You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to experience the magic of Acadia National Park. While some folks think you have to tackle tough mountain trails to see the best views, I’ve found that’s not true at all. Some of my favorite spots in the park are actually along its easier paths.
I’ve spent a lot of time walking these easy trails in Acadia National Park, and I’m always amazed by how much natural beauty you can experience without breaking a sweat. From coastal walks to woodland paths, these beginner-friendly hikes pack in all the stunning scenery that makes Acadia famous.
Let’s take a look at my pick for the best easy hikes in Acadia National Park.
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Table of Contents
Best Easy Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
➡️ These are the easiest hikes in Acadia. For even more hikes, check out 10 Best Hikes in Acadia National Parks
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7 Best Easy Hikes in Acadia National Park
7. Jordan Pond Path
The Jordan Pond Full Loop is one of my favorite easy hikes at Acadia National Park. This 3-mile loop offers a totally flat walk around the pristine pond.
I love starting at the Jordan Pond House – get there well before 8:30 AM to snag a parking spot! The right side of the pond has a smooth, level path that’s perfect for families, while the left side features a cool split log boardwalk.
You’ll get amazing views of The Bubbles (two rounded mountains) reflecting in the pond’s crystal-clear water. There are some spots with boulders to navigate, but nothing too tricky.
After your hike, stop at the Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers – they’re a must-try tradition that goes back generations.
Distance: 3.3–mile loop trail
Time: 1 – 3 hours
Elevation change: 42 feet
Trailhead: Jordan Pond House
6. Ocean Path Trail
Ocean Path is a stunning 4.2-mile trail that shows off Acadia’s rocky coastline. It runs from Sand Beach to Otter Point, passing Thunder Hole along the way. The path stays pretty level as it follows Park Loop Road, making it perfect for hikers of all abilities.
The easiest section is the first section between Sand Beach and Thunder Hole.
I love walking this trail – the coastal views are incredible. You can see waves crashing against granite cliffs and spot seabirds soaring overhead.
The best part? You can make the hike as long or short as you want – there are plenty of parking areas to hop on and off the trail. Just watch your step on wet rocks near the shore!
Distance: 4.4 miles out-and-back (2.2 miles one way). 0.7 miles from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole.
Time: 2-4 Hours
Elevation change: 374 feet
Trailhead: Just past the restrooms at Sand Beach
5. Ship Harbor Trail
Looking for easy family hikes in Acadia National Park away from the crowds? Ship Harbor Trail on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island is your answer.
This 1.3-mile figure-eight loop takes you through spruce forests before opening up to gorgeous harbor views. The trail is well-maintained with some boardwalks, making it super easy to navigate.
I’ve hiked this trail several times, and it never disappoints. Keep an eye out for tide pools at low tide – they’re full of fascinating marine life.
The trail is mostly flat with just a few gentle rises, perfect for families with young kids or anyone wanting a peaceful walk.
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Time: 30-45 minutes
Elevation change: 65 feet
Trailhead: Near the Seawall Campground
4. Wonderland Trail
Wonderland Trail is underrated but another gem on the quieter side of the island. It’s also one of the easiest hikes in Acadia National Park.
This flat 1.4-mile out-and-back path takes you through a beautiful coastal forest that opens up to a rocky beach. The trail is wide and easy to follow, with minimal elevation change.
What makes this trail special is how it changes with the tides. At low tide, you can walk out onto the rocky shore and check out tide pools.
Spring brings lovely wildflowers, while fall offers amazing colors. It’s an ideal morning or sunset hike when you want something simple but rewarding.
Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
Time: 30-45 minutes
Elevation change: 78 feet
Trailhead: Off Seawall Road/Route 102A, between Seawall Campground and the Ship Harbor Trail.
3. Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
The 0.5-mile Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is one of the best short hikes in Acadia National Park. It gives you the best views in Acadia without the tough climb – you can drive to the top! The paved loop is wheelchair-accessible and offers 360-degree views of the park, Bar Harbor, and surrounding islands.
You’ll see granite outcrops, hardy alpine plants, and on clear days, views stretching to Mount Katahdin.
