Etna MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Etna, Maine.
1. Pleasant Lake Preserve
SCENIC FOREST TRAILS
Pleasant Lake Preserve offers tranquil hiking through mixed hardwood and conifer forests, featuring the Cape Trail as its main corridor. Visitors can enjoy a relatively easy walk with scenic views and several picnic tables along the way, including a loop trail near the north shore boat landing. The preserve entrance is conveniently located off ME-143, just north of Etna, making it easily accessible for those in the region.
2. Cadillac North Ridge Trail
ICONIC SUMMIT HIKE
The Cadillac North Ridge Trail is a popular route that ascends Cadillac Mountain, offering sweeping panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands. This advanced 4.2-mile round-trip hike features rocky terrain and breathtaking vistas, particularly at sunrise. Riders are rewarded with a bird's-eye view of Bar Harbor village from the summit.
3. Cadillac South Ridge Trail
SPECTACULAR COASTAL VIEWS
Cadillac South Ridge Trail provides hikers with outstanding ocean and island views from the open, exposed southern ridge of Cadillac Mountain. This challenging 7.1-mile round-trip hike is favored for its dramatic scenery and less crowded pathways. The trail is well-marked and ends at the highest point in Acadia National Park.
4. Cadillac Summit Loop
EASY MOUNTAINTOP WALK
The Cadillac Summit Loop is a half-mile accessible trail circling the summit of Cadillac Mountain, providing easy access to some of the most spectacular views in Maine. This loop is ideal for families and visitors of all abilities who have driven to the summit. Sweeping panoramas of the Atlantic coastline and inland forests are the highlight of this short walk.
5. Beehive Trail
DRAMATIC CLIFFSIDE ADVENTURE
Beehive Trail is a famous Acadia hike known for its iron rungs, steep ascents, and dramatic cliffside views over Sand Beach and the Atlantic. The loop is just over a mile but offers an exhilarating and challenging climb for adventurous hikers. The panoramic views from the summit make the effort worthwhile.
6. Ocean Path
PICTURESQUE COASTAL WALK
Ocean Path runs along Acadia National Park's rugged seaside, stretching from Sand Beach to Otter Point for approximately 4 miles round-trip. The mostly level trail features stunning ocean vistas, rocky headlands, and easy access to popular spots like Thunder Hole. It's a family-friendly choice, perfect for walkers of all skill levels.
7. Bubbles Trail
TWIN PEAKS ASCENT
The Bubbles Trail is celebrated for its relatively short yet steep climbs to North and South Bubble, both offering breathtaking views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. Noteworthy for the dramatic Bubble Rock perched atop South Bubble, this trail is a favorite among families and casual hikers. The trek delivers some of Acadia's most iconic photo opportunities.
8. Precipice Trail
THRILLING ALPINE ROUTE
Precipice Trail is one of Acadia's most thrilling hikes, featuring exposed cliffs, iron rungs, and ladders to help hikers ascend Champlain Mountain. Though less than a mile to the summit, the route is strenuous and not recommended for those with a fear of heights. The adventure is rewarded with panoramic views from the summit.
9. Gorge Path
MOUNTAIN GORGE TREK
Gorge Path is a rugged trail that traverses the dramatic gorge between Cadillac and Dorr Mountains in Acadia National Park. The route features rocky climbs, cooling streams, and stunning forested scenery throughout. Hikers encounter beautiful vistas and unique geological formations along this popular trail.
10. Bernard Mountain Trail
WOODED MOUNTAIN LOOP
Bernard Mountain Trail offers a quieter hiking experience through dense woodlands and forest glades in Acadia National Park's western region. The moderate 2.9-mile loop presents occasional views of Mount Desert Island's southern coast. With less traffic than Acadia's eastern trails, this hike is ideal for solitude and scenic beauty.