Hiking the Lower Harbor Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance (Full Loop): 2.4 miles / 3.9 km
The Lower Harbor Trail in Acadia National Park is one of the least-hiked trails on the Schoodic Peninsula, but in my opinion, it’s arguably the better of the two coastal hikes when comparing the Lower Harbor Trail and the Sundew Trail.
That said, the Sundew Trail is known less for its views and more for the unique carnivorous plants that can be seen growing alongside the trail, while the Lower Harbor Loop is better for the areas that can be explored along the water.
In any case, the Lower Harbor Trail can either be hiked as a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) out-and-back trail from the southern to the northern trailhead or by utilizing the bike paths along the eastern side of Schoodic Loop Road, creating the 2.4-mile (3.9 km) Lower Harbor Loop Trail, as it is often referred to.
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!
Lower Harbor Trailhead Parking
While there is more than one trailhead on the Lower Harbor Trail because the loop crosses Schoodic Loop Road, parking is not allowed on the park road. This means that the only parking available for the Lower Harbor Trail is located at the Schoodic Woods Ranger Station.
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: Lower Harbor 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 Lower Harbor Trail
From the Schoodic Woods Ranger Station parking lot, walk toward Schoodic Loop Road to find where the Lower Harbor Trail begins on the west side.
Schoodic Loop Road
Go right at the intersection with Schoodic Loop Road, and the trailhead will be found on the left-hand side shortly ahead.
Lower Harbor Trailhead
After 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Lower Harbor Trail officially begins.
Initially, the Lower Harbor Trail descends to the water, where it parallels a small inlet of Winter Harbor for the majority of the hike.
Once the Lower Harbor Trail reaches the water, the views become much more frequent for the rest of the hike until the trail crosses back over Schoodic Loop Road.
These are some of the views looking toward Sargents Island and the Mount Desert Narrows.
In my experience, the Lower Harbor Trail can be muddier than other trails in Acadia National Park after it has recently rained, which is why I want to encourage wearing good shoes for this coastal adventure, like my preferred trail runners linked below.
This is one of the last viewpoints at low tide, near the northern end of the inlet.
When the Lower Harbor Trail turns away from the small inlet of Winter Harbor, the loop begins to head back toward Schoodic Loop Road.
That said, some park visitors opt to turn back here to return by way of the coastal hike. However, if you prefer to return on the fastest route to the Schoodic Woods Ranger Station, continue forward, as the bike paths that complete the loop are much faster to walk than returning on the Lower Harbor Trail.
Schoodic Loop Road
Upon reaching Schoodic Loop Road, go right, then look for the Lower Harbor Trail on the left-hand side across the road.
On a different note, this is the northern trailhead referenced previously, where I mentioned that parking is not allowed, which may result in a fine if you choose to leave your car here.
Once on the east side of the Lower Harbor Loop, it’s only a 0.1-mile (0.2 km) hike to reach the first of two bike paths that the trail crosses.
Lower Harbor-Frazer Creek Bike Path Junction
The Frazer Creek Bike Path is the first of two different bike paths that the Lower Harbor Trail crosses, and it’s also the fastest route back to the beginning—should you decide to leave the loop here.
By this, I mean that the true Lower Harbor Trail continues for another 0.25 miles (0.4 km) to the Birch Harbor Mountain Bike Path, as shown below. However, if you are interested in cutting out about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the overall hike, go right to begin walking the bike path.
I chose to go left to continue on the rest of the Lower Harbor Trail.
Lower Harbor-Birch Harbor Mountain Bike Path Junction
After roughly 1.6 miles (2.6 km) from the Schoodic Woods Ranger Station, the Lower Harbor Trail ends at the Birch Harbor Mountain Bike Path.
That being said, go right here to return to the beginning of the loop.
Birch Harbor Mt. Bike Path-Frazer Creek Bike Path Junction
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) on the Birch Harbor Bike Path, the path ends at the same Frazer Creek Bike Path that the Lower Harbor Trail previously crossed.
Here, go left to return to the beginning, about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away.
Frazer Creek Bike Path-Lower Harbor Trailhead Junction
When the Lower Harbor Loop returns back to the beginning, the bike path and the road are connected by this short trail on the right-hand side.
Be aware that this split can be easy to miss, which is why I recommend referencing a map when you’re close to the end.
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
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
