Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Pemetic Summit with Island Explorer Bus
Emma Forthofer, Friends of Acadia
Summiting Pemetic Mountain offers breathtaking views of neighboring mountain peaks and the Cranberry Isles off the island’s southern coast. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the shores of Jordan Pond and the much quieter Bubble Pond. Pairing this hike with the Island Explorer bus gives hikers the flexibility to explore the mountain along its more gradual ridges without adding extreme mileage.
While hikers can choose either Bubble Pond or Jordan Pond as the starting point, Pemetic’s North Ridge Trail is the steeper of the two climbs and slightly easier to ascend than descend. Ascending the North Ridge trail is a strenuous climb with a few instances of rock scramble requiring three-point touch. This climb lasts approximately a mile through the trees with occasional viewpoints east with views of Cadillac Mountain.
Pemitic’s summit is just 0.1 miles past the intersection with Pemetic Northwest Trail where hikers are first treated to views towards Sargent and Penobscot Mountains to the west. At the summit, the Cranberry Isles are seen to the south as the view-scape stretches into the Atlantic Ocean. These southern views can be appreciated throughout the decent on Pemetic South Ridge Trail.
Conclude the hike through a coniferous forest along the Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path. This gradual decent takes hikers down to the shore of Jordan Pond and ultimately up to the Jordan Pond House with restrooms, food and a gift shop.
Start the hike up and over Pemetic Mountain from the shores of Bubble Pond nestled in the glacially carved valley between Cadillac and Pemetic Mountains. Quickly cut away from the glistening shores to the steep northern ridge, hiking over rocks and roots beneath tall conifers. As the trees thin and shorten, hikers are treated to views of Cadillac and glimpses of Bubble Pond now far below. As the view-scape breaks to the west, across the much wider valley housing Jordan Pond stands Penobscot and Sargent peaks. From the summit of Pemetic and along its south ridge, the Atlantic Ocean stretches into the horizon and the Cranberry Isles lay scattered amongst the waves. Descend back into the forest below, sunlight filtering through the pines, down to the shores of Jordan Pond.
While hikers can choose either Bubble Pond or Jordan Pond as the starting point, Pemetic’s North Ridge Trail is the steeper of the two climbs and slightly easier to ascend than descend. Ascending the North Ridge trail is a strenuous climb with a few instances of rock scramble requiring three-point touch. This climb lasts approximately a mile through the trees with occasional viewpoints east with views of Cadillac Mountain.
Pemitic’s summit is just 0.1 miles past the intersection with Pemetic Northwest Trail where hikers are first treated to views towards Sargent and Penobscot Mountains to the west. At the summit, the Cranberry Isles are seen to the south as the view-scape stretches into the Atlantic Ocean. These southern views can be appreciated throughout the decent on Pemetic South Ridge Trail.
Conclude the hike through a coniferous forest along the Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path. This gradual decent takes hikers down to the shore of Jordan Pond and ultimately up to the Jordan Pond House with restrooms, food and a gift shop.
Start the hike up and over Pemetic Mountain from the shores of Bubble Pond nestled in the glacially carved valley between Cadillac and Pemetic Mountains. Quickly cut away from the glistening shores to the steep northern ridge, hiking over rocks and roots beneath tall conifers. As the trees thin and shorten, hikers are treated to views of Cadillac and glimpses of Bubble Pond now far below. As the view-scape breaks to the west, across the much wider valley housing Jordan Pond stands Penobscot and Sargent peaks. From the summit of Pemetic and along its south ridge, the Atlantic Ocean stretches into the horizon and the Cranberry Isles lay scattered amongst the waves. Descend back into the forest below, sunlight filtering through the pines, down to the shores of Jordan Pond.
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Hiking: Disembark the bus at Bubble Pond to begin the hike. The Bubble Pond parking lot has a pit toilet, but no water so be sure to come prepared. To get to the trail, head to the back of the lot, cross the carriage road and follow the semi-paved path down to the shore of Bubble Pond. Follow signs for the Pemetic North Ridge Trail to the right. This trail will quickly leave the shores of Bubble Pond, cross the carriage road again and ascend into the forest.
