Nothing will make you appreciate Maine life more than going for a nice, pleasant hike through nature. And since Acadia National Park offers 158 miles of hiking trails as well as some stunning coastal scenery, we highly recommend heading there for your next hike. The Great Head Trail is scenic, fairly short, and offers just the right amount of a challenge, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Plus, it’s a fun trail for the whole family.
The 1.6-mile Great Head Trail loops around the perimeter of the small peninsula known as Great Head, which you’ll find on the east side of Sand Beach.
Heather Roberts / alltrails.com You can park in the lower Sand Beach parking area located on the left of the Park Loop Road on the east side of Mount Desert Island.
Although this trail is short, it’s ranked as moderate, mainly because of a few steep climbs and scrambles.
Katie Steinman / alltrails.com Still, it’s considered a fairly easy and family-friendly trek for most.
One of the highlights of the hike is the sweeping pink granite rocky cliffs you’ll see along the way.
Tim Morgan / alltrails.com The pink in the rocks is more apparent on wet misty mornings before the granite dries out.
The climb to the top is worth it, especially once you start to take in the views that lie ahead.
Morgan Bailey / alltrails.com Just make sure to follow the blue trail lines to be sure you’re staying on the best route.
The views are, in a word, remarkable.
Ben Worsley / alltrails.com You’ll enjoy unparalleled views of The Beehive and Sand Beach, two of the park’s most iconic landmarks.
While you’re welcome to hike this trail anytime the weather allows, you’ll find that it’s best to enjoy it from May - October.
Freshta Ghiaszada Abedi / alltrails.com And while it isn’t often that you’ll catch it on a perfectly clear day, when you do, the views are even better.
Hiking the Great Head Trail is a great way to fall in love with Maine all over again.
Laura Kathleen / alltrails.com Contrary to popular belief, we don’t only live here for the seafood.
The next time you take a trip to Acadia National Park, make sure to check out this stunning trail.
Heather Roberts / alltrails.com
You can park in the lower Sand Beach parking area located on the left of the Park Loop Road on the east side of Mount Desert Island.
Katie Steinman / alltrails.com
Still, it’s considered a fairly easy and family-friendly trek for most.
Tim Morgan / alltrails.com
The pink in the rocks is more apparent on wet misty mornings before the granite dries out.
Morgan Bailey / alltrails.com
Just make sure to follow the blue trail lines to be sure you’re staying on the best route.
Ben Worsley / alltrails.com
You’ll enjoy unparalleled views of The Beehive and Sand Beach, two of the park’s most iconic landmarks.
Freshta Ghiaszada Abedi / alltrails.com
And while it isn’t often that you’ll catch it on a perfectly clear day, when you do, the views are even better.
Laura Kathleen / alltrails.com
Contrary to popular belief, we don’t only live here for the seafood.
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Address: Great Head Trail (Acadia National Park), Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
