Maine is full of outdoor fun and adventure, but narrowing down how to spend time enjoying it all can be difficult. With forests, coast, and plenty of parks (including Acadia National Park!) to enjoy you could easily spend an entire weekend just making a bucket list! That’s why we’re always on the lookout for great ways to enjoy our time outside. It might be impossible to choose the best hike in Acadia National Park, but this one is certainly at the top of our list.
The 1.8-mile Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park was recently named one of the best in the state by Travel + Leisure.
Amanda Smith / alltrails.com
There are certainly lots of reasons for the title, but we believe one of the highlights of exploring this trail is the views.
Kieran Donnelly / alltrails.com
Throughout almost all of the 1.8-mile loop, you’ll be treated to water views that are quintessentially Maine.
gail User / alltrails.com
While relatively short as Acadia hikes go, this one is considered more of a moderate challenge than others.
gail User / alltrails.com
While much of the route is easy to manage, there are some areas where climbing over rocks is required. There’s nothing technical in the way, just a few areas in which sure footing is definitely an advantage.
Lucia Ann / alltrails.com
But aside from those areas, much of this route is easy to navigate.
Lucia Ann / alltrails.com
Once you get to the top the water views you’ve had along the way will open up to some of the best in the park.
Alex Fullerton / alltrails.com
This is a great hike for those who want to take in views that you can only find in Maine. And, don’t shy away from this one outside of the summer. As with many of the outdoor experiences here, the winter might be one of the best times to explore one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park!
Hercules Tsirovakas / alltrails.com
The Great Head Trail is open year-round, but it’s really best from May through October. We’ve featured the full version here, but there’s also a slightly shorter trail you can take that’s just 1.6 miles. You can learn more about the shorter trail here. You can check out details on the full loop by visiting its dedicated page on alltrails.com. Dogs can come along on both trails, but be sure to keep them on a leash.
Amanda Smith / alltrails.com
Kieran Donnelly / alltrails.com
gail User / alltrails.com
Lucia Ann / alltrails.com
Alex Fullerton / alltrails.com
Hercules Tsirovakas / alltrails.com
While you’re enjoying the area, consider making an entire day of visiting the park. Here are the 8 things you do during a one-day trip to Maine’s Acadia National Park.
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Address: Great Head Trail (Acadia National Park), Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
