The Bubbles (North and South Bubble) Hiking Guide
The Bubbles are the two rounded hills at the north end of Jordan Pond, and climbing both from the Bubbles Divide trailhead takes only an hour or so. South Bubble holds Bubble Rock, a boulder dropped by a glacier that looks ready to roll off the edge. North Bubble is a little higher and opens up the best view down the length of the pond.
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 required for the Bubbles Divide trailhead.
Two Spurs From One Junction
The park's version is 1.5 miles round trip and about 1 to 1.5 hours; AllTrails lists 1.6 miles with roughly 490 feet of gain. From the lot, the Bubbles Divide Trail climbs a quarter mile, getting steeper with steps, to a junction. Turn right on the Bubbles Trail for North Bubble, where steep open ledges lead to views of Jordan Pond, Pemetic and Sargent mountains and the Cranberry Isles. Come back to the junction, then follow the Bubbles Divide Trail toward South Bubble, and from its top follow the blue blazes a short way to Bubble Rock.
Slick When Wet
Most of this is forest path, but the summit approaches are bare granite that the park warns will be slick in wet weather. Stairs and short steep pitches make it more than a stroll. In fall, when foliage peaks, the park recommends the longer Bubbles Nubble Loop, which adds Conners Nubble and a stretch of carriage road for about 2.6 miles.
Parking and the Shuttle
The Bubbles lot is on the two-way part of the Park Loop Road, roughly five miles past the turn toward Jordan Pond from the Hulls Cove entrance. On summer days the Island Explorer, which stops at the Bubbles from late June into mid-October, is the easier option. The Loop Road's main stretch is open to cars from April 15 to December 1.
Pass and Pets
You'll need a park entrance pass here like anywhere else in Acadia; the seven-day vehicle pass is $35, and people arriving without a car pay $20 each if they are 16 or older. Dogs are permitted on a leash up to six feet. The park does list the Bubbles-Pemetic Trail, a connector from this area toward Pemetic Mountain, as not recommended for pets, so stay on the routes described here if you bring one.
Hiking tips for The Bubbles (North and South Bubble)
- Do North Bubble first for the classic pond view, then South Bubble and Bubble Rock.
- Look for the blue blazes beyond the South Bubble summit to find Bubble Rock.
- Avoid the open ledges in rain; they get slippery fast.
- Ride the Island Explorer in summer instead of circling for a parking space.
- Add Conners Nubble on the Bubbles Nubble Loop for a longer fall outing.
Nearby trails to explore
- Jordan Pond Path
- Cadillac North Ridge Trail
- Acadia Mountain Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Bubble Rock is a quick summit with a big payoff. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to the Bubbles in Acadia. Download the TrailMates app to connect.