Hiking the Acadia Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 1.8 - 3.0 miles / 2.9 - 4.8 km
The Acadia Mountain Trail, also called the Acadia Mountain Loop Trail because of the loop that can be created with the Man O' War Trail, is arguably the best and most beautiful summit in Acadia National Park!
I say this because the summit of Acadia Mountain stands alone as one of the most beautiful, panoramic viewpoints of anywhere in Acadia, and the views only continue for much of the hike back down—should you decide to hike the full Acadia Mountain–Man O' War Loop.
This is why the distance above is so variable, as the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) distance refers to an out-and-back hike up the Acadia Mountain Trail, while the 3.0-mile (4.8 km) distance reflects the entire loop.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Acadia Mountain Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Acadia Mountain Trail is located directly off Highway 102, about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) north of Southwest Harbor.
Remember to purchase your National Park pass in advance and display your pass or entrance receipt here and at every trailhead in Acadia National Park, whether you went through an official entrance station or not. Yes, law enforcement officers check parked cars throughout Acadia, and I have seen tickets handed out to vehicles not following the rules of a U.S. fee area.
On a different note, be aware that Acadia National Park is one of the busiest parks in the country, and finding a place to park, even at less-known trailheads, can be incredibly challenging during the busiest times of the year.
Google Maps Directions: Acadia Mountain Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Acadia
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Acadia National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Acadia Mountain Trail
From the parking area on the west side of the highway, the Acadia Mountain Trail begins directly across.
That being said, look out for cars and cross quickly to get to and from the trailhead, as cars along this stretch tend to drive much faster than the posted speed limit—seemingly unaware of the numerous trailheads along this stretch.
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Junction
Once across the highway, the trail splits almost immediately.
Here, there’s either the option to go left to begin the Man O' War Trail toward the Acadia Mountain Trail or straight toward the Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail before turning toward Acadia Mountain.
I chose to go straight, but it truly makes no difference in terms of difficulty to reach the start of the loop, about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) away.
Acadia Mountain-Saint Sauveur Mountain Junction
This is where the Acadia Mountain Trail reaches the Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail.
However, if you are interested in hiking Saint Sauveur Mountain, my personal recommendation is to begin just down the road from the Ledge Trail because I think it’s a much more fun route to the top compared to the gradual Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail here.
In any case, go left to continue on the Acadia Mountain Trail toward the beginning of the Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Loop.
Read My Separate Post: Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Junction
After just 0.25 miles (0.4 km), the Acadia Mountain Trail reaches the start of the loop.
While it doesn’t matter which direction you decide to go to reach the summit, my personal recommendation is to go straight, as the views on the hike down from the east side are better enjoyed when hiking the loop clockwise.
Regarding my thoughts above, I chose to go straight in the clockwise direction.
At roughly 0.1 miles (0.2 km) from the Man O' War Junction, the Acadia Mountain Trail begins climbing steeply up the west side of the peak.
However, I think it’s important to note that this ascent up the steps on the west side is much more gradual compared to the descent on the east side to complete the full Acadia Mountain Loop. I’ll provide more details on this later.
This is some fairly impressive trail work!
As the hike gets close to the summit, the Acadia Mountain Trail levels out significantly compared to the beginning sections.
Acadia Mountain
According to the National Park Service, the summit of Acadia Mountain stands at 676 ft. (206 m), making it just shorter than Saint Sauveur Mountain straight ahead by only 3 ft. (1 m).
It is because of this panoramic viewpoint that I think Acadia Mountain is one of the best and most beautiful summits in Acadia National Park—especially if you decide to hike to the top for sunset!
That being said, be sure to come to Acadia with a good headlamp if catching the sunset from the summit is something you’re interested in, as it can be useful here and across countless adventures in the park, including sunrise on the Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail—just to name a few!
Past the summit, the Acadia Mountain Trail continues down a gradual path before it begins descending much more rapidly when the trail turns toward Somes Sound to the south.
This is where the steep descent down the east side of Acadia Mountain begins, and it’s also where the beautiful views toward Somes Sound begin to open up, which is why I strongly suggest completing the full 3.0-mile (4.8 km) loop.
These views are one of my favorite things about descending the east side of Acadia Mountain!
Some hikers may prefer to carry trekking poles for the uneven granite terrain, which can be especially useful on the steep hike back down the east side of the mountain.
Some of the steepest sections are closest to the Man O' War Trail at the bottom.
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Waterfall Junction
Once at the bottom of the descent, the Acadia Mountain Trail splits, with a short trail that leads out to Somes Sound.
I would say that the 'overlook/ waterfall' could be skipped without missing too much, which you can read more about why I say this below.
The trail down to the water is quite steep!
Man O' War Waterfall
This is where the trail leads, with the 'waterfall' located directly behind where this photo was taken.
However, I wouldn’t say it’s much of a waterfall, which is why I feel that skipping this short side trail isn’t the worst idea.
Acadia Mountain-Valley Peak-Valley Cove-Man O' War Junction
After returning to the Acadia Mountain Trail, the loop comes to this long-winded four-way intersection, with trails that both climb Saint Sauveur Mountain and parallel Valley Cove toward Flying Mountain beyond.
In any case, go right at this split to begin the Man O' War Trail and return to the beginning of the Acadia Mountain Loop.
Man O' War Trail
For the most part, the Man O' War Trail follows a fairly flat 0.9-mile (1.4 km) path back to the beginning.
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Junction
Once back at the beginning of the loop, there’s either the option to go left to return by way of the same route taken at the start or straight to hike the fastest route toward the highway.
Personally, I chose to go straight.
Overall, the Acadia Mountain Trail is easily one of the best day hikes in the park, and it’s more than practical to plan the trail for sunset, as the hike back from the summit is only 0.9 miles (1.4 km) after it has set.
Again, this is why I strongly suggest coming to Acadia with a good headlamp, as there are more than a few adventures where it can come in handy!
More Acadia Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Acadia National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Mount Desert Island
Schoodic Peninsula
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
The biggest risks that the National Park Service highlights in Acadia National Park are largely associated with falls, whether on slippery, wet granite or down one of the countless dramatic cliffs found throughout the park.
This is true both in coastal areas and on unsuspecting upper-elevation trails—not just on well-known challenging hikes, like the Precipice and Beehive Trail.
That being said, prepare for all types of conditions, as New Englanders will tell you that layers are your best friend in Maine—especially on the Atlantic Coast!
Apart from this, be aware that there are Black Bears in Acadia National Park, though the National Park Service reports that encounters are very unlikely. Even so, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea, regardless that Black Bears usually present less of a risk compared to Grizzlies. However, it’s truly up to your own discretion and comfort level.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Acadia National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
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