Jordan Pond Path Hiking Guide
Jordan Pond sits in a glacier-carved valley between Penobscot Mountain, Pemetic and the two rounded Bubbles. The park says the view of the Bubbles across the pond is known the world over. The Jordan Pond Path loops the whole shoreline. It is nearly level, but the two halves are very different walks.
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 for Jordan Pond.
East Side Easy, West Side Rocky
NPS lists the loop at 3.3 miles; AllTrails agrees on distance and measures about 60 feet of gain, while the park's Island Explorer page puts the gain and loss at 28 feet. Start at the boat launch and go right along the east shore on crushed stone and stepping stones; the park suggests this direction so you can turn around before the hard part. Past the Bubbles junctions you reach the north end and a pair of log bridges. The west side then crosses roughly half a mile of large boulders fallen from Jordan Cliffs, with rock hopping and some scrambling, followed by a narrow raised boardwalk.
Look, But Don't Swim
Jordan Pond is a public water supply, so swimming and wading are prohibited at all times, for people and pets. NPS says it is the deepest lake in the park at 150 feet. Watch for common loons on the water and, in summer, peregrine falcons on the cliffs above the west shore; the Jordan Cliffs Trail up there closes in spring for their nests.
Parking, Bus and Pass
Drive the two-way section of the Park Loop Road toward Jordan Pond and use the North Lot just before Jordan Pond House, then walk down the boat ramp to the path. If it is full, the Island Explorer's Jordan Pond route from Hulls Cove takes about 25 minutes in season. Your pass covers this stop like any other; a week for one private vehicle is $35, or $20 a person if you come in on foot or by bike.
Popovers and Dogs
Jordan Pond House has served tea and popovers since the 1890s; the restaurant is seasonal, opening in mid-May and closing in late October. Leashed dogs are welcome on the path on a six-foot leash, but keep them out of the water. The park warns the western half may be hard for small children, seniors and people with mobility impairments, so an out-and-back on the east shore is the easy alternative.
Winter at Jordan Pond
This is one of the few spots you can still drive to when most of the Park Loop Road closes from December 1 to April 14: Jordan Pond Road from Seal Harbor stays plowed to the south end of the pond. Boardwalks and boulders get slippery when wet or icy, so bring traction and take your time.
Hiking tips for Jordan Pond Path
- Walk the east shore first so you can turn back before the boulder field.
- Keep dogs and feet out of the pond; it is a public water supply.
- Take the Island Explorer if the North Lot is full.
- Use care on the west-side boulders and boardwalk when they are wet.
- Time your loop to end at Jordan Pond House for popovers in season.
Nearby trails to explore
- The Bubbles (North and South Bubble)
- Cadillac North Ridge Trail
- Acadia Mountain Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Jordan Pond is the easy walk everyone wants to share. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Jordan Pond in Acadia. Download the TrailMates app to connect.