Home › Maine › Mt Desert › Acadia Mountain Trailhead
Acadia Mountain Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 74 Google reviews · Running trail in Mt Desert, Maine · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Acadia Mountain Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Acadia Mountain Trailhead
“Beautiful views, highly recommended, and you don’t need to be particularly fit or well-versed in hiking for this one.”
“We saw all ages, from about 6 years old to some well into their 70s doing the trail.”
It’s not easy trail and there’s places where you have to use both hands to climb. But the view is wonderful! The altitude is about 200 meters (600feet). 2hours for the loop.
It was our FAVORITE HIKE IN Acadia! Once at the trail head make sure you go up the steep side and do the beginning to the left! So worth it with the fantastic views on the decent! The scramble is fun on the dissent also! I would not recommend bringing dogs on this trail. Glad we left ours at home.
Absolutely beautiful hike. Party of different level hikers and we all made it. Go clockwise if looking for “less” of a challenge. Still lots of stairs. The decent toward bay clockwise was fun scrambles. A bit slippery while wet but worth it. Ocean view the whole way down.
Reading other people’s reviews on this I’m surprised some found this trail challenging. I imagine hiking anything in 90+ degrees will be challenging. My husband and I got to the top in very short time, with little effort. We saw small children and dogs at the top who had no issue with the hike.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views, highly recommended, and you don’t need to be particularly fit or well-versed in hiking for this one.”
“For less athletic pups, I would recommend going counter clockwise and just assisting them up some of the steep areas.”
“Counterclockwise recommended for loop since the section between summit and overlook is very rocky and lack of marks.”
“Moderate hike with varying sections of steep climbs and flat ground.”
“Our dog is experienced with rock/mountain climbing and even he hesitated a little on some of the parts coming down; but he succeeded without help nonetheless.”
“Counterclockwise recommended for loop since the section between summit and overlook is very rocky and lack of marks.”
“Parking is very limited so keep that in mind and be careful crossing the road as cars travel fast.”
Plan your run at Acadia Mountain Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 207-288-3338
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Mt Desert
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Beehive Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 613 reviews
Steep 1.4-mile trail with iron rungs & granite stairs to a lofty cliff-top offering ocean panoramas.
Brewer Riverwalk
4.7 ★★★★★ 286 reviews
Paved waterside trail featuring benches, flower gardens and chess sets.
