Walking and Hiking

Lots of trails and 19th-century carriage roads lace this magnificent park. You can walk to the top of Cadillac Mountain. - Park Maps

Eastportis across the bay from New Brunswick, Canada. Eastport attracts visitors who enjoy 18th- and 19-century architecture, including rstored sea captains' homes, history buffs, painters and photographer, whale watchers, and families. Local festivals celebrate spring, bird-watching, the Fourth of July, Passamaquoddy Tribal history and culture, pirate fun, salmon and a one-of-a-kind international New Year’s Eve. The walkable downtown includes 29 buildings on the National Historic Register.

Lots of hiking and walking trails are found at this interesting park on a tidal bay, with dramatic high and low tide changes. - Park Guide & Map (PDF) - Campground Map

Marvelous views and walks along the cliffs of this easternmost island in the United States. - Park Map with Trails (PDF)

This is an easy trail along a handsome stretch of coastline between Sand Beach and Otter Point. The path travels along Park Loop Road. The trail passes several famous spots, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and Otter Cliff. This is a flat gravel path and the elevation gain is a mere 100 feet. The distance is two miles one way from Sand Beach to Otter Point. Note that Park Loop Road is closed December to April. Access is at Sand Beach parking lot or Otter Point parking lot.

The 1.5 mile Great Head Trail is considered moderate difficulty. It loops around the perimeter of the Great Head peninsula just east of Sand Beach. Good for both adults and kids, Park in the lower Sand Beach parking area located on the left of the Park Loop Road. You also can get to the trail from Schooner Head Road outside of Bar Harbor. Granite steps lead down to the beautiful Sand Beach. This hike has views of The Beehive, Thunder Hole and the ocean.

The trail up Pigeon Hill climbs steadily through open woodlands and ascends a steep rocky section before it breaks open to reveal the summit and its glorious views. It is moderate difficulty. Descending by the less steep Summit Loop Trail and the Silver Mine Trail creates a figure eight loop, provides additional views and passes an old silver mining area. The Historic Trail offers the most direct route to the top, but you can combine the Summit Loop, Ledge Woods and Silver Mine trails for a slightly longer journey. Total length of the hike is about 1.6 miles.

This loop trail is easy walking from the road to the ocean, through forested land. Enjoy classic views of the rocky shoreline. Bird watching is fruitful on this walk. Parking is easy and convenient. Total length is 1.3 mile.

The Jesup and Hemlock loop is an easy walk through the Great Meadow featuring stands of birch and hemlock trees. Distance: 1.5 miles.
Getting There: From ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to the park. Follow the Park Loop road 2.8 miles. Then turn left toward Sand Beach. Leave Park Loop Road at Sieur de Monts; take an immediate right; follow signs to the Nature Center. The walk begins to the right of the Nature Center.

The trail follows the shore of Jordan Pond, offering views of mountains carved by glaciers and a sweeping valley, along with the pond itself. It is a 3-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty, and the trail is rugged in some places. Wear sturdy shoes or boots. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Getting There: From ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove entrance to Acadia National Park and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Follow the Park Loop Road 2.8 miles south, following signs for Jordan Pond. Use the North Lot parking area on the right just before the Jordan Pond House. Walk down the boat access to the pond. The Jordan Pond Trail crosses the boat launch. The hike can be taken in either direction. During the summer months, parking is difficult to find. Leave your car at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and take the Island Explorer Bus.

This unique trail follows a tidal sandbar north across the Mt. Desert Narrows from downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island. The island is great for walking and for playing on rocks and in tide pools. From the elevated parts of the trail you will see a sprawling view of Mount Desert Island and the town of Bar Harbor.
Warning: Before going, check for the local times of low tide and allow yourself enough time to return. You will have no more than 1.5 hours before and after the low tide to use the land bridge. Make sure to wear hiking shoes or boots. - Tide Chart

Shackford Head State Park is on Moose Island overlooking Cobscook Bay. This promontory encircles the west side of Broad Cove. Several miles of interconnected trails cross the headland. The trails range from easy to difficult. A hiking trail from the parking area leads through woods to a rocky headland 173 feet above sea level, passing several pocket beaches and protected coves.
The best shore access is at Cony Beach (by the parking area) or from the Broad Cove Trail. Opportunities to see birds and other wildlife are excellent, Shackford Head State Park is not routinely staffed; take extra precautions when you visit. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. - Trail Map (PDF)

Less than a mile from Ellsworth, Woodlawn Museum, Gardens and Park is an estate that was once home to the Black family, and is now open to the public to enjoy its historic house museum, formal gardens, trails and walking paths, croquet courts, field and orchards. Two miles of wooded trails are open for public use every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. People use the trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, running, and walking. Benches are provided near the lily pond and restful spots.