Last updated: April 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike the Acadia Mountain Loop with Island Explorer Bus
NPS Photo
Nestled in between Echo Lake and Somes Sound lies Acadia Mountain. Standing just 681 ft tall it offers amazing views of the surrounding waters and mountains. Located on the West or “Quiet Side” of the park, it offers a quieter hike through the forest and over granite slabs. Listen for numerous birds chirping along the trail. To do the loop continue on the Man O War Fire Brook Road.
This trail is steep on both sides and steeper on the West Side next to Somes Sound, with more granite and rocky sections. Taking the Fire Road all the way over to the West side of the mountain, and then going up to the summit, is the easier way. A false summit provides a great view of the mountains and sound. Just 0.3 miles further on is the actual summit; it is marked with a trail marker. Taking the east side down is easier with some rocky spots and stone steps. Please be mindful of where you are stepping as all trails in this park have roots and rocks that you can slip or trip on.
Acadia Mountain rises in between two bodies of water overlooking Southwest Harbor. Hiking up the west side has great views of Somes Sound. The east side has great views of Beech Mountain with the Fire Tower in the distance. Enjoy a mostly forested trail with a few rock scrambles.
Acadia Mountain Trail follows up the east and west side of the mountain with views of the surrounding mountains and bodies of water. With the Island Explorer bus, visitors won't need to park along the road and can ride to the trailhead stress-free.
Bus: Island Explorer #7 (Southwest Harbor) from Bar Harbor at Village Green and get off at the parking lot for Acadia Mountain. safely cross the road. Ask the driver if you feel more comfortable. The trailhead is on the other side. Once you finish the hike the bus will pick up back at the trailhead.
This trail is steep on both sides and steeper on the West Side next to Somes Sound, with more granite and rocky sections. Taking the Fire Road all the way over to the West side of the mountain, and then going up to the summit, is the easier way. A false summit provides a great view of the mountains and sound. Just 0.3 miles further on is the actual summit; it is marked with a trail marker. Taking the east side down is easier with some rocky spots and stone steps. Please be mindful of where you are stepping as all trails in this park have roots and rocks that you can slip or trip on.
Acadia Mountain rises in between two bodies of water overlooking Southwest Harbor. Hiking up the west side has great views of Somes Sound. The east side has great views of Beech Mountain with the Fire Tower in the distance. Enjoy a mostly forested trail with a few rock scrambles.
Acadia Mountain Trail follows up the east and west side of the mountain with views of the surrounding mountains and bodies of water. With the Island Explorer bus, visitors won't need to park along the road and can ride to the trailhead stress-free.
Bus: Island Explorer #7 (Southwest Harbor) from Bar Harbor at Village Green and get off at the parking lot for Acadia Mountain. safely cross the road. Ask the driver if you feel more comfortable. The trailhead is on the other side. Once you finish the hike the bus will pick up back at the trailhead.
Details
Duration
2-3 Hours
From Bar Harbor Village Green take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus (runs every 30 minutes) and gets off at the trailhead. Cross the road safely. The same bus will pick you up at the trailhead and take you back to Bar Harbor.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
This hike starts at the bus stop with a short 0.2 walk up St Sauveur Trail. Turn right at the intersection for the Acadia Mountain Trail and take the Man of War Fire Brook Road to the west side.
On the west side of the mountain the trail is 0.7 miles up and rocky and steep, so watch your footing and take your time. You may have to use your hands to scramble up the rocks. This side of Somes Sound offers good views. You can take a rest once you reach the false summit, before continuing the trail 0.3 miles up to the actual summit.
The trail is gradual and interspersed with several granite slabs with occasional rocks and roots. Take in the views of the Sound and surrounding mountains. Return down the East Trail for another 0.7 miles, which is much less steep and more gradual. You can see the Beech Mountain Fire Tower at several places along the way. This East trail is mostly forest floor (roots and pine needles) with some short stone staircases and roots in some spots. It's also a good place for bird watching. The entire loop is 2.8 miles.