‼️ My tip? Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. The summit can get pretty windy, so bring an extra layer even on warm days.
‼️ The road to the summit is closed in winter and you need a reservation for most of the time it’s open.
➡️ Read my Guide to the Acadia Cadillac Mountain Reservation System
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Time: 15 minutes
Elevation change: 55 feet
Trailhead: Cadillac Mountain Summit
2. Gorham Mountain Trail
While slightly more challenging than the others, Gorham Mountain Trail is still totally doable for most hikers. The 1.8-mile round trip starts with a gentle climb through pine forests before reaching open ledges with spectacular ocean views.
You’ll gain about 525 feet in elevation, but the trail has good footing and plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery. Start from the Gorham Mountain parking lot (get there early!) and take your time on the pink granite steps. The summit offers amazing views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and the surrounding coastline.
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation change: 525 feet
Trailhead: From the Gorham Mountain parking area off the Park Loop Road about 0.5 miles/ 800m past Thunder Hole.
You may be thinking: “These hikes look fun and I’d love to do them, but I’m not sure how to put them all together.” I hear this all the time.
Getting an idea of what to do is just a start. The tricky part is coordinating them all into an itinerary that actually makes sense – so you’re doing these hikes at the right time of day, joining them together with other activities in a logical order, and know how to get to the trailheads and where to go when you’re there.
To help take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Acadia, I’ve created several super detailed itineraries .
Obviously, the more days you spend in Acadia, the more of these hikes you can do, but the itineraries will help you make the most of whatever time you have available.
There are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-day options: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your time in Acadia National Park.
1. Bar Island Trail
This unique 2-mile round trip trail is only accessible during low tide! The trail starts right from downtown Bar Harbor, crossing a natural gravel land bridge that appears when the tide goes out. You’ve got about 1.5 hours on either side of low tide to cross safely.
The walk across the bar is flat and easy, though sometimes sandy or rocky. Once on Bar Island, there’s a short, wooded trail leading to a clearing with fantastic views back toward Bar Harbor and the mountains of Acadia.
⚠️ Just keep a close eye on the tide schedule – you don’t want to get stuck on the island!
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Elevation change: 187 feet
Trailhead: Bridge Street, Bar Harbor
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7 Best Easy Hikes in Acadia National Park
Final Thoughts
These easy trails in Acadia National Park prove that you don’t need to climb every mountain to have an amazing outdoor experience. Each path offers something special – whether it’s the unique tide-dependent Bar Island Trail or the reflection-perfect waters of Jordan Pond.
Pick any of these trails and you’ll get a real taste of what makes Acadia so special. Just remember to start early (those parking lots fill up fast!), check tide times where needed, and bring a camera – you’ll want to remember these views.
If you’d like to take away your planning stress, I’ve created itineraries that include these hikes.
➡️ Take a look at the options available here
Travel Insurance for Acadia National Park
I highly recommend, even for easy hikes, that you get travel insurance for your trip. Whether it’s for unexpected trip cancelation, emergency repatriation or medial help, or to replace something lost or stolen, having travel insurance will give you piece of mind and help you when you need it.
➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Acadia!
Which of these easy Acadia hikes did you choose to do? I’d love to hear. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
Additional Planning Resources for Acadia National Park
⭐ How to Plan A Trip To Acadia National Park
⭐ Tips For Visiting Acadia National Park
⭐ 10 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
⭐ Guide to the Acadia Cadillac Mountain Reservation System
⭐ Best Things To Do in Acadia National Park
⭐ Planning a Trip to Acadia National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How Many Days in Acadia National Park?
⭐ The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Complete Guide
⭐ The Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park
⭐ Visiting Acadia National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ How to Get To Acadia National Park
⭐ The Airport Nearest Acadia National Park
⭐ The Best Airports Near Acadia National Park
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About Acadia National Park
⭐ Best Books About Acadia National Park
⭐ Comprehensive Guide to Acadia National Park Camping
⭐ The Best Airbnb Acadia National Park
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💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Acadia National Park? Read my Guide to Acadia National Park
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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