Bernard Mountain Trail
Hike Western Mountain Loop 3.8 mi loop · the Park Service's write-up
2-3 Hours · dogs allowed
Start Long Pond, Western Mountain
The Western Mountain Loop travels through forest and up summits over a series of trails on the west side of Mount Desert Island. Although there are not many views, it is a challenging hike with hundreds of cut stone steps on the historic Perpendicular Trail and other steep sections along the way. Western Mountain collectively refers to Mansell Mountain and Bernard Mountain.
Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
Terrain: Forested paths, granite staircase, rocky trails, and rooted paths
Hike Description
Begin from the parking area/boat launch located at the end of the Long Pond Road in Southwest Harbor.
The hike starts on the Long Pond Trail, located at the west end of the parking area, behind a building.
Walk 0.2 miles before reaching the second trail junction, where you will turn left onto of the Perpendicular Trail.
A few iron rungs, a small ladder, and over 300 cut granite steps allow hikers to ascend the steep slope of Mansell Mountain. There are a few views of Long Pond between the trees.
Just before the trail turns away from the face, there is a short spur trail to an overlook of Beech Mountain, Long Pond and the outlying islands.
The trail levels off in the woods before reaching the summit of Mansell Mountain. There are no views from the summit.
Continue past the summit on the Mansell Mountain Trail. At the next junction, turn right (north) on the Razorback Trail.
Bear right at the next intersection to remain on the Razorback Trail to Great Notch.
At the intersection with the Great Notch Trail, continue straight onto Bernard Mountain Trail. Follow this for 0.4 miles, steeply climbing up the side of the mountain over cliffs and tree roots.
Pass the summit of Knight Nubble.
At the junction with the Sluiceway Trail (Little Notch), continue straight and additional 0.2 miles to reach the summit of Bernard Mountain. Although rising to 1,071 ft, the summit is mostly wooded with minimal views. Return back down to the trail junction.
Turn right and descend on the Sluiceway Trail for 0.5 miles.
At the junction with the Gilley Trail, turn left.
Shortly afterward, at the intersection with the Great Notch Trail, turn right and continue the descent. Stay right at the intersections with the Razorback and Mansell Mountain Trails and you will eventually come to the trailhead at Gilley Field parking.
Cross the parking area to continue straight on Cold Brook Trail back to the parking lot at the south end of Long Pond.
Accessibility The Western Mountain Loop is not accessible. The trails have uneven footing, hundreds of granite stairs, iron rungs, a ladder, and many steep sections. There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.