Hiking the Anvil-Schoodic Head-Alder Loop Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
The Anvil, Schoodic Head, and Alder Trails are three separate trails on the Schoodic Peninsula that, when combined, make for one of the best day hikes when visiting the Winter Harbor area of Acadia National Park.
I say this because all three trails, on their own, could be hiked out and back. However, once at the summit of Schoodic Head—whether by way of the Anvil Trail or Schoodic Head Trail—I find it best to return on a different route, in order to see something new on the hike back.
On top of this, the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park is, by and large, less dramatic in terms of topography compared to Mount Desert Island. However, the Anvil Trail and Schoodic Head Trail offer some of the best views of any hike in Acadia near Winter Harbor, which is why I recommend combining all three trails to enjoy the best of this lesser-known district of the park.
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!
Anvil-Schoodic Head-Alder Loop Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Anvil-Schoodic Head-Alder Loop Trail depends entirely on whether you’d prefer to start at the bottom of Schoodic Head or the top.
There is parking for all three trails, including an alternative parking area for the Alder-Schoodic Head Trailhead off Ranger Cabin 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: Anvil Trailhead / Schoodic Head Trailhead / Alder 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 Anvil-Schoodic Head-Alder Loop Trail
I chose to begin on the 1.0-mile (1.6 km) Anvil Trail off Schoodic Loop Road.
Not long after beginning the hike, the Anvil Trail starts climbing a steep granite path, gaining roughly 375 ft. (114 m) from the road to the trail’s end near the summit.
These steep sections of the Anvil Trail don’t last long, but there are a few on both the way up and down the Schoodic Head Trail to navigate.
Anvil-Overlook Junction
After just 0.3 miles (0.5 km), the Anvil Trail reaches the summit of The Anvil, the first named hill on the trail, measuring just 190 ft. (58 m), according to the National Park Service.
Here, there’s the option to go left toward the Anvil Overlook, or right to continue up to Schoodic Head.
Anvil Overlook
The Anvil Overlook faces out toward Schoodic Head, with Cadillac Mountain located off in the distance across Frenchman Bay.
After the Anvil Overlook, there’s only another 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the end of the trail near the viewpoint at the summit.
Some hikers may prefer to carry trekking poles for the uneven granite terrain, which can be especially useful on the hike back down.
Anvil-Schoodic Head Junction
Just before the summit of Schoodic Head, the Anvil Trail comes to an end.
Here, the full loop continues to the left, but I recommend going right for another 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to reach the best viewpoint just past the summit.
Schoodic Head-Trailhead Access Junction
This is where the upper Schoodic Head Trailhead, at the end of Mountain Road, meets the Schoodic Head Trail.
That being said, go right to continue toward the Schoodic Head Summit and Overlook beyond.
Schoodic Head-East Junction
Next, the East Trail, which begins just north of the Anvil Trailhead, meets the Schoodic Head Trail.
At this split, go left, and the summit will be found almost immediately after.
Schoodic Head
This is the summit of Schoodic Head, the tallest point on the Schoodic Peninsula, which measures just 440 ft. (134 m), according to the National Park Service.
However, the summit truly has no views, but just to the north, the views toward Birch Harbor begin to open up!
Schoodic Head Overlook
In my opinion, the Schoodic Head Overlook offers some of the best views on the entire Anvil-Schoodic Head-Alder Loop, which is exactly why I recommend leaving the loop for this short hike out to the viewpoint.
Schoodic Head Trail
Once back on the Schoodic Head Trail, the descent begins and remains nearly constant for about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the Ranger Cabin Road, where the Alder Trail begins.
Again, trekking poles can really come in handy for those who prefer them, as the Schoodic Head Trail is shorter and steeper than the Anvil Trail taken to the summit.
This small drainage is one of a few steeper areas on the way down the Schoodic Head Trail.
Mycology certainly isn’t my specialty, but it’s fun seeing all the mushrooms throughout Acadia National Park!
Schoodic Head-Ranger Cabin Road Junction
The Schoodic Head Trail ends at Ranger Cabin Road, with the Alder Trail beginning just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) away to the left.
This split is where the Alder Trail begins, and the Ranger Cabin Road continues to the cabin.
That said, this is also the lesser-known parking area mentioned previously, which can be utilized to begin either the Alder Trail or Schoodic Head Trail.
Alder Trail
The Alder Trail is the easiest of the three trails in the loop, as the entirety of this final 0.7-mile (1.1 km) section to Schoodic Loop Road is flat.
This will likely be the fastest-moving part of the loop.
Alder Trailhead
At the end/ beginning of the Alder Trail, go left up Schoodic Loop Road to return to the Anvil Trailhead, just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) up the road.
Overall, the full Anvil-Schoodic Head-Alder Loop Trail is a fairly mild and straightforward day hike that I personally think makes for one of the best ways to see the Schoodic Peninsula, along with the Sundew Trail.
That being said, this entire district near Winter Harbor is a great way to spend the day in Acadia National Park, as the Schoodic Peninsula is much quieter in comparison to how busy some of the areas on Mount Desert Island can get, like Jordan Pond or the Beehive Trail.
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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