Hike Western Mountain Loop

The Western Mountain Loop travels through forest and up summits over a series of trails on the west side of Mount Desert Island. Although there are not many views, it is a challenging hike with hundreds of cut stone steps on the historic Perpendicular Trail and other steep sections along the way. Western Mountain collectively refers to Mansell Mountain and Bernard Mountain.

• Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
• Terrain: Forested paths, granite staircase, rocky trails, and rooted paths

Hike Description

• Begin from the parking area/boat launch located at the end of the Long Pond Road in Southwest Harbor.
• The hike starts on the Long Pond Trail, located at the west end of the parking area, behind a building.
• Walk 0.2 miles before reaching the second trail junction, where you will turn left onto of the Perpendicular Trail.
• A few iron rungs, a small ladder, and over 300 cut granite steps allow hikers to ascend the steep slope of Mansell Mountain. There are a few views of Long Pond between the trees.
• Just before the trail turns away from the face, there is a short spur trail to an overlook of Beech Mountain, Long Pond and the outlying islands.
• The trail levels off in the woods before reaching the summit of Mansell Mountain. There are no views from the summit.
• Continue past the summit on the Mansell Mountain Trail. At the next junction, turn right (north) on the Razorback Trail.
• Bear right at the next intersection to remain on the Razorback Trail to Great Notch.
• At the intersection with the Great Notch Trail, continue straight onto Bernard Mountain Trail. Follow this for 0.4 miles, steeply climbing up the side of the mountain over cliffs and tree roots.
• Pass the summit of Knight Nubble.
• At the junction with the Sluiceway Trail (Little Notch), continue straight and additional 0.2 miles to reach the summit of Bernard Mountain. Although rising to 1,071 ft, the summit is mostly wooded with minimal views. Return back down to the trail junction.
• Turn right and descend on the Sluiceway Trail for 0.5 miles.
• At the junction with the Gilley Trail, turn left.
• Shortly afterward, at the intersection with the Great Notch Trail, turn right and continue the descent. Stay right at the intersections with the Razorback and Mansell Mountain Trails and you will eventually come to the trailhead at Gilley Field parking.
• Cross the parking area to continue straight on Cold Brook Trail back to the parking lot at the south end of Long Pond.

Details

Duration

2-3 Hours

This hike is 3.8 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 2 to 3 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 are many steep sections, stairs, iron rungs, and a ladder.

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

Long Pond, Western Mountain

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Long Pond Trailhead

Getting to the Trailhead:

• By car: After reaching Mount Desert Island on ME Route 3, stay to the right to follow ME Route 102 toward the towns of Somesville and Southwest Harbor. Just after reaching Southwest Harbor, turn right on Seal Cove Road, then right on Long Pond Road to reach the south end of Long Pond and a parking area. The Long Pond Trail begins on the opposite side of the municipal water pumping station.
• By bus: There is no public transportation to this trailhead.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Western Mountain Loop is not accessible. The trails have uneven footing, hundreds of granite stairs, iron rungs, a ladder, and many steep sections. There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile or a 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. This trail has hundreds of granite stairs.