Hike St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop

The St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop is a challenging hike that summits two mountain peaks. It offers stunning views of Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains, as well as outlying islands and the ocean. Choose dry weather to complete this hike, as many sections are rugged, exposed granite slopes near cliff edges.

 

• Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
• Terrain: Steep granite slopes and ridgelines, forested trails

Hike Description

• This trail rises quickly on open granite and meets the junction of the St. Sauveur Trail and the Acadia Mountain Trail.

  • The hike can be taken for a loop in either direction. Both directions have steep ascents and descents on the East faces.

• Turn right on the St. Sauveur Trail toward St. Sauveur Mountain.

• The trail ascends gradually through the forest with an occasional view of Echo Lake to the north. There is no view from the summit.

• Past the summit, a shorter connector trail to the left leads to the Valley Peak Trail and views of Somes Sound.

• Turn left on the trail and continue to a steep and rugged descent through the forest.

  • Note: If you go straight past the summit on the St. Sauveur trail, you will reach summit of Valley Peak. A return to the loop via the Valley Peak Trail adds 0.7 miles.

• After descending the mountain, continue straight at the next intersection towards the Acadia Mountain Trail.

  • To shorten the loop, take a left on the Man o' War Brook fire road. It will lead back to the Acadia Mountain Trail. Another left then leads back to the beginning of the hike.

• The trail then rises as a steep climb over stretches of loose rock and ledges as it ascends the eastern side of Acadia Mountain. Acadia Mountain actually has two peaks.

• After the second peak, the trail begins to descend through the forest with an occasional view of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail brings you back to the intersection of St. Sauveur Tail and Acadia Mountain Trail completing the loop.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

This hike is 3.9 miles round trip. 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 2-4 hours. 

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. It is not recommended for pets, since there is one iron rung and many steep sections.

Activity Fee

No

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

Location

Acadia Mountain Trailhead

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Acadia Mountain Trailhead

Getting to the Trailhead:

• By car: From Mount Desert Island on ME Route 3, follow ME Route 102 right toward the towns of Somesville and Southwest Harbor. The parking lot of Acadia Mountain is 7.7 miles on ME Route 102 on the right, across from Echo Lake and just past the entrance to Ikes Point. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the highway. Use care when crossing.

• By bus: Take the fare-free Island Explorer to Acadia Mountain.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop is not accessible. The trails have uneven footing and short, steep sections requiring some scrambling throughout.

There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead, only a vault toilet.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile or topographic map 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.
• Cell service is unreliable or unavailable in many areas of the park. Do not rely on your phone for directions.