Hiking the Wonderland Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km
Located along the rugged south shores of Mount Desert Island, the Wonderland Trail in Acadia National Park is one of the park’s easiest, kid-friendly day hikes!
However, it is because the Wonderland Trail is so easy, with nearly no elevation change, that this short coastal hike is one of Acadia National Park’s most popular adventures.
For this reason, I highly recommend hiking the Wonderland Trail either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds, which can make for a great sunrise adventure at the far end of the trail for those who are willing to wake up for it!
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!
Wonderland Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Wonderland Trail is located directly off Highway 102A, on the right-hand side when coming from Tremont.
That said, the parking area is quite small given the trail’s popularity, which is why I recommend hiking the Wonderland Trail either early or late in the day to avoid having to park farther away.
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: Wonderland 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 Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail is one of the easiest and most straightforward out-and-back hikes in Acadia National Park, as it has no true splits in the trail until the very end, near the Wonderland Loop.
Since the Wonderland Trail is such a flat hike, the fairly wide path can make for a great place to trail run—especially when paired with the Ship Harbor Trail just up the road.
If you are looking for a good, universal hiking and trail running shoe, consider my personal favorites linked below, which can be a great choice for trails across Acadia National Park.
When forest on the Wonderland Trail begins to open up, the loop at the end is only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away.
Wonderland-Ship Harbor Junction
This first split, toward the end of the Wonderland Trail, leads to the Ship Harbor Trail, about 0.6 miles (1.0 km) away along the coast.
That being said, go left to continue on the Wonderland Trail toward the loop shortly ahead.
Read My Separate Post: Ship Harbor Trail
Wonderland Loop Trail
At the very end of the Wonderland Trail, the trail splits into a 0.2-mile (0.3 km) loop around the southernmost peninsula on the hike.
Personally, I chose to go right, but I truly don’t think it makes a difference which direction you decide to go.
This is the view looking back toward the coastal hike to Ship Harbor.
Bennet Cove
This final viewpoint looks out toward Bennet Cove to the northeast.
Wonderland Loop Junction
Overall, the Wonderland Trail is, without a doubt, one of the easiest day hikes in Acadia National Park, made only more difficult for those who decide to connect the Wonderland and Ship Harbor Trails into one.
In any case, the southernmost peninsula on the Wonderland Trail is one of the best, uncrowded places to catch the sunrise in Acadia, which, not to mention, is also one of the easier day hikes in the park where this is possible!
Remember to travel to Acadia with a good headlamp for such an adventure.
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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