Acadia Mountain Trail

The St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop is a challenging hike that summits two mountain peaks. It offers stunning views of Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains, as well as outlying islands and the ocean. Choose dry weather to complete this hike, as many sections are rugged, exposed granite slopes near cliff edges.

Distance: 3.7 miles round trip

Terrain: Steep granite slopes and ridgelines, forested trails

Hike Description

This trail rises quickly on open granite and meets the junction of the St. Sauveur Trail and the Acadia Mountain Trail.

The hike can be taken for a loop in either direction. Both directions have steep ascents and descents on the East faces.

Turn right on the St. Sauveur Trail toward St. Sauveur Mountain.

The trail ascends gradually through the forest with an occasional view of Echo Lake to the north. There is no view from the summit.

Past the summit, a shorter connector trail to the left leads to the Valley Peak Trail and views of Somes Sound.

Turn left on the trail and continue to a steep and rugged descent through the forest.

Note: If you go straight past the summit on the St. Sauveur trail, you will reach summit of Valley Peak. A return to the loop via the Valley Peak Trail adds 0.7 miles.

After descending the mountain, continue straight at the next intersection towards the Acadia Mountain Trail.

To shorten the loop, take a left on the Man o' War Brook fire road. It will lead back to the Acadia Mountain Trail. Another left then leads back to the beginning of the hike.

The trail then rises as a steep climb over stretches of loose rock and ledges as it ascends the eastern side of Acadia Mountain. Acadia Mountain actually has two peaks.

After the second peak, the trail begins to descend through the forest with an occasional view of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail brings you back to the intersection of St. Sauveur Tail and Acadia Mountain Trail completing the loop.

Nestled in between Echo Lake and Somes Sound lies Acadia Mountain. Standing just 681 ft tall it offers amazing views of the surrounding waters and mountains. Located on the West or “Quiet Side” of the park, it offers a quieter hike through the forest and over granite slabs. Listen for numerous birds chirping along the trail. To do the loop continue on the Man O War Fire Brook Road.

This trail is steep on both sides and steeper on the West Side next to Somes Sound, with more granite and rocky sections. Taking the Fire Road all the way over to the West side of the mountain, and then going up to the summit, is the easier way. A false summit provides a great view of the mountains and sound. Just 0.3 miles further on is the actual summit; it is marked with a trail marker. Taking the east side down is easier with some rocky spots and stone steps. Please be mindful of where you are stepping as all trails in this park have roots and rocks that you can slip or trip on.

Acadia Mountain rises in between two bodies of water overlooking Southwest Harbor. Hiking up the west side has great views of Somes Sound. The east side has great views of Beech Mountain with the Fire Tower in the distance. Enjoy a mostly forested trail with a few rock scrambles.

Acadia Mountain Trail follows up the east and west side of the mountain with views of the surrounding mountains and bodies of water. With the Island Explorer bus, visitors won't need to park along the road and can ride to the trailhead stress-free.

Bus: Island Explorer #7 (Southwest Harbor) from Bar Harbor at Village Green and get off at the parking lot for Acadia Mountain. safely cross the road. Ask the driver if you feel more comfortable. The trailhead is on the other side. Once you finish the hike the bus will pick up back at the trailhead.