Hike Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop

The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop consists of two mostly level trails creating a figure-8. The loop runs through stands of white birch and hemlock and into the Great Meadow beyond Sieur de Monts. Views of Dorr Mountain also interspersed in this walk. Great for families, kids, and wheel-chair accessible.

• Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

• Terrain: Compact, flat trail. Wooden boardwalk with benches and pullouts, wide, gravel fire road.

Hike Description

• Start the hike just before the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts. A wooden footbridge provides access to the Jesup Path.
• Follow the path as it crosses Hemlock Path, and continue straight onto the boardwalk.
• The boardwalk runs through a boggy, white birch forest. There are interpretive waysides and benches along the way.
• As the boardwalk ends, the trail crosses Hemlock Path again. Continue through the Great Meadow, finally ending at the Park Loop Road.
• Cross the Park Loop Road, and turn right onto the Great Meadow Loop. Use caution when crossing the Park Loop Road as there are no crosswalks.
• At the next trail junction, turn right and cross back over the Park Loop Road onto Hemlock Path.
• Follow Hemlock Path back into the Great Meadow, past the boardwalk, and through a forest of hemlocks.
• The path leads back to Sieur de Monts parking lot.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

This hike is 1.5 miles roundtrip. Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. For an average pace, this hike takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Activity Fee

No

Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Sieur de Monts Nature Center

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Sieur de Monts Nature Center

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to the park and the beginning of the Park Loop Road. Follow the Park Loop road 2.8 miles before turning left onto the one way section toward Sand Beach. Exit the Park Loop Road at Sieur de Monts, take another right turn immediately, following signs to the Nature Center. The walk begins to the right of the Nature Center. Parking is limited from 9 am to 3 pm during summer months.

• By bus: Take the Island Explorer (mid-June to October) to Sieur de Monts. Check bus schedules for times and routes.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop is mostly accessible. Both trails are mostly level. The boardwalk is wide enough for a single wheelchair. There are accessible bathrooms across the parking lot from the trailhead.

Jesup Path

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile before hiking.
• Bring a map, water, snacks, compass, and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather.
• Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
• Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
• Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.
• Boardwalks can be slippery when wet. Use caution.