Acadia National Park - Jordan Pond Path

The trail follows the shore of Jordan Pond providing iconic views of steep, glacially sculpted mountains and the glacially carved valley that is now Jordan Pond. The trail is rugged in some sections. Good footwear is recommended.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
3.30 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Mount Desert
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

HIGH USE TRAIL:

This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Maine Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail. 

After reaching the pond, a right turn on the Jordan Pond Path goes along the east side first, which is an easy walk on a compact surface. A left on the trail travels the west side first, mostly on a long section of wooden planks over a boggy area. (Stay on the planks to avoid damaging the fragile plants below.) The north end of the west side is rugged as it traverses uneven granite. Because it's a loop, the hike can be taken in either direction.

Other Information

At 150 feet, Jordan Pond is Acadia’s deepest and clearest lake and is the second largest at 187 acres. It is also a public water supply. Therefore, swimming and wading is prohibited. Pets are not allowed in the water. Gulls, loons, mergansers, as well as frogs and beavers are frequently seen. At the north end of the pond look for a beaver lodge.

The Jordan Pond area is an excellent place to appreciate Acadia's glacially carved landscape. As glaciers moved through the area thousands of years ago, they created "U" shaped valleys, and long finger lakes and ridge lines which run north and south. When standing on the lawn of the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, you're actually standing on a glacial moraine, the rock and soil that was picked up and transported by the glaciers. The material was deposited here by the last glacier as it melted and retreated.

Dogs are allowed on the trail on a six foot leash.

Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!

Trail Manager

Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:

National Park Service, Acadia National Park

National Park Service, Acadia National Park
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-3338
acadia_information@nps.gov

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Minimize Campfire Impacts
Keep campfires small and contained to established fire rings in permitted sites only.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to Acadia National Park and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Follow the Park Loop Road. At 2.8 miles continue straight remaining on the two-way section of the Loop Road following signs for Jordan Pond. Use the North Lot parking area on the right just before the Jordan Pond House. Walk down the boat access to the pond. The Jordan Pond Trail crosses the boat launch. The hike can be taken in either direction.

During the busy summer months, parking is very difficult to find. Leave your car at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and take the Island Explorer Bus. From behind the restaurant walk down to the Pond.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
dixon52
August 15, 2023
The 3.3 mile loop around Jordan Pond is a popular one and with good reason. It’s flat but offers great views around the lake, some adventurous stepping over tiny tributaries, and a boardwalk section, too. It was quite misty and muddy for us, but we loved the adventure. Afterwards we put our name in at Jordan Pond House for lunch and spent the hour wait exploring the gift shop and local river area.
We had a great time on this trail, and recapped it all here: https://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/bar-harbor-maine-part-1/
bigeloafah
May 22, 2016
We enjoyed this popular family-friendly hike on a beautiful Saturday in May. The path hugs the shore, so the views and breeze are constant. The three surfaces--plank trail, brief rocky stretch, and dirt path--add interest. The plank road (on your left as you face the pond) is long--perhaps almost a mile--and fun for kids. The dirt trail (on your right) would be great for running. We walked the full circuit in about an hour and fifteen minutes. Trails to the Bubbles leave the northern end of the path. The only drawback to this walk? The water is clear and so inviting, but there's no swimming allowed!
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