The 1.1 mile climb up Pemetic North Ridge Trail is strenuous, ascending approximately 850 feet and has instances of rock scramble where three-point touch is necessary. About a half mile up, as the trees become shorter, hikers can look east at views of Cadillac Mountain. At the intersection with Pemetic Northwest Trail at mile 1.1, the view-scape will break to the west, looking out at Sargent and Penobscot Mountain. Just 0.1 miles past this intersection is the summit of Pemetic Mountain. Views here stretch nearly 360 degrees over mountain tops and ocean.
Descend from the summit along Pemetic South Ridge Trail. This trail stretches along an exposed granite ridge offering views most of the way down. This decent has less rock scramble than the North Ridge but is still steep and hikers should be cautious. In 0.6 miles hikers will pass the trail intersection for Pemetic East Cliff Trail but should remain on the South Ridge Trail until the next intersection in another 0.6 miles.
The South Ridge Trail ends at its intersection with the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path. Hikers looking to explore can take a left and connect with numerous paths around a smaller peak, The Triad. There are no additional bus stops in this direction so hikers should plan to loop back to Jordan Pond. A right at this intersection will descend hikers 0.5 miles to the shores of Jordan Pond (will cross park loop road in 0.4 miles).
Hikers can continue along the Jordan Pond Path or take the shortcut to the Jordan Pond House and conclude their hike at mile 3.4. Here, visitors can catch a bite to eat at the restaurant or grab-and-go concessions, shop the giftshop, use restrooms and refill water bottles. Catch the bus at the bus stop in front of the Jordan Pond House.
The 1.1 mile climb up Pemetic North Ridge Trail is strenuous, ascending approximately 850 feet and has instances of rock scramble where three-point touch is necessary. About a half mile up, as the trees become shorter, hikers can look east at views of Cadillac Mountain. At the intersection with Pemetic Northwest Trail at mile 1.1, the view-scape will break to the west, looking out at Sargent and Penobscot Mountain. Just 0.1 miles past this intersection is the summit of Pemetic Mountain. Views here stretch nearly 360 degrees over mountain tops and ocean.
Descend from the summit along Pemetic South Ridge Trail. This trail stretches along an exposed granite ridge offering views most of the way down. This decent has less rock scramble than the North Ridge but is still steep and hikers should be cautious. In 0.6 miles hikers will pass the trail intersection for Pemetic East Cliff Trail but should remain on the South Ridge Trail until the next intersection in another 0.6 miles.
The South Ridge Trail ends at its intersection with the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path. Hikers looking to explore can take a left and connect with numerous paths around a smaller peak, The Triad. There are no additional bus stops in this direction so hikers should plan to loop back to Jordan Pond. A right at this intersection will descend hikers 0.5 miles to the shores of Jordan Pond (will cross park loop road in 0.4 miles).
Hikers can continue along the Jordan Pond Path or take the shortcut to the Jordan Pond House and conclude their hike at mile 3.4. Here, visitors can catch a bite to eat at the restaurant or grab-and-go concessions, shop the giftshop, use restrooms and refill water bottles. Catch the bus at the bus stop in front of the Jordan Pond House.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must remain on leash (6-feet or shorter).
Activity Fee
No
A park pass is required for any activity in the park. The pass should be left displayed in personal vehicles. Visitors are not required to carry it with them and will not be asked to show it while on the trail or riding the bus.
Location
Bubble Pond to Jordan Pond via Pemetic Mountain
Hiking: The trails up and over Pemetic take hikers from Bubble Pond to Jordan Pond. Disembark the bus at Bubble Pond to begin the hike. The Bubble Pond parking lot has a pit toilet, but no water so be sure to come prepared. To get to the trail, head to the back of the lot, cross the carriage road and follow the semi-paved path down to the shore of Bubble Pond. Follow signs for the Pemetic North Ridge Trail to the right. This trail will quickly leave the shores of Bubble Pond, cross the carriage road again and ascend into the forest.
The 1.1 mile climb up Pemetic North Ridge Trail is strenuous, ascending approximately 850 feet and has instances of rock scramble where three-point touch is necessary. About a half mile up, as the trees become shorter, hikers can look east at views of Cadillac Mountain. At the intersection with Pemetic Northwest Trail at mile 1.1, the view-scape will break to the west, looking out at Sargent and Penobscot Mountain. Just 0.1 miles past this intersection is the summit of Pemetic Mountain. Views here stretch nearly 360 degrees over mountain tops and ocean.
