Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land - Schoodic Mountain and Beach Trails

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Schoodic Mountain and Schoodic Beach are popular destinations within the Donnell Pond Public Lands Unit. Schoodic's summit is bare and flat with 360 degree views, including dramatic views over Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking
Length
2.40 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
T9 SD
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The most direct route up Schoodic Mountain leaves from the Schoodic Beach parking area. However, hikers can also access the mountain via Schoodic Beach. A popular route on a hot summer day combines an ascent from the parking area with a descent to Schoodic Beach for a refreshing swim before the short walk back to the parking area.

Parking Area to Schoodic Mountain summit (1.3 miles one way, moderate): The trail leaves the parking area near the outhouse and travels through the woods and across several streams before beginning a steep climb towards the summit. At 0.9 miles, the trail crosses some open ledges and converges with the trail from Schoodic Beach. Continue over ledges for 0.4 miles to the summit.

Parking Area to Schoodic Beach (0.5 mile one-way, easy): The trail follows the route of an old jeep trail down to the beach.  

Schoodic Beach to Schoodic Mountain summit (1.0 mile one-way, moderate): The trail leaves the west end of the beach and travels through forests as it begins to ascend the mountain's northeast slope. At 0.6 miles, the trail crosses some open ledges and converges with the trail from Schoodic Beach. Continue over ledges for 0.4 miles to the summit.

View BPL's map & guide for Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land.

Other Information

Trails are marked with blue blazes and stone cairns. Camping, swimming, and picnicking are allowed at the beach.

The western half of Schoodic Mountain's summit, including the communications tower, is private property. Please respect our neighbors and stay on marked trails.

Trail Manager

Visit Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands online for more information and a printable map or contact:

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Eastern Public Lands Office
106 Hogan Road, Suite 5
Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 941-4412

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect other trail users and be courteous when passing.

Trailhead Information

From US Route 1 in Sullivan, turn onto ME Route 183 and proceed about 4.5 miles. After crossing Down East Sunrise Trail (the former Calais Branch railroad), take first left onto gravel Schoodic Beach Road. The left turn is marked by a blue and white Donnell Pond Public Lands sign. Follow the Schoodic Beach Road for 2.3 miles to its end and the Schoodic Beach parking area. (Note: Google mistakenly labels the Schoodic Beach Road as the Donnell Pond Road in the map above.)

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