This loop begins on the Long Pond Trail, but almost immediately heads off to the left at a trail junction on the Cold Brook Trail. The Cold Brook Trail ascends 0.4 miles through the woods to the end of Western Mountain Road. It continues across the gravel circle for another 0.1 miles to the junction with Gilley Trail. The loop continues on the Gilley Trail to the right. The trail climbs through the woods in the valley between the peaks of Bernard and Mansell Mountains, which together make up Western Mountain. It reaches Great Notch 1.5 miles from the trailhead at Long Pond.
At Great Notch, there are split log benches upon which to rest, and a register in which you can add your comments. Steep trails to the right and left lead to the summits of Mansell Mt and Bernard Mt, respectively. The loop continues straight ahead on the Great Notch Trail. The Great Notch Trail descends, at first moderately and then gradually, 0.4 miles to a trail junction; the loop continues to the right. This section of trail includes sections that have been recently rebuilt with stone steps to ease the descent. The trail emerges at the shores of Long Pond 0.8 miles from Great Notch, and follows the west shore of the pond 1.5 miles back to the parking lot.
Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!
Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:
National Park Service, Acadia National ParkFrom ME-102 in Southwest Harbor, head west on Seal Cove Road, 5.7 miles south of the stoplight in Somesville, and 0.6 miles north of the village of Southwest Harbor. Go 0.6 miles on Seal Cove Road then take a right onto Long Pond Road. Go 1.2 miles to the end of the road, where there is limited parking at the south end of Long Pond.
The trailhead for the Long Pond Trail is on the left side of the parking, behind the pumphouse.
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