Acadia Mountain Loop Hiking Guide
Acadia Mountain rises between Echo Lake and Somes Sound on the western, quieter half of Mount Desert Island, and its loop is a short, steep climb with big water views. The summit is only 681 feet, but the trail is steep, with granite ledges and loose rock. From the top you look straight down the sound, a glacier-carved inlet that runs deep into the island.
Permit: Acadia requires an entrance pass year-round: $35 per private vehicle or $20 per person on foot or bike (age 16+), each valid 7 days, or a $70 Acadia annual pass. Non-US residents 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person unless entering on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. No reservation is needed on the west side of Mount Desert Island.
The Loop
The park describes a 2.8-mile loop, and AllTrails matches it at 2.8 miles with about 710 feet of gain. From the trailhead, walk 0.2 mile up the St. Sauveur Trail and turn right on the Acadia Mountain Trail. You can climb the east face directly or follow the Man o' War Brook fire road around to the west side, where 0.7 mile of steep, rocky trail climbs toward Somes Sound views. A false summit comes first; the marked summit is 0.3 mile beyond. The east side is the more gradual of the two, mostly forest floor with short stone stairs, and has views of the Beech Mountain fire tower.
Steep and Rocky
NPS calls the trail steep on both sides and steeper on the Somes Sound side, with sections where you may need your hands. Pick dry weather, wear boots with grip, and watch roots and loose rock on the way down. It is not an accessible trail, and the only facility at the lot is a vault toilet.
Route 102 and the Bus
The lot is on the right side of Route 102, about 7.7 miles after the turn toward Somesville and Southwest Harbor, across from Echo Lake and just past the entrance to Ikes Point; the trailhead is across the highway, so cross carefully. In season, the Island Explorer's Southwest Harbor route leaves Bar Harbor's Village Green and drops you at the trailhead. Even on this side of the island the park requires a pass: $35 per car for a week, or $20 each for walkers and riders 16 and up.
A Hike to Leave the Dog For
Pets are technically allowed on a six-foot leash, but Acadia Mountain is on the park's list of trails not recommended for pets because of its steep sections and an iron rung on the connecting St. Sauveur loop. Flying Mountain nearby is on the same list. Jordan Pond Path or Ocean Path make better outings with a dog.
Make It Longer
For a bigger day, the park's St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop adds a second, wooded summit for a total of about 3.7 to 3.9 miles, and an extra 0.7 mile takes in Valley Peak. Both peaks have steep east faces, so plan for slow descents.
Hiking tips for Acadia Mountain Loop
- Cross Route 102 carefully; the trailhead is opposite the parking lot.
- Push past the false summit 0.3 mile to the marked top.
- Save it for a dry day; the granite ledges are steep on both faces.
- Take the Island Explorer from Bar Harbor's Village Green in season and skip the parking.
- Leave the dog for Jordan Pond or Ocean Path; the park advises against pets here.
Nearby trails to explore
- The Bubbles (North and South Bubble)
- Jordan Pond Path
- Cadillac South Ridge Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The quiet side of the island still makes a great group hike. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Acadia Mountain in Acadia. Download the TrailMates app to connect.