Chelsea MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Chelsea, Maine.
1. Jordan Pond Path
SCENIC LOOP AROUND POND
Jordan Pond Path offers hikers a relatively flat trail that circles the scenic Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. The path provides stunning views of the North and South Bubble mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the pond. Hikers can enjoy this family-friendly trail year-round, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and connect to other trails in the park.
2. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS
The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail provides outstanding views of the ocean and outlying islands from the bare and exposed southern ridge of Cadillac Mountain. This advanced 7.1-mile round trip hike is one of the longer trails to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular panoramic vistas throughout the journey to the highest point on the Atlantic coast.
3. Acadia Mountain Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT CLIMB
Acadia Mountain Trail offers hikers a moderately challenging climb with rewarding views of Somes Sound and the surrounding islands. The trail features interesting granite formations, woodland sections, and several lookout points along the way. Hikers can combine this trail with others in the area for a longer adventure through some of Acadia's less crowded western terrain.
4. Wonderland Trail
COASTAL SHORELINE EXPLORATION
Wonderland Trail is a family-friendly path that leads through spruce forests to a beautiful rocky shoreline on the quieter side of Acadia National Park. This relatively flat 1.4-mile round trip trail is perfect for all skill levels and offers excellent tide pooling opportunities during low tide. Visitors can observe diverse marine life, interesting geological formations, and enjoy spectacular ocean views along the Maine coast.
5. Old Narrow Gauge Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAILROAD PATH
The Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail covers the portion of the historic Kennebec Central Railroad roadbed within the town of Randolph. The 1.25-mile trail begins next to Goggins IGA on Water Street and meanders alongside Little Togus Stream through woodland areas. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy this easy trail that features small brook crossings and passes a small pond along the way.
6. Bubble Rock Trail
ICONIC BALANCED BOULDER
Bubble Rock Trail leads hikers to one of Acadia National Park's most famous geological features—a large boulder seemingly precariously perched on the edge of South Bubble mountain. The moderately challenging trail offers panoramic views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. Visitors enjoy both the novelty of the balanced rock and the stunning natural beauty of the landscape below.
7. Beech Mountain Trail
FIRE TOWER SUMMIT VIEWS
Beech Mountain Trail leads hikers to a historic fire tower with spectacular 360-degree views of Acadia National Park's western side. The moderately challenging loop trail winds through mixed forests before emerging onto open granite ledges near the summit. Hikers can see Long Pond, Blue Hill Bay, and on clear days, distant mountains across the region.
8. Ship Harbor Trail
COASTAL FIGURE-EIGHT LOOP
Ship Harbor Trail offers a beautiful figure-eight loop through spruce forests and along a protected harbor on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island. The well-maintained 1.3-mile trail features wooden boardwalks over sensitive areas and provides access to dramatic rocky coastline and peaceful tidal pools. Visitors can experience diverse ecosystems in a relatively short, family-friendly hike suitable for most ability levels.
9. Penobscot Mountain Loop
CHALLENGING RIDGE TRAVERSE
Penobscot Mountain Loop offers adventurous hikers a challenging traverse along exposed granite ridgelines with spectacular views in all directions. The trail features some steep sections with iron rungs and requires careful footing in several areas along the route. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Jordan Pond, the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding mountains throughout this memorable loop hike.
10. Bernard Mountain Trail
PEACEFUL WESTERN ACADIA
Bernard Mountain Trail offers a quieter hiking experience in the less-visited western side of Acadia National Park. The 2.9-mile loop trail is mostly wooded with occasional viewpoints and forest glades providing a peaceful respite from more crowded eastern trails. Hikers can enjoy moderate terrain, interesting geological features, and the chance to spot wildlife in a more serene setting.