Hiking the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 3.7 miles / 6.0 km
The Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail in Acadia National Park is the combination of both the Upper and Lower Hadlock Pond Trails to create one longer adventure out of two similar, but different day hikes.
That being said, the full 3.7-mile (6.0 km) Hadlock Ponds Loop can easily be shortened to just one loop around either pond, with Lower Hadlock Pond being the shorter of the two at just 1.6 miles (2.6 km) and the Upper Hadlock Pond at 2.1 miles (3.4 km) roundtrip.
In any case, this article focuses on the full Hadlock Loop Trail around both ponds, beginning at the joint Norumbega–Upper Hadlock Pond Trailhead at the northern end.
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!
Hadlock Ponds Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail can be found in one of three different areas.
First, there is the joint Norumbega–Upper Hadlock Trailhead at the northern end. Then, there is the Middle Hadlock Trailhead between the ponds, which serves as an access point to both loops. Finally, there is the Brown Mountain Trailhead, which serves as the parking area for both the Cedar Swamp Mountain Trail and the Hadlock Ponds Loop at the southern end.
Whichever you decided, 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: Norumbega-Upper Hadlock Trailhead / Middle Hadlock Trailhead / Brown 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 Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail
On this day, I chose to begin in the clockwise direction on the Upper Hadlock Pond Trail, beginning from the joint trailhead with Norumbega Mountain.
This is also referred to as the Hadlock Brook Trail, which begins on the far side of the highway from the parking area off State Route 3.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Parkman Mountain Junction
Almost immediately after beginning the hike, the Parkman Trail splits from the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail—one of many routes that climbs the slopes of Sargent Mountain.
That being said, I personally recommend hiking up Sargent Mountain from the Parkman Mountain Trailhead, just up the road. You can learn more about this hike, including the optional trail to Bald Peak to create a loop, in my separate post linked below.
This aside, go right to continue on the Upper Hadlock Pond Loop Trail.
Read My Separate Post: Parkman Mountain-Bald Peak Loop Trail
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Bald Peak Junction
Soon after the first junction, the Hadlock Brook Trail splits once again with the beginning of the Bald Peak Trail.
Bald Peak is the route I recommend for descending after reaching the summit of Sargent Mountain to create a 5.1-mile (8.2 km) loop from the Parkman Mountain Trailhead mentioned previously.
In any case, go right once again to continue on the Hadlock Ponds Loop.
Read My Separate Post: Parkman Mountain-Bald Peak Loop Trail
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Carriage Road Junction
Almost immediately after the Bald Peak junction, the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail meets the Carriage Road for the first of two times on the Upper Pond Trail.
With that in mind, there is the option to go right and follow the Carriage Road to the point where the loop meets the road again, but I chose to go straight across the road to continue on the trail.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Hadlock Brook Junction
This next junction is the last split on the Upper Hadlock Loop, outside the Carriage Road up ahead. It is here that the Hadlock Brook Trail splits away, and the 'official' Hadlock Ponds Trail begins.
The route to the left can serve as a back way up Cedar Swamp Mountain, or it can be used to create a loop off the summit, much like the Norumbega Loop Trail across the highway.
This is all to say, go right to continue on the Hadlock Ponds Trail, and know that the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail does not have any significant elevation changes, which is a nice way to know you’re on the right path!
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Carriage Road Junction
This is the second and last time the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail meets the Carriage Road.
Here, go straight (left) to cross over Hadlock Brook, and the loop will split away immediately after the bridge on the right-hand side.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Carriage Road Junction
This is where the Hadlock Ponds Loop splits away to the right on the far side of the bridge.
When the Hadlock Ponds Loop reaches this area along the water just below Carridge Road, the trail may appear to head uphill to the road. However, go straight on the less-obvious path along the water to continue around the Lower Pond.
The trail beyond will become more obvious after this confusing area.
The last 0.3 miles (0.5 km) along the Upper Pond follow a series of boardwalks, making this final stretch quick and easy—especially when compared to the Norumbega Mountain side of the loop.
Upper-Lower Hadlock Ponds Trailhead
When the Upper Hadlock Pond Loop reaches the southernmost part of the pond, the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail crosses over State Route 3.
This is the Middle Hadlock Trailhead mentioned above, which can serve as the best parking area to hike either of the two loops individually.
Be careful when crossing the highway, as people drive seemingly unaware that there are a number of different trail crossings along this short stretch of highway.
North Upper-Lower Hadlock Ponds Junction
After about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) from the highway crossing, the Upper Hadlock Loop Trail meets the short connector that leads to the Lower Hadlock Loop Trail.
At this split, go left to continue around both loops or right to return to the Norumbega-Upper Hadlock Loop Trailhead from the beginning.
South Upper-Lower Hadlock Ponds Junction
When the connector trail reaches the Hadlock Brook crossing, go straight (left) to stay on the east side of the Lower Pond.
The trail will return to this crossing on the way back.
As the Hadlock Ponds Trail nears the southern end of the loop, it abruptly runs into a small parcel of private property.
This is why the trail makes a hard left turn toward the highway—in order to remain on public land.
This is the private residence just off the trail.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Brown Mountain Junction
Just past the residence, go right to continue on the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail.
The trail to the left simply leads across the highway to the Brown Mountain Trailhead, which is why Brown Mountain was mentioned previously as the southernmost parking option for the Hadlock Ponds Loop.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Hadlock Pond Road Junction
The southernmost portion of the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail follows Hadlock Road around the Lower Pond, across a manmade dam, and back over to the west side of the loop—the Norumbega Mountain side of the hike.
As such, this 0.3-mile (0.5 km) section of the Hadlock Ponds Loop does not follow a trail like the rest of the hike.
Go left to stay on the public road.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Bridle Junction
At the next split, go right to keep along the water and cross the dam a short distance ahead.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Norumbega Mountain Junction
When the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail reaches the Norumbega Mountain Trail, go right to continue on the Lower Hadlock Loop and return to the trailhead.
The trail to the left is simply the gradual route up Norumbega Mountain, which you can read about in its entirety in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Norumbega Mountain Loop Trail
This western half of the Hadlock Ponds Loop, from the Lower Hadlock Pond dam to the Norumbega Trailhead, follows the same path as the full Norumbega Mountain Loop Trail.
This is why this section will mirror my separate Norumbega article, should you decide to read both.
The dam at the mouth of the Lower Pond explains signs posted around the trail, like this.
On one hike around the ponds, I happened to pass by a few locals who were fishing in the Lower Pond, but I couldn’t speak to how good the fishing is myself.
I should have asked!
South Upper-Lower Hadlock Ponds Junction
This is where the Lower Hadlock Loop Trail returns to Hadlock Brook and the short 0.1-mile (0.2 km) connector that links the Lower and Upper Loops.
That said, cross over Hadlock Brook and go left to continue north on the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail.
Go left on the far side of the bridge to continue on the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail.
North Upper-Lower Hadlock Ponds Junction
The next junction, about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) up Hadlock Brook, is where the Upper Hadlock Pond Loop begins again.
Here, go left once to continue north on the west side of the Upper Loop.
After the Upper Hadlock Pond split, there are no more turns on the Hadlock Ponds Loop before returning to the trailhead.
Hadlock Ponds Loop-Goat Junction
Finally, the Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail returns to the joint Norumbega-Upper Hadlock Pond Trailhead off State Route 3.
If you are interested in reading about the Goat Trail up Norumbega Mountain, which includes this western side of the Hadlock Ponds Loop, I encourage you to check out my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Norumbega 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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