Coastal Trails

Ocean Path

Photo courtesy of Ray Yeager @rayyeager.rtyphotography. Used with permission.

 

Flying Mountain Loop

Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder

Flying Mountain Loop

OPTION FOR YOUNG HIKERS

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

Summary: A steep hike to the top of a small mountain with spectacular views of Somes Sound and descends to a quiet ocean cove with a rocky beach. Excellent trail for skilled youth hikers.

Terrain: Log and gravel steps. Becoming more rugged, traversing rocks and roots. exposed ledges, rocky granite and stone steps. Flat grassy terrain between Valley Cove and the parking lot.

Trailhead: Fernald Point Road off Maine 102 just north of Southwest Harbor. Not accessible via the Island Explorer shuttle. Limited parking from 9 am to 3 pm in summer.

Nearby Communities: Southwest Harbor

Restrooms: No restrooms available

Maine Trail Finder Map and Description

Trail Safety Tips

• Granite is slick when wet or icy.

• By staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush, you reduce the chance of picking up ticks. Always do a tick check after visiting the park.

• Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.

 

Gorham Mountain Loop

Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder

Gorham Mountain Loop

SUNRISE OPTION Ocean Path
DOGS NOT PERMITTED Cadillac Cliffs Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles round trip

Summary: Features a 525 foot mountain with panoramic views of Sand Beach, the ocean, islands, Schoodic Peninsula and the mainland. The Gorham Mountain Trail provides a birds-eye view of the Ocean Path section of this loop hike. Ocean Path is a quiet and uncrowded option for sunrise.

Terrain: Easy walk (ADA compliant) on the Ocean Path. Uneven granite footing on the Gorham Mountain Trail. Challenging rocky footing, steep granite stairs and iron rungs on the optional Cadillac Cliffs Trail. No dogs allowed on Cadillac Cliffs Trail.

Trailhead: One way section of the Park Loop Road just before Sand Beach Parking lot or one mile farther at the Gorham Mountain Parking lot. Expect congestion and limited parking July-August, 9 am to 3 pm. Take the fare-free Island Explorer bus.

Nearby communities: Blackwoods Campground, Otter Creek, and Bar Harbor

Restrooms: Sand Beach (year round) and Thunder Hole (seasonal)

Maine Trail Finder Map and Description

Trail Safety Tips

• Granite is slick when wet or icy.

• By staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush, you reduce the chance of picking up ticks. Always do a tick check after visiting the park.

• Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.

 

Great Head Trail

Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder

Great Head Trail

SUNRISE OPTION

Distance: 1.7 miles round trip

Summary: Spectacular ocean views along a coastal headland with some wooded sections. This historic trail includes the ruins of an early 1900's tea house. Steep drops into the ocean. Keep children away from the edge.

Terrain: Rocky granite, short steep sections.

Trailhead: One way section of the Park Loop Road. Walk across Sand Beach. No dog allowed on Sand Beach. Expect congestion and limited parking July-August, 9 am to 3 pm. Take the Island Explorer bus

Restrooms: Sand Beach year round

Maine Trail Finder Map and Description

Trail Safety Tips

• Granite is slick when wet or icy.

• By staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush, you reduce the chance of picking up ticks. Always do a tick check after visiting the park.

• Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.

 

Ocean Path

Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder

Ocean Path

SUNRISE OPTION

Distance: 2.2 miles one way, or 4.4 miles out and back

Summary: Mostly flat accessible path along the ocean. A quiet and uncrowded option for sunrise. Crowded 9 am to 3 pm in July and August.

Trailhead: One way section of the Park Loop Road, Sand Beach or Otter Point.

Nearby communities: Blackwoods Campground, Otter Creek, and Bar Harbor.

Restrooms: Sand Beach (year round) and Thunder Hole (seasonal).

Maine Trail Finder Map and Description

Trail Safety Tips

• Granite is slick when wet or icy.

• By staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush, you reduce the chance of picking up ticks. Always do a tick check after visiting the park.

• Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.

 

Ship Harbor Trail

Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder

Ship Harbor Trail

FAMILY FRIENDLY
BIRDING

Distance: 1.3 miles Round Trip

Summary: Great trail for families and birders. Variety of habitats along the shore. Quiet cove, mudflats at low tide and sea level ocean views. interpretive signs.

Terrain: First loop is ADA compliant. Second loop is mostly flat with occasional log framed steps and plank trail.

Trailhead: Maine 102A

Nearby communities: Seawall Campground, Bass Harbor, Southwest Harbor.

Restrooms: Vault toilets year round at trailhead.

Maine Trail Finder Map and Description

Trail Safety Tips

• Granite is slick when wet or icy.

• By staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush, you reduce the chance of picking up ticks. Always do a tick check after visiting the park.

• Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.

 

Wonderland Trail

Profile may not match route depicted on Maine Trail Finder

Wonderland Trail

FAMILY FRIENDLY
BIRDING
Distance: 1.4 miles out and back.

Summary: Great trail for families and birders. Spruce forest opens into Jack Pine. Direct access to the rocky shoreline.

Terrain: Flat with minimal roots and rocks.

Trailhead: Maine 102A.

Nearby communities: Seawall Campground, Bass Harbor, Southwest Harbor.

Restrooms: Ship Harbor Trail (year round), Seawall Picnic Area (seasonal)

Maine Trail Finder Map and Description

Trail Safety Tips

• Granite is slick when wet or icy.

• By staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush, you reduce the chance of picking up ticks. Always do a tick check after visiting the park.

• Close-toed, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.

 

Explore –

Lake and Forest Trails

Summit Trails

Schoodic Peninsula Trails

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