Jesup & Hemlock Path Loop Accessibility Information

Blair W., Friends of Acadia, enjoying Jesup Path.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

2 Sieur de Monts Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Amenities

10 listed

Benches/Seating, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Maps Available, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

The Jesup and Hemlock Paths, located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island in the Sieur de Monts area, are some of the flattest trails at Acadia National Park. Starting at the historic Sieur de Monts, this trail provides a walk through a hemlock and birch forest, a section of the Great Meadows Wetland and provides breathtaking views of Dorr Mountain.

Both trails are common paths for people with mobility limitations and families with children.  

Note: the wooden boardwalk section may accommodate most mobility devices, but due to its width (3 feet) it may not be suitable for some wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Birdwatching, photography, dog walking, and walking are common uses of this trail loop.

Getting to Jesup and Hemlock Path Loop

The entrance to Jesup and Hemlock Paths are slightly past the Sieur de Monts Nature Center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia courtyard. Drivers will find a parking lot with three angled accessible parking spaces: one is on the left by the restroom, two are located on the right side near the path to the nature center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. All accessible parking spots are designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground.

Visitors can also use the fare-free Island Explorer Bus to visit this destination. The bus drops off and picks up at regular intervals throughout the day at the Island Explorer sign located at the edge of the parking lot. An electronic digital display notes scheduled bus arrival times.

In the Nature Center courtyard, there is a small wooden foot bridge that leads to a split trail leading both right and left. Jesup and Hemlock trails start to the right.

What to Expect

Jesup Path and Hemlock Path loop is 1.5 miles round trip and is made up of a combination of asphalt, compact gravel, and wooden boardwalks. The path will start as a packed gravel trail on flat terrain, though a birch forest, and leads to a wooden boardwalk through a wetlands area with a sweeping view of Dorr Mountain.

The boardwalk has multiple pullover sections with wooden benches and wayside exhibits.

Restrooms are available at Sieur de Monts parking lot and include one accessible restroom compartment on each side.

Tags: acadia national park, accessibility, acadia, wheelchair accessible, great meadow wetland, jesup path, hemlock path

Open Transcript  Open Descriptive Transcript

Transcript

The video shows an asphalt parking loop with diagonal parking spaces. Towards the end of the parking loop there are two van accessible spaces. One is on the left side by the restrooms and is designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. There is a concrete path connecting the parking lot to the restrooms. The other van accessible parking space is on the right side near the paths to the nature center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. This space is also marked by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. The asphalt path leading to the nature center winds through a stand of (birch?) trees before reaching the stone patio outside of the nature center. Extending from this patio, there is a network of trails in the area, and these are accessed by wooden bridges on either side of the nature center. The trails vary in surface material, including asphalt, compact gravel, and wooden boardwalks.

Descriptive Transcript

The video shows an asphalt parking loop with diagonal parking spaces. Towards the end of the parking loop there are two van accessible spaces. One is on the left side by the restrooms and is designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. There is a concrete path connecting the parking lot to the restrooms. The other van accessible parking space is on the right side near the paths to the nature center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. This space is also marked by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. The asphalt path leading to the nature center winds through a stand of (birch?) trees before reaching the stone patio outside of the nature center. Extending from this patio, there is a network of trails in the area, and these are accessed by wooden bridges on either side of the nature center. The trails vary in surface material, including asphalt, compact gravel, and wooden boardwalks.

Duration:

51.285 seconds

An accessible description and transcript of the Sieur de Monts parking area in Acadia National Park. (July 2025)