Acadia Mountain Trail

Acadia Mountain is one of the best hikes on the western side of Mount Desert Island, offering terrific views of Somes Sound. The trail starts directly across Route 102 from the Echo Lake Ledges parking area. From the trailhead follow the trail a short distance through the woods. Turn left at the T-junction, continue through the woods, and cross a dirt access road. Soon you'll scramble up a steep, rocky rise that marks the ascent towards the summit. Open views will soon start to appear, and they get better the further you hike. Continue past the summit and follow the trail as it drops nearly 600 feet in half a mile. From the base of the mountain, you can follow Man O' War Brook Road (a dirt access road) back towards the trailhead. When you're finished with your hike, consider cooling off with a refreshing swim at Echo Lake Ledges. Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Acadia, check out his Guide to Acadia National Park.