Some Of The Most Beautiful Hiking In Trails In Maine's Acadia Don't Feature Summits But Coastline Instead
By Michelle|Published November 17, 2021
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Acadia National Park is one of the most defining features of Maine. As New England’s only national park, it is an obvious choice for those who love nature and the great outdoors of the region. Simply driving along Park Loop Road is a great way to see it, but hiking is another sure way to visit some of the most notable spots. While we love the mountain views, there’s something to be said for the routes that include the downeast craggy coastline. To see the best of those views, try some of the best coastal hikes in Acadia National Park.
One of the longest trails on this list of coastal routes, the Ocean Path Trail is a great way to spend the bulk of an afternoon in the park. This is a great one for kids who have an adventurous spirit and it's an even better way to fall in love with Acadia. Your journey begins with forest but includes everything from sandy beaches to rocky coastline. It's longer than some, but not terribly challenging as far as elevation goes. You can learn more about it here.
The Wonderland Trail is just as magical as the name implies! A beautiful route that follows an old road directly towards the water, it offers beauty both along the way and at the coastal endpoint. When you're done exploring, simply turn around and head back the way you came. You can learn more about it by reading this article.
Advertisement
3. Ship Harbor Trail, 1.8 miles
Ship Harbor Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
This beautiful little hike is a 1.8-mile loop near Bass Harbor. The route winds through the forest but opens up to views of this protected cove. We love that most of it is relatively flat, making it a great option for kids and those just starting out on their love of hiking. You can learn more about it here.
While not quite as flat as the others on this list, the Gorham Mountain Loop is a great hike to try as you get more comfortable in Acadia's outdoors. The trail leads over Gorham Mountain, but then heads right to the coast and Sand Beach.
5. Compass Harbor Trail, .8 miles
Compass Harbor Trailhead, 399 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
This short-but-sweet route offers the chance to get outside without the hefty activity commitment that comes with other trails in Acadia. The short route takes about 10 minutes one way and offers spectacular water views.
6. Great Head Trail, 1.7 miles
Great Head Trail (Acadia National Park), Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
This looped trail is considered especially beautiful as the sun begins to set given that it has fantastic views towards the west. It's also nice that the loop leads directly to the headland for magnificent views out to sea.
7. Hunters Beach and Cliffs Trail, 1.2 miles
Little Hunters Beach, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Trails at Hunter's Lake, 8500 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
While rated as "moderate" due to the fact that it's not quite as well maintained as others in the area, this route is relatively flat. It's also big on beauty. Enjoy views of the rocky coast, but also watch out for your footing. Things can get slippery around here!
Do you agree that these are some of the best coastal hikes in Acadia National Park? What are some of your favorite Acadia National Park hiking trails? Let us know so we can check them out, too!
