Hiking the Anemone Cave Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Anemone Cave Trail in Acadia National Park is an easy, kid-friendly day hike that follows a paved downhill path to Anemone Cave and the Schooner Head Overlook beyond.
That being said, the easy trail down to the coast is not a good reflection of the challenging rocky scramble from the end of the paved path to enter Anemone Cave, as it requires good weather—specifically, low tide and calm ocean conditions—to make it possible.
Considering this, the Anemone Cave Trail to the Schooner Head Overlook is still a beautiful adventure in Acadia that I recommend exploring. However, arriving with realistic expectations about entering the cave is paramount. Not everyone, regardless of ability, should attempt such a dangerous scramble. There’s simply no nice way to say it.
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!
Anemone Cave Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Anemone Cave Trail is the same as the Schooner Head Overlook, located just before the Acadia National Park entrance station on Park Loop Road.
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: Anemone Cave 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 Anemone Cave Trail
The Anemone Cave Trail descends about 70 ft. (21 m) down three switchbacks from the trailhead to the coastline above the cave itself.
At the end of the trail, the pavement ends where the rocky coastline begins.
Here, visitors typically walk north toward the Schooner Head Overlook, but look out for the fenced-off Anemone Cave skylight when heading in that direction, as it serves as a good indicator of where to find the mouth of the cave.
This fenced-off area is the very top of the Anemone Cave, with the best route down located just to the south of this skylight.
Schooner Head Overlook
The Schooner Head Overlook is this north-facing viewpoint toward the Schooner Head Peninsula, which is not a part of Acadia National Park.
Perhaps one day the park might acquire this land, but as of today, Schooner Head is home to numerous private luxury residences.
Anemone Cave Access
To get down to Anemone Cave, look for this trail before the skylight shown above.
Warning
The final descent into the Anemone Cave should not be attempted by all people or in all conditions.
The tide needs to be low, the ocean needs to be calm, and even if this is the case, this descent can be very dangerous if the rocks are wet or conditions change.
Yes, visitors have drowned at Anemone Cave in the past, which is why it is of the utmost importance to only consider entering Anemone Cave during low tide.
Tide Forecast: Bar Harbor Tide Chart
Turning the corner into the mouth of the cave is always what proves to be the trickiest part.
Anemone Cave
Anemone Cave is aptly named after the native Anemones that call this sea cave home.
However, due to frequent visitation, they are not as abundant as they have been in the past, which is why I want to encourage all to treat this fragile ecosystem with respect.
Please watch where you step!
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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