Hiking

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Photo courtesy of Chris Bennett. Used with permission.

Explore Hikes

Hiking opportunities at Acadia are seemingly endless on more than 150 miles of trails. Immerse yourself in forests, walk along rocky coastlines, or stand on exposed mountain tops — sometimes all in one hike.

Don't be fooled by the height of the park's mountains; challenging hikes climb from sea level to summits. If a leisurely stroll along the coast or around a lake is more your pace, there are plenty of easier, more level options. Many trails can also be combined with walks on the carriage roads and dirt fire roads.

Consult a topographic map before hiking. Do not rely on the park handout map. To buy trail maps, visit the bookstore.

Use the guide below to search for hikes by environment, route, location, and public transportation options.

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By Environment

Hiking trails at Acadia pass through a variety of environments. Some stay in forested areas or along the coastline, while others outline lakes, rise through the trees, and walk along cliffs to mountain tops. You will even find some hikes fall into all three categories.

 

 

By Route

Enjoy seeing a trail twice? Check out a few out-and-back options. Do you want different views the whole way? Luckily, most hikes are loops or can be turned into them by linking together various trails. Some are even recommended as loops for safety based on steepness, iron rungs and ladders, or cliffs.

 

 

By Location

Check out hiking options based on what parts of the park you decide to visit.

 

 

By Public Transportation

Leave your car behind and ride the fare-free Island Explorer to a number of trailheads. This helps reduce congestion on park roads and in parking areas. Familiar with the park already? Create longer hikes using different drop off and pick up locations. Always check bus routes and schedules before trip-planning.

 

 

Hiking Rules and Regulations

• Trail Closures are posted online and at park visitor centers.
• Federal law requires that all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). Pets are not permitted on ladder trails.
• Do not feed or disturb wildlife. If your presence changes the behavior of any wild animal, you are too close.
• Bicycles and horses are not allowed on hiking trails.
• There is no backcountry camping. Fires are permitted only in designated areas.
• Swimming, wading, and pets are prohibited in public water supplies. Please respect posted regulations at lakes and ponds.

Tips and Safety

• Be careful when hiking near cliff edges.
• Carry water, at least 1 L (over 32 oz), and more on warmer days.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Follow blue trail blazes and use a topographic map.
• Do not modify or build new cairns.
• Know the difficulty level of the trail and your physical abilities and limitations.
• To buy trail maps, please visit the bookstore.