Hiking the Gorham Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 1.8 - 3.0 miles / 2.9 - 4.8 km
The Gorham Mountain Trail, also called the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, is a favorite among both locals and visitors alike, as the panoramic views atop Gorham Mountain make for one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Acadia National Park!
On top of this, Gorham Mountain, along with the Beehive Loop Trail, are two amazing day hikes that can be combined into one longer adventure utilizing the Ocean Path along Park Loop Road. This explains why the distance on Gorham Mountain varies, depending on which route you choose to hike.
That being said, hiking out and back from the southern trailhead to the summit is only 1.8 miles (2.9 km). The full loop down to the Beehive Trailhead (Bowl Trail) and Ocean Path is 3.0 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip, or the Gorham Mountain Trail combined with the Beehive Trail and Ocean Path creates a 3.1-mile (5.0 km) loop in total.
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!
Gorham Mountain Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Gorham Mountain Trail is located in a small parking lot off Park Loop Road, just down the road from Sand Beach and the Beehive Trail.
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: Gorham 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 Gorham Mountain Trail
The Gorham Mountain Trail climbs a relatively gradual granite slope, gaining about 440 ft. (134 m) from the trailhead to the summit.
Gorham Mountain-Otter Cove Junction
At less than 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Gorham Mountain Trail splits, with the Otter Cove Trail that heads west toward Otter Cove and beyond to the Blackwoods Campground.
That said, go right to continue up Gorham Mountain.
Waldron Bates Memorial Plaque
This plaque is here to commemorate Waldron Bates, an avid outdoorsman who is best known around Mt. Desert Island as a pathmaker, as he planned and built trails that are still used across Acadia to this day!
This is also where the name "Bates Cairns" comes from—these are the rock cairns found across Acadia trails, many of which are scattered throughout the Gorham Mountain Trail.
Lower Gorham Mountain-Cadillac Cliffs Junction
Immediately after the Waldron Bates plaque, the Gorham Mountain Trail splits with the Cadillac Cliffs Trail.
When considering which route to take, know that both the Gorham Mountain and Cadillac Cliffs Trails continue toward the summit, but choosing either truly depends on the kind of adventure you’re interested in having.
By this, I mean that the 0.3-mile (0.5 km) Cadillac Cliffs Trail is undoubtedly the more challenging of the two, as it navigates over numerous rock scrambles with iron rungs and ladders along the way.
However, if you’re more interested in continuing up the easier, gradual route to the top, go left to stay on the Gorham Mountain Trail.
I chose to go left to continue up the Gorham Mountain Trail.
As a reminder for the constant, uneven granite terrain found throughout Acadia National Park, some hikers may prefer to carry trekking poles, which can be especially useful on the hike down Gorham Mountain.
Upper Gorham Mountain-Cadillac Cliffs Junction
After about 0.3 miles (0.5 km), the Cadillac Cliffs Trail meets back up with the Gorham Mountain Trail, where the two continue up the same path to the top.
That being said, go left to stay on the Gorham Mountain Trail toward the summit, located about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away from the end of the Cadillac Cliffs.
After just 0.6 miles (1.0 km) from the southern trailhead, the east-facing views on Gorham Mountain really start to open up!
This is why Gorham Mountain can be one of the best sunrise hikes in Acadia National Park, as the views to the east from the summit are not as good as the stunning views along this short stretch prior to!
This is all to say: don’t forget to pack a headlamp if you plan to hike Gorham Mountain for sunrise!
These are the views looking northeast toward Sand Beach and Great Head beyond.
After these initial views, the Gorham Mountain Trail turns away from the east-facing cliffs toward the summit, located about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away.
Gorham Mountain
According to the National Park Service, Gorham Mountain stands at just 518 ft. (158 m), which is another reason this shorter summit can make for one of the best and easiest sunrise hikes in Acadia National Park!
Some notable places that can be seen from the top include Cadillac Mountain, Day Mountain, the Beehive, and Champlain Mountain, among many others!
North Gorham Mountain Trail
Past the summit, I chose to continue further and hike the full 3.0-mile (4.8 km) Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, which is also the direction to link up with the Beehive Trail up ahead.
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), go right at this unsuspecting split in the North Gorham Mountain Trail, even though it may seem more obvious to stay left.
Go right at this cliff face to continue down the Gorham Mountain Trail.
When the Gorham Mountain Trail re-enters the forest, it’s a nice sign that there are only about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) left before the end of this trail and the beginning of the Beehive Loop, also called the Bowl Trail.
Gorham Mountain-Bowl Connector Junction
Toward the bottom of Gorham Mountain, the trail splits, with a shorter trail to the right that cuts out about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) from the true Gorham Mountain Trail to the left.
That being said, I chose to go left, but it’s truly a matter of personal preference, as both routes lead to the Beehive Loop Trail down below.
Upper Gorham Mountain-Bowl Junction
The North Gorham Mountain Trail ends at the Bowl Trail, more often referred to as the Beehive Loop Trail.
This is why the two days hikes can easily be combined, but if so, I personally recommend beginning on the Beehive Trail, followed by the North Gorham Mountain Trail.
This is just one person’s opinion, but I say this because the Beehive Trail is the most popular day hike in Acadia National Park, which is why I prefer to hike the loop as early as possible.
In any case, go right to begin the Beehive Loop, down to the Beehive Trailhead, which you can read about in its entirety in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Beehive Trail
Ocean Path
Once off the Beehive Trail, go right after crossing Park Loop Road to begin the 1.1-mile (1.8 km) walk on the Ocean Path back to the Gorham Mountain Trailhead.
Ocean Path-Gorham Mountain Junction
This is where the Ocean Path returns to the beginning, completing the full 3.0-mile (4.8 km) Gorham Mountain Loop 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!
Disclaimer
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