Descend from the summit along Pemetic South Ridge Trail. This trail stretches along an exposed granite ridge offering views most of the way down. This decent has less rock scramble than the North Ridge but is still steep and hikers should be cautious. In 0.6 miles hikers will pass the trail intersection for Pemetic East Cliff Trail but should remain on the South Ridge Trail until the next intersection in another 0.6 miles.
The South Ridge Trail ends at its intersection with the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path. Hikers looking to explore can take a left and connect with numerous paths around a smaller peak, The Triad. There are no additional bus stops in this direction so hikers should plan to loop back to Jordan Pond. A right at this intersection will descend hikers 0.5 miles to the shores of Jordan Pond (will cross park loop road in 0.4 miles).
Hikers can continue along the Jordan Pond Path or take the shortcut to the Jordan Pond House and conclude their hike at mile 3.4. Here, visitors can catch a bite to eat at the restaurant or grab-and-go concessions, shop the giftshop, use restrooms and refill water bottles. Catch the bus at the bus stop in front of the Jordan Pond House.
Bus Information For the most direct bus options, hikers should begin their journey at the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center bus hub.
Departure: Take the #5 Jordan Pond bus. Disembark the bus at the Bubble Pond. This trip will take approx. 15 minutes.
Upon disembarking, find the trailhead at the back of the lot along the carriage road.
Return: From Jordan Pond, hikers have the options of taking either the #5 Jordan Pond bus or the #4 Loop Road bus back to the visitor center.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Bus Stop (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond #4 and #5)
Restroom (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond)
Bus Stop (mile 3.4 at Jordan Pond House #4, #5 and #6)
Restroom (mile 3.4 at Jordan Pond House)
Water (mile 3.4 at Jordan Pond House)
The 1.1 mile climb up Pemetic North Ridge Trail is strenuous, ascending approximately 850 feet and has instances of rock scramble where three-point touch is necessary. About a half mile up, as the trees become shorter, hikers can look east at views of Cadillac Mountain. At the intersection with Pemetic Northwest Trail at mile 1.1, the view-scape will break to the west, looking out at Sargent and Penobscot Mountain. Just 0.1 miles past this intersection is the summit of Pemetic Mountain. Views here stretch nearly 360 degrees over mountain tops and ocean.
Descend from the summit along Pemetic South Ridge Trail. This trail stretches along an exposed granite ridge offering views most of the way down. This decent has less rock scramble than the North Ridge but is still steep and hikers should be cautious. In 0.6 miles hikers will pass the trail intersection for Pemetic East Cliff Trail but should remain on the South Ridge Trail until the next intersection in another 0.6 miles.
The South Ridge Trail ends at its intersection with the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path. Hikers looking to explore can take a left and connect with numerous paths around a smaller peak, The Triad. There are no additional bus stops in this direction so hikers should plan to loop back to Jordan Pond. A right at this intersection will descend hikers 0.5 miles to the shores of Jordan Pond (will cross park loop road in 0.4 miles).
Hikers can continue along the Jordan Pond Path or take the shortcut to the Jordan Pond House and conclude their hike at mile 3.4. Here, visitors can catch a bite to eat at the restaurant or grab-and-go concessions, shop the giftshop, use restrooms and refill water bottles. Catch the bus at the bus stop in front of the Jordan Pond House.
Bus Information For the most direct bus options, hikers should begin their journey at the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center bus hub.
Departure: Take the #5 Jordan Pond bus. Disembark the bus at the Bubble Pond. This trip will take approx. 15 minutes.
Upon disembarking, find the trailhead at the back of the lot along the carriage road.
Return: From Jordan Pond, hikers have the options of taking either the #5 Jordan Pond bus or the #4 Loop Road bus back to the visitor center.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Bus Stop (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond #4 and #5)
Restroom (mile 0.0 at Bubble Pond)
Bus Stop (mile 3.4 at Jordan Pond House #4, #5 and #6)
Restroom (mile 3.4 at Jordan Pond House)
Water (mile 3.4 at Jordan Pond House)
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The park and trails are open 24 hours a day, but the Island Explorer shuttle begins service to Bubble and Jordan Pond at 9 am and ends service between 5:00 pm.
Accessibility Information
Pemetic North and South Ridge Trail are steep, rocky and rooty with rock scramble requiring scattered instances of three-point touch. This trail gains approximately 850 feet in elevation.