A wooden footbridge from the Nature Center, to the left of the Wild Gardens of Acadia (which features the native plants of Mount Desert Island), provides access to the Jesup Path to the right, passing by the Gardens
After crossing the Hemlock Path, the Jesup Path utilizes a beautiful and much-photographed boardwalk through a boggy, white birch forest. The boardwalk is 4 feet wide, of a flat grade, and has edging on both sides. There is a smooth transition between the gravel trail surface and the boardwalk with no lip. Along the boardwalk, there are information panels describing various aspects of the wetland environment and the plants and animals which inhabit it. There are also numerous locations along the boardwalk where there are platforms off to the side with seating, providing places to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
The boardwalk ends just before the junction with the Hemlock Path. The Jesup Path continues along a typically 4-foot wide, stonedust path through the Great Meadow to the Park Loop Road. This section of the trail has primarily 0%-2% grades, but at its north end there is a 15% slope up to the connector trail paralleling the Park Loop Road.
A right and 0.3 miles on the trail paralleling the Park Loop leads to the northern portion of the Hemlock Trail, leading back towards Sieur de Monts. This section of trail runs along the edges of Great Meadow on a 4-foot wide stonedust path, with sections of 4-foot wide bridging and boardwalks. The grade of this section is primarily 0%-2%, except for a 7% slope at the trail’s north end by the Park Loop.
At a junction meeting up with the Jesup Path again, the Hemlock Trail continues on a westerly route back to Sieur de Monts. This section also has a stonedust surface with minimal grades, but is wider with typical widths of 10 feet, and no bridging or boardwalks. It meets back up with the south end of the Jesup Trail close to the Wild Gardens of Acadia and Sieur de Monts trailhead.
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 10/10/2025.
George B. Dorr, the Father of Acadia, considered the Sieur de Monts to be the "Heart of Acadia". The large hemlocks survived the Fire of 1947 which swept over the east side of the island burning 17,000 acres. Ten thousand acres were in the park. The Sieur de Monts area is a great place for bird watching during the spring and summer. Bats are common during the summer evenings. Barred owls can be seen and heard year around.
Dogs are allowed on this trail on a six foot leash. (They are not allowed in the Wild Gardens.)
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:
Learn about the Wabanaki Nations. Today, the four federally recognized tribes in Maine are the Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Passamaquoddy Tribe, known collectively as the Wabanaki Nations and “People of the Dawnland.” Wabanaki people have inhabited the land we now call Maine since time immemorial. To learn more about Wabanaki Nations visit the Wabanaki Alliance.
Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to the park and the beginning of the Park Loop Road. Follow the Park Loop road 2.8 miles before turning left onto the one way section toward Sand Beach. Exit the Park Loop Road at Sieur de Monts, take another right turn immediately, following signs to the Nature Center. The walk begins to the right of the Nature Center, across a wooden footbridge.
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