Hike the Bubbles

This 1.5 mile hike is a quick way to access the iconic North Bubble, South Bubble, and Bubble Rock. Visitors can take two short spur trails to reach each summit with expansive views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains.

• Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
• Terrain: Forested path, steep rocky sections, exposed granite, wide stairs

Hike Description

• The hike starts at the Bubbles Divide parking lot.
• Follow the Bubbles Divide Trail for .25 miles as it becomes steeper with steps just before the junction of the Bubbles Trail to North Bubble.
• Take a right at this junction on the Bubbles Trail.
• Continuing onto North Bubble, the trail becomes steep with open granite ledges and will be slick in wet weather. There are excellent views of Jordan Pond, Pemetic and Sargent Mountains, and the Cranberry Isles.
• Return back down from the summit of North Bubble to the first junction. Turn right and follow the Bubbles Divide Trail towards South Bubble and Bubble Rock for .7 miles.
• After reaching the summit of South Bubble, turn back and follow blue blazes for Bubble Rock, a precarious glacial erratic.
• Return on the Bubbles Divide Trail all the way back to the parking lot.

Details

Duration

60-90 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 1 to 1 1/2 hours. 

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

The Bubbles

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Bubbles Divide Trailhead

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to Acadia National Park. Turn left to follow the Park Loop Road and approximately 3 miles. Continue straight on the two-way section of the Park Loop Road, following signs for Jordan Pond. In 5 miles, The Bubbles parking lot is on the right.

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

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Bubbles hike is not accessible. The trails have uneven footing, stairs, and short, steep sections. There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.

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.