Exploring Acadia National Park: The Best Trails, Views, and Hidden Gems on Mount Desert Island
Acadia National Park is one of those rare places where rugged coastline, pristine lakes, and dramatic mountain views come together perfectly. During our recent visit to Maine, we spent several days exploring Acadia’s best hikes, iconic overlooks, and even a few hidden gems that many visitors overlook. From summiting the Beehive Trail to walking across the ocean floor to Bar Island, Acadia quickly became one of our family’s favorite national parks.
Hiking the Famous Beehive Trail
One of the most thrilling hikes in Acadia is the Beehive Trail, located across from the Sand Beach parking area. This steep, iron-rung climb rewards you with sweeping views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is short—just under two miles round trip—but it’s not for the faint of heart. Our teens loved the adventure of climbing ladders and hugging cliff edges while soaking in the views.
At the top, we took a moment to enjoy the scenery before continuing on the Bowl Trail, a peaceful loop that circles the small alpine lake nestled behind the Beehive. The combination of challenge and serenity made this one of our favorite hikes in the park.
Exploring The Great Head Trail
After descending from the Beehive, we headed over to The Great Head Trail, which begins right on Sand Beach. This coastal hike offers incredible views of the waves crashing against Acadia’s rocky shoreline. It’s a moderate 1.7-mile loop with several overlooks perfect for family photos. The combination of ocean air, pine forest, and pink granite made this a quintessential Acadia experience.
Walking Across the Ocean Floor to Bar Island
One of the most unique adventures in Acadia is the Bar Island Trail, which is only accessible at low tide. When the tide recedes, a sandbar appears, allowing you to walk from downtown Bar Harbor across to Bar Island. We timed it perfectly and hiked the full loop around the island before the tide returned. It’s an incredible experience—like stepping into another world—and a great reminder of the power of nature in this coastal park.
Land Bridge from Bar Island
Scenic Hikes Around Jordan Pond
No visit to Acadia is complete without stopping at Jordan Pond. We hiked the Jordan Pond Trail, an easy but stunning 3.4-mile loop that circles the crystal-clear lake. The trail offers postcard-perfect views of The Bubbles, two rounded mountains that rise above the far end of the pond.
After our hike, we made our way to the Jordan Pond House, a historic restaurant famous for its popovers. We sat on the lawn with tea and warm popovers, soaking in one of the most iconic views in all of Acadia National Park.
Climbing the Bubbles
Inspired by the view from Jordan Pond, we couldn’t resist hiking the Bubbles Trail next. The short but steep climb to North Bubble rewarded us with one of the best overlooks in the park—directly above Jordan Pond. We also took the short detour to Bubble Rock, a massive glacial erratic that seems impossibly perched on the edge of the cliff.
Beech Mountain and Beech Cliffs: Acadia’s Western Wonders
While most visitors stay on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, we made time to explore the park’s quieter western section. The Beech Mountain Trail and Beech Cliffs Trail are both fantastic options for families who want scenic views without the crowds.
From Beech Mountain, we had a panoramic view of Long Pond and the surrounding forest. The Beech Cliffs Trail, accessed near Echo Lake, features wooden ladders and incredible vantage points over the water below. These trails were a peaceful contrast to the more popular areas near Sand Beach.
Experiencing Thunder Hole
We also stopped at Thunder Hole, one of Acadia’s most famous natural features. When the tide and waves align just right, the ocean crashes into a narrow inlet and sends thunderous echoes through the air. It’s an amazing display of nature’s power—one that you can both see and feel!
Final Thoughts on Acadia National Park
From dramatic cliffs to tranquil ponds, Acadia National Park offers an incredible variety of experiences packed into a relatively small area. Whether you’re climbing the Beehive, walking to Bar Island, or enjoying a popover at Jordan Pond House, every moment here feels unforgettable.
For families like ours who love hiking, exploring, and photographing the beauty of America’s national parks, Acadia quickly earned a top spot on our list of must-visit destinations.
Travel Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park
Arrive early: Popular trailheads like Beehive and Jordan Pond fill up quickly.
Check tide charts before attempting Bar Island.
Use the Island Explorer Shuttle to avoid parking issues.
Pack layers: Weather changes quickly near the coast.
Don’t miss sunset from Cadillac Mountain—it’s one of the most beautiful in the country.