1
Ocean Path
Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point in one coastal line.
Distance4.1 miElevation gain351 ftTime1.5–2 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗5/5 popularity
Best hikes in Acadia · ranked from our 59-hike catalog
10 Best Hikes in Acadia
Ten routes that show the park’s full range: Atlantic shore, granite summits, still ponds, historic paths, iron rungs, and the quieter peninsula.
One list, ten different reasons to hike.
This editorial ranking favors variety and first-visit payoff—not raw difficulty. Distances and times below match the site’s 59-hike catalog; conditions can change them.
Easiest flexible pickOcean PathTurn around at any coastal stop.
Signature challengeBeehive LoopIron rungs and real exposure; dry weather only.
Best water loopJordan Pond PathMostly gentle, with roots and rockier footing.
Quietest change of sceneSchoodic HeadA forested summit away from MDI’s busiest corridor.
2
Beehive Loop
Acadia’s most concentrated rung-and-ocean-view experience.
Distance1.6 miElevation gain508 ftTime1–2 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗5/5 popularity
3
Jordan Pond Path
A complete pond circuit beneath the Bubbles.
Distance3.3 miElevation gain52 ftTime1–1.5 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗5/5 popularity
4
Gorham Mountain Loop
Granite ridge views without iron ladders.
Distance3.1 miElevation gain574 ftTime2–3 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗4/5 popularity
5
Great Head Trail
A compact headland loop with Sand Beach views.
Distance1.6 miElevation gain298 ftTime1–2 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗4/5 popularity
6
Cadillac North Ridge
The shorter direct hiking approach to Cadillac’s summit.
Distance4.2 miElevation gain1,135 ftTime2–3 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗5/5 popularity
7
Bubble Rock Trail
A quick climb to Acadia’s famous perched boulder.
Time1 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗5/5 popularity
8
Beech Mountain Loop
A short Quiet Side summit to a historic fire tower.
Time1–1.5 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗4/5 popularity
9
Wonderland Trail
Pink granite, tide pools, and a family-friendly pace.
Distance1.4 miTime0.5–1 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗4/5 popularity
10
Schoodic Head Trail
A forested peninsula climb with a very different Acadia feel.
Distance0.6 miTime2–3 hr
View trailhead on Google Maps ↗4/5 popularity
What is the best Acadia hike for a first visit?
Ocean Path is the most flexible introduction. It connects major coastal sights, has no iron rungs, and can be shortened easily.
Which Acadia hike is hardest on this list?
Beehive is short but exposed, with iron rungs and cliffside ledges. Skip it in wet weather or if heights are not enjoyable.
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs are prohibited on ladder trails including the Beehive. Open the full trail catalog and use the “With dogs” filter for curated alternatives.