Hiking the Mansell Mountain-Razorback Loop Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km
Mansell Mountain on Mount Desert Island is a fairly easy, beautiful day hike in Acadia National Park that is not often hiked in one straightforward fashion.
By this, I mean that there are at least six routes that ascend Mansell Mountain from all sides, and visitors typically create a loop out of at least two of these routes.
That being said, I chose the Mansell Mountain-Razorback Loop Trail as it is the shortest and most straightforward route to the top of Mansell Mountain, with the second most popular option being the Perpendicular Trail on the east side.
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!
Mansell Mountain Trailhead Parking
The Mansell Mountain Trailhead is located at Gilley Field, at the very end of Mill Field Road, about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northwest of Southwest Harbor.
This trailhead serves as the starting point for not only Mansell Mountain but also the Gilley Trail, the Cold Brook Trail, and the Razorback Trail, to name a few.
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: Mansell Mountain Trailhead (Gilley Field)
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 Mansell Mountain-Razorback Loop Trail
The Mansell Mountain Trailhead can be found on the northwest side of Gilley Field.
Mansell Mountain-Gilley Junction
Immediately after beginning the hike, the Mansell Mountain Trail splits with the Gilley Trail.
This is the difference between hiking Razorback Ridge or the Mansell Mountain Trail to the top, which is the more direct option between the two.
Personally, I chose to go left on the Gilley Trail in order to hike up Razorback Ridge, which begins about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) away from this junction.
Razorback-Gilley Junction
Almost immediately after crossing Marshall Brook, the Gilley Trail splits, marking the beginning of the Razorback Trail.
Here, go right to begin climbing up Razorback Ridge to Mansell Mountain.
After the split, the Razorback Trail starts off fairly gradually before it begins a steeper incline, about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) past the split.
These steps are the beginning of the steepest incline up the Razorback Trail.
As the trees begin to thin, the Razorback Trail levels off from the steeper sections immediately prior.
That said, a hooded sun shirt can come in handy throughout these more exposed areas, as well as on countless other similar hikes throughout Acadia National Park.
Razorback-Mansell Mountain Connector Junction
After about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from the start of the Razorback Trail, the trail splits, with the rest of the Razorback Trail that leads over to the Great Notch and the Mansell Mountain Connector, where the loop continues to the right.
This short connector descends a steep gully atop Marshal Brook before climbing back up to the true Mansell Mountain Trail on the far side.
Mansell Mountain-Razorback Connector Junction
The connector between the two trails ends after just 0.1 miles (0.2 km).
From here, go left to continue on to the summit of Mansell Mountain.
Mansell Mountain-Lookout Point Junction
Just before reaching the summit of Mansell Mountain, the trail splits, with a side trail leading to an overlook called Lookout Point.
Lookout Point
In no way is Lookout Point the best viewpoint on Mansell Mountain, but it is a quick and easy side trail to check out on the way up.
Mansell Mountain-Lookout Point Junction
Once back at the Lookout Point junction, go left to continue to the summit of Mansell Mountain.
Mansell Mountain
According to the National Park Service, the summit of Mansell Mountain stands at 935 ft. (285 m).
However, there are no views from the top, which is why continuing just 0.2 miles (0.3 km) further on the Perpendicular Trail toward the Long Pond Overlook is the most popular option, as it is easily the best viewpoint of anywhere on Mansell Mountain!
Perpendicular Trail
From the summit of Mansell Mountain, the Perpendicular Trail descends about 100 ft. (30.5 m) down a steep trail to the Long Pond Overlook shortly ahead.
Perpendicular-Long Pond Overlook Junction
Just before the overlook, the Perpendicular Trail splits, with the route leading down to Long Pond and the path over to the viewpoint.
Here, go left to reach the overlook, just a short distance ahead.
Long Pond Overlook
The Long Pond Overlook is the best and most beautiful viewpoint on Mansell Mountain!
With that in mind, this dramatic overlook faces directly east, meaning that hiking up to the Long Pond Overlook can make for one of the best, uncrowded sunrise adventures in Acadia National Park!
Remember to travel with a headlamp if catching the sunrise from this hidden viewpoint is something you’d be interested in.
Mansell Mountain-Razorback Connector Junction
After the Long Pond Overlook, I chose to return to the Mansell Mountain Trail for a more direct route down to the trailhead.
However, other than the route I chose, the second most popular option is to simply continue down the Perpendicular Trail to the Cold Brook Trail that runs along the base of Mansell Mountain.
In any case, go left at this same split shown previously if you decide to hike the Mansell Mountain Loop Trail in the same direction that I chose.
Just off the Mansell Mountain Trail is another little overlook, much like Lookout Point, closer to the summit.
Southwest Harbor Overlook
This final viewpoint on the Mansell Mountain Loop faces southeast toward Southwest Harbor off in the distance.
That said, I personally think this viewpoint is much more beautiful than Lookout Point near the top, but this is truly just one person’s opinion.
Just like the Razorback Trail on the way up, the Mansell Mountain Trail traverses a short, steep section in the middle of the ridge before it levels off near the bottom.
Some hikers may prefer to carry trekking poles for the uneven granite terrain, which can be especially useful on the steep hike back down!
This is where the Mansell Mountain Trail begins to level off near the bottom.
Mansell Mountain-Gilley Junction
Overall, deciding how and in what way to hike the Mansell Mountain Loop Trail comes down to personal preference.
As previously mentioned, there are at least six routes to the summit, including others that pass over nearby summits, so recommending one over another is truly splitting hairs when it comes to visiting this area of Acadia National Park.
However, it is because there are so many options to climb Mansell Mountain, along with Bernard Mountain, that this area is a favorite among locals and trail runners looking for some uncrowded trails in an otherwise busy National Park!
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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