The Best Hikes in Acadia National Park

Visit Acadia National Park in Fall

If you're looking for a breathtaking fall adventure, consider hitting the Acadia National Park hiking trails in Maine.  Awaiting you are 47,000 acres of stunning the Atlantic coastline's rocky beaches and miles of woodland forest trails and towering granite peaks.  Acadia National Park hiking is truly an adventure for the ages, and we'd love to help you find your perfect adventure!

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. It's considered to be the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast and is absolutely magical in fall.  Hitting Acadia National Park hiking trails is among the most popular things to do in the park, but certainly not the only thing to do! There are beautiful scenic roads to drive, wildlife to see, and so much more. 

While you're visiting the park, don't miss your opportunity to visit the town of Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor, Maine is the gateway to Acadia National Park and is home to a few wonderful Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts.  In Bar Harbor, you'll find a beautiful coastal town nestled along the shores of Frenchman Bay. This charming seaside town is a renowned vacation destination that offers the perfect blend of blends seashore beauty, Down East character, and the famously delicious Maine Lobster. 

Hiking Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is nothing short of spectacular. There are plenty of ways to explore the parks 60 miles of coastline, and vast swaths of the interior forest. The biggest draw to this stunning part of the country, apart from the rugged shoreline, is the opportunity to hike miles upon miles of scenic Acadia National Park hiking trails. 

In total, there are more than 158 miles of Acadia National Park hiking trails spread throughout the parks nearly 50,000 acres, which seems nearly limitless for the average hiker.  The hiking trails are spread across Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and 18 other outer islands, with the east side of Mount Desert Island being the largest and most visited part of the park. 

10 Best Acadia Hiking Trails

Hike along the coast, climb to the top of granite peaks, or meander through beautiful forests.  Wherever you go, we're sure you're going to love it, especially as the park lights up with the signature hues of fall. The top Acadia National Park hiking trails include the following:

1. The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is an exceptional Acadia National Park hiking trail, especially during foliage season. It starts at the southern edge of Cadillac Mountain, one of the most prominent features of the park, before potentially reaching the breathtaking summit of the mountain. Along the way, enjoy the jaw-dropping vistas of beech, birch, aspen, and maple alight in the colorful hues of fall.
2. The Precipice Loop trail is easily one of the most breathtaking Acadia National Park hiking trails. It's also one of the most dangerous trails in the park, and certainly not for everyone. The 2.5-mile trail involves a bit of rock scrambling, some metal ladder rungs, and several sections of walking along the cliff's edge. At the end, you'll be rewarded with beautiful views from the summit of Champlain Mountain.
3. If you aren't up for that much adventure, we recommend heading to the Beehive Loop Trail. At 1.4 miles, this trail is an easier version of the Precipice Trail. You'll still have to climb some metal ladder rungs and walk along the edge of a cliff, but it's not quite so nerve-wracking. The views here include Sand Beach and Great Head, which is an absolutely beautiful way to admire fall foliage in the area. 
4. A beautiful hike to take in the fall is the Jesup Trail. There was a fire here in the 1940s, which allowed for a deciduous forest to thrive in the aftermath. Here, you'll enjoy the greenery of old hemlocks that survived along with the vibrant golds and reds of the new paper birch and maple trees.
5. A great ladder hike is the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail.  It features a bit of everything offered in Acadia National Park, including ladders, cliff walks, scenic views, and even a bit of coastline. 
6. If you want to hike in the Jordan Pond area, the South Bubble Trail is a great one. The "bubble" in the name refers to the small mountains found here. For more views over the Jordan Pond, try the Jordan Cliffs Trail.
7. Another great Acadia National Park hiking trail in the Jordan Pond area is the Jordan Pond Path. This trail is flat and easy and offers great fall views around the pond. 
8. If you're looking for an easy coastal excursion, try the Ocean Path trail. It's one of the most popular Acadia National Park hiking trails, as it's relatively flat, easy, and offers exquisite coastal views. 
9. If you want to explore the Schoodic Peninsula, head to the Sundew Trail, where you'll enjoy an easy 2-mile hike and stunning coastal views. 
10. Take the Gorham Mountain Trail this fall, and enjoy breathtaking fall vistas from Frenchman Bay and Sand Beach in the north to the open ocean beyond Otter Cliff in the south.

Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Habor is so much more than a gateway town to these wonderful Acadia National Park hiking trails. It's also a beautiful town to visit in its own right. It's a wonderful destination for whale & wildlife watching and other boat tours on Frenchman Bay, and downtown is home to a great variety of quaint shops and delicious restaurants. 

Take scenic drives around the area this fall (particularly in Acadia National Park), visit beautiful attractions like Egg Rock Lighthouse, and otherwise revel in the cool weather and cozy accommodations you'll find here. Don't miss your chance to eat some of the best local seafood, including some delicious Maine lobster. 

Given the popularity of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, you'll want to make your reservations to see it this fall early.

Lodging Near Acadia National Park!

Ullikana

The Ullikana Cottage is tucked away in a secluded area of the village of Bar Harbor, situated in the best place in town by the coast of Frenchman Bay. Relax in the afternoon with refreshments as you watch the sailboats and ships come and go in the harbor, or settle into a cozy chair by the fireplace to wind down from your happy day.

The center of Bar Harbor Village is a brief stroll from the cottage with all the shops, restaurants, indoor and outdoor activities, and natural beauty. There is ample parking for all guests, days or evenings. Dramatic colors and sophisticated styling contribute to a sense of liveliness and fun.

Balance Rock Inn

Rich in history and opulence...Balance Rock Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine’s premier boutique hotel. Commanding a breathtaking waterfront location the Inn offers privacy and serenity with incomparable lodging and service. And just steps away from art galleries, shopping, and culinary delights in the heart of Bar Harbor’s Village District.

The historic summer home has been lovingly restored preserving the splendor of the Gilded Age - offering old-world charm with today’s modern amenities.

Balance Rock Inn has it all as a perfect vacation destination for Spring, Summer, or Fall.

The Inn at Bay Ledge

Nestled in the Maine Coast's magnificent scenery, the Inn at Bay Ledge combines the comforts and congeniality of a small country inn.  Imagine fresh ocean breezes, panoramic views, beautiful sunrises, and sunsets from the inn or strolling on our pebble beach.

Perched on a bayfront bluff, many of our guest rooms offer awninged private decks, Summer Cottage has bay views from every room and its deck!  We are just minutes to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.  The inn is a perfect seaside getaway!

Lindenwood Inn

Discover all that Acadia, Bar Harbor, and Southwest offer during your stay at Lindenwood Inn on Mount Desert Island. Located on the quiet side of the island in the village of Southwest Harbor, Lindenwood Inn is a perfectly situated home base to explore the area. The hiking trails, lakes, and mountains of Acadia National Park span across the island, and many less crowded trails and lakes are just a short distance from the Inn. While Bar Harbor and Acadia might be the most talked about attractions on the island, Southwest Harbor is the best-kept secret.