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Hike the Great Head Trail in Acadia NP

Bar Harbor, Maine

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

1.9 miles

Elevation Gain

275 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Chris Mongeau

The Great Head Trail is a perfect early morning or late afternoon hike with beautiful views of Sand Beach and the Beehive. 

To begin the Great Head Trail hike, you'll want to park at the parking lot for Sand Beach located on the Park Loop Road. From the parking lot, you will cross the beach entirely, which is a nice morning walk in itself, especially on the foggy days Acadia is famous for.

When you reach the end of the beach, the Beehive (small mountain beyond the tidal pools) will be to your left. There is a sign and some rock stairs that lead up the cliffs directly in front of you at the end of the beach. This is where the Great Head Trail begins. 

The beginning of this trail is the most difficult part as you climb the cliffside, but it will soon level out once you're on top of the headland and it becomes more of a walking trail.

Eventually you will come to the end of the point and see a sign to the right leading to the end of the Great Head. If you take this turn to the right, you'll come to some rocky shore/cliffs that you can walk out on to for a really unique view of Mt. Desert Island, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and the Beehive. Be careful on the cliffs and watch out for waves (they can sneak in and crash quickly here).

As you continue on the trail heading back towards the mainland, you will walk through a beautiful section of birch trees and eventually come to a split in the path. Stay to the left following the markers to return to Sand Beach. If you go towards the right, you will end up on Schooner Head Road (probably not where you want to be) unless you don't want to return to the lot at Sand Beach. 

One of the best things about this trail is it's not very popular and even in the summer/busy months you may find yourself entirely alone the whole time while hiking. 

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

Hike the Great Head Trail in Acadia NP Reviews

Great loop directly next to Sand Beach, cool cliff views and photo opportunities of Sand Beach along a moderate hike in which you can get away from the crowds on the beach.

A beautiful hike with incredible views of the area!

Great trail without the crowds. When I hiked this trail in August, we had the cliffs to ourselves.

This is a great hike right near the beehive and beach. It's short and not too strenuous but the payoff scenery wise is great. Definitely would do again

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail

Relax at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

Hike to The Bowl in Acadia NP

Hike the Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park

Thunder Hole

Gorham Mountain Trail