On the west side of the mountain the trail is 0.7 miles up and rocky and steep, so watch your footing and take your time. You may have to use your hands to scramble up the rocks. This side of Somes Sound offers good views. You can take a rest once you reach the false summit, before continuing the trail 0.3 miles up to the actual summit.
The trail is gradual and interspersed with several granite slabs with occasional rocks and roots. Take in the views of the Sound and surrounding mountains. Return down the East Trail for another 0.7 miles, which is much less steep and more gradual. You can see the Beech Mountain Fire Tower at several places along the way. This East trail is mostly forest floor (roots and pine needles) with some short stone staircases and roots in some spots. It's also a good place for bird watching. The entire loop is 2.8 miles.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on a leash.(6 ft leash or shorter).
Activity Fee
No
A park pass is required for any activity in the park. The pass should be left on your vehicle, and you are not required to carry it with you or show the bus driver.
Location
Acadia Mountain Loop
Hiking: This hike starts at the bus stop with a short 0.2 walk up St Sauveur Trail. Turn right at the intersection for the Acadia Mountain Trail and take the Man of War Fire Brook Road to the west side.
On the west side of the mountain the trail is 0.7 miles up and rocky and steep, so watch your footing and take your time. You may have to use your hands to scramble up the rocks. This side of Somes Sound offers good views. You can take a rest once you reach the false summit, before continuing the trail 0.3 miles up to the actual summit.
The trail is gradual and interspersed with several granite slabs with occasional rocks and roots. Take in the views of the Sound and surrounding mountains. Return down the East Trail for another 0.7 miles, which is much less steep and more gradual. You can see the Beech Mountain Fire Tower at several places along the way. This East trail is mostly forest floor (roots and pine needles) with some short stone staircases and roots in some spots. It's also a good place for bird watching. The entire loop is 2.8 miles. The Acadia Mountain Trail is located along Route 102 in Acadia National Park next to Echo Lake.
Bus Information:
Park in Bar Harbor and walk over to the Bar Harbor Village Green which is a small park in between Main St & Kennebec St. The bus stops are in between the gazebo and Reel Pizza Cinerama.
Departure: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and get off along Hwy 102. Cross the road to get to the trailhead Return: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus at the trailhead for Acadia Mountain.
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 (0.0 Bar Harbor Village Green: #7 bus)
Bus Stop (12.1 Acadia Mountain Trailhead #7 bus)
On the west side of the mountain the trail is 0.7 miles up and rocky and steep, so watch your footing and take your time. You may have to use your hands to scramble up the rocks. This side of Somes Sound offers good views. You can take a rest once you reach the false summit, before continuing the trail 0.3 miles up to the actual summit.
The trail is gradual and interspersed with several granite slabs with occasional rocks and roots. Take in the views of the Sound and surrounding mountains. Return down the East Trail for another 0.7 miles, which is much less steep and more gradual. You can see the Beech Mountain Fire Tower at several places along the way. This East trail is mostly forest floor (roots and pine needles) with some short stone staircases and roots in some spots. It's also a good place for bird watching. The entire loop is 2.8 miles. The Acadia Mountain Trail is located along Route 102 in Acadia National Park next to Echo Lake.
Bus Information:
Park in Bar Harbor and walk over to the Bar Harbor Village Green which is a small park in between Main St & Kennebec St. The bus stops are in between the gazebo and Reel Pizza Cinerama.
Departure: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and get off along Hwy 102. Cross the road to get to the trailhead Return: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus at the trailhead for Acadia Mountain.
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 (0.0 Bar Harbor Village Green: #7 bus)
Bus Stop (12.1 Acadia Mountain Trailhead #7 bus)
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 Acadia Mountain at 8am and ends service at 8:07pm.
Accessibility Information
Due to the steep nature of the trail, it is not accessible. The trail has a moderate to steep grade throughout.