry all necessary water. Recommended at least 3 liters per person for a full day hike.
Accessibility: Mixed; forested terrain with exposed ledges; not fully accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Peregrine nesting closures (Mar 15–Aug 15) in Valley Cove area
Exposed ledges with steep sections
Short rock scrambles and climbing over larger rocks near summit
Rocks and roots; risk of ankle twists
Slippery when wet; footing hazards on uneven terrain
Hazard Details: Careful footing required on rocks/roots; watch for exposed ledges and scramble sections; peregrine closures restrict certain approaches; bring footwear with solid grip and trekking poles if available.
Cell Service: Cell service is not documented at Flying Mountain Trailhead; expect limited or no reception along portions of the hike. Download offline maps and pre-plan navigation.
Crowd Level: High use, especially on weekends between 9 AM-4 PM
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends, 9 AM–4 PM
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Best Time To Visit: Arrive by 7:30 AM on weekends to secure parking; weekdays are generally easier.
Tips Advice: Carry 3 liters of water per person; dry trail so plan hydration accordingly.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction; hiking poles can help on exposed ledges.
Bring a map and compass; cell service is unreliable in parts of the hike.
Start early on weekends to beat crowds and parking challenges.

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park, Maine
Trail Markers: Bring a map and compass; markers present but navigation in dense sections may require orientation
Dogs Allowed: Leashed dogs allowed
Biking Allowed: Not permitted
Shade Level: Mixed; forested sections with exposed ledges
Emergency Contacts: Call 911; in-park emergencies contact Acadia rangers via park dispatch.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Unpaved roads closed mid-November through mid-May; trails may be icy in winter and early spring
Mud Season: Spring thaw
Fall Colors Peak: Early to mid-October
Insider Tips: Hike counter-clockwise to ease descent
Arrive before 7:30 AM on weekends to secure parking
Carry map, compass, and extra layers
Family Friendly Notes: Recommended for families with skilled young hikers due to moderate difficulty and some exposed sections
Nearby Facilities: Nearest services in Southwest Harbor; limited amenities near Fernald Point Road
Review Summary: Hikers praise the effort and payoff, noting the route is well maintained but crowded on weekends; parking can be a challenge; terrain is more demanding than some expect.