Hiking the Sundew Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance (One Way): 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
The Sundew Trail in Acadia National Park is a renowned day hike on the Schoodic Peninsula because of the bog that the trail and boardwalk pass through.
By this, I mean that this unique landscape is known for its carnivorous plants, including Sundews and Pitcher Plants, which can be found growing directly alongside the trail.
The best time to see these plants is during the warmer months of the year. However, the Sundew Trail is a great, easy year-round adventure, as there are numerous viewpoints to enjoy along the way, regardless of the season!
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!
Sundew Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Sundew Trail is located at one of two places at the Schoodic Institute, depending on whether you’d prefer to hike north to south or vice versa. Both trailheads are linked below.
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 Sundew Trailhead / South Sundew 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 Sundew Trail
I chose to begin at the Southern Sundew Trailhead, returning at the end on one of the many paths through the Schoodic Research Center.
Sundew-Frenchman Bay Junction
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Sundew Trail splits, leading to the first of two main viewpoints along the loop, which overlooks Frenchman Bay.
Frenchman Bay Bench
This first bench along the Sundew Trail faces west, across Frenchman Bay, toward Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain in the distance.
Sundew-Frenchman Bay Junction
Once back at the main loop, go left to continue around the Sundew Trail in the same direction I have written.
On the far western end of the Sundew Trail, there is another, less obvious bench, unlike the other two that noticeably branch off the loop on two distinct side trails.
Sundew-Pond Island Junction
After roughly 0.6 miles (1.0 km), the Sundew Trail splits once again, with the second viewpoint toward Pond Island just offshore.
Pond Island Bench
The Pond Island Bench is the third and final bench on the Sundew Trail, with the Northern Sundew Trailhead located just 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the junction shown below.
Sundew-Pond Island Junction
After returning to the previous junction, go left to continue along the Sundew Trail toward the boardwalk—the best section of the loop, for which the Sundew Trail is aptly named!
Where to See Carnivorous Plants on the Sundew Trail?
Throughout the entire 0.9-mile (1.4 km) Sundew Trail, the short section along the boardwalk is the best place to look for the various carnivorous plants along the trail.
They may not be easy to spot, but in general, carnivorous plants thrive in wet, bog-like environments. Hence, they need to supplement nutrients from other sources besides the poor soil conditions in which they are found.
Northern Sundew Trailhead
The Sundew Trail finishes at the far northern end of the Schoodic Institute.
Here, there is the option to either turn back, creating a 1.8-mile (2.9 km) round-trip hike, or to continue for about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) on the paths through the Research Center, creating the 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop mentioned throughout this article.
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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