Hiking the Day Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 0.8 - 2.5 miles / 1.3 - 4.0 km
The Day Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park is one of the park’s easier summits, much like the nearby Triad Trail or Flying Mountain near Southwest Harbor.
I say this because whether you decide to hike from the north or south, Day Mountain is one of the quicker day hikes, offering a number of beautiful viewpoints across Mount Desert Island throughout the trail.
On top of this, I personally see Day Mountain as a hidden gem because, unlike taller summits like Penobscot, Sargent, and Pemetic Mountain, Day Mountain’s lower elevation makes it a much better day hike for enjoying the fall colors. This cannot be said about the taller summits just mentioned, as they often climb too high and too far away from the most beautiful pockets of trees.
This is all to say that yes, there is a sweet spot for enjoying fall colors in the Northeast, and Day Mountain sits at the perfect elevation to enjoy the beautiful views and beautiful fall colors in just one adventure!
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!
Day Mountain Trailhead Parking
Parking for Day Mountain is located at one of two places, depending on whether you decide to hike from the north or the south.
First, there is the much more popular and larger parking lot at the southern trailhead off Champlain Road, or there is a smaller parking area alongside Park Loop Road at the northern trailhead. This hopefully helps explain why the distance can be so variable, which includes the Day Mountain Carriage Road in the longest 2.5-mile (4.0 km) total.
In any case, 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: North Day Mountain Trailhead / South Day 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 Day Mountain Trail
Personally, I like to begin the hike up Day Mountain at the southern trailhead because I enjoy taking the Day Mountain Trail up to the summit and the Day Mountain Carriage Road back down, as it allows for different viewpoints along each route.
Regarding my thoughts above, the article is about the Day Mountain Trail, beginning from the southern trailhead.
Day Mountain-Carriage Road Junction
After just 0.2 miles (0.3 km), the Day Mountain Trail meets the junction for the Carriage Roads that both loop around Day Mountain and climb to the summit, beginning here at this three-way split.
That being said, go straight up the Day Mountain Carriage Road that climbs the mountain, and look for the continuation of the Day Mountain Trail on the left-hand side shortly after the intersection.
This is where the Day Mountain Trail branches off to the left from the Carriage Road that climbs to the summit.
After leaving the Carriage Road, the Day Mountain Trail begins a slow, gradual climb of roughly 260 ft. (79 m) to the summit.
Day Mountain-Carriage Road Junction
This is the second Day Mountain Carriage Road junction, with just one more before the Day Mountain Trail reaches the summit.
Between the second Carriage Road crossing and the third, the views on both sides of the trail begin to open up!
This is why Day Mountain can make for a great sunrise and sunset hike when enjoyed from this area along the trail!
Day Mountain-Carriage Road Junction
This is the third and final time the Day Mountain Trail crosses the Carriage Road before the summit.
That said, go straight once more to reach the top, located about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) away.
When the Day Mountain Trail reaches the loop at the top of the Carriage Road, the summit can be found straight ahead.
Day Mountain
According to the National Park Service, the summit of Day Mountain stands at approximately 574 ft. (175 m).
However, in my opinion, the summit isn’t the best place for views on Day Mountain, as the views get significantly more beautiful on the hike down the Carriage Road—should you decide to follow the same route I recommend.
Walking Down the Carriage Road
While it’s not necessary—and certainly longer by about 0.7 miles (1.1 km)—to descend Day Mountain via the Carriage Road, I recommend walking it down because there are a handful of unique viewpoints that can’t be seen from the trail.
In summary, the Day Mountain Carriage Road back to the original split totals 1.4 miles (2.3 km), while the trail itself measures only 0.7 miles (1.1 km).
Carriage Road-North Day Mountain Junction
Almost immediately after leaving the summit, the Day Mountain Carriage Road passes by the North Day Mountain Trail, the shorter, but also steeper, of the two routes to the top.
There aren’t too many places to see the fall colors on the Day Mountain Trail itself, but the views looking out toward the lower elevations are truly second to none if you visit Acadia at the right time of the year.
To learn more about how to time the fall colors, I highly recommend checking out the fall foliage map linked below, as peak season on the coast tends to be a bit later than areas further inland.
Explore Fall: Fall Foliage Map
Day Mountain-Carriage Road Junction
This is the original junction, just 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the southern trailhead.
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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