Hiking the Acadia Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 1.8 - 3.0 miles / 2.9 - 4.8 km
The Acadia Mountain Trail, also called the Acadia Mountain Loop Trail because of the loop that can be created with the Man O' War Trail, is arguably the best and most beautiful summit in Acadia National Park!
I say this because the summit of Acadia Mountain stands alone as one of the most beautiful, panoramic viewpoints of anywhere in Acadia, and the views only continue for much of the hike back down—should you decide to hike the full Acadia Mountain–Man O' War Loop.
This is why the distance above is so variable, as the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) distance refers to an out-and-back hike up the Acadia Mountain Trail, while the 3.0-mile (4.8 km) distance reflects the entire loop.
Acadia Mountain Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Acadia Mountain Trail is located directly off Highway 102, about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) north of Southwest Harbor.
Remember to purchase your National Park pass in advance and display your pass or entrance receipt here and at every trailhead in Acadia National Park, whether you went through an official entrance station or not. Yes, law enforcement officers check parked cars throughout Acadia, and I have seen tickets handed out to vehicles not following the rules of a U.S. fee area.
On a different note, be aware that Acadia National Park is one of the busiest parks in the country, and finding a place to park, even at less-known trailheads, can be incredibly challenging during the busiest times of the year.
Google Maps Directions: Acadia Mountain Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Acadia
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Acadia National Park.
Hiking the Acadia Mountain Trail
From the parking area on the west side of the highway, the Acadia Mountain Trail begins directly across.
That being said, look out for cars and cross quickly to get to and from the trailhead, as cars along this stretch tend to drive much faster than the posted speed limit—seemingly unaware of the numerous trailheads along this stretch.
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Junction
Once across the highway, the trail splits almost immediately.
Here, there’s either the option to go left to begin the Man O' War Trail toward the Acadia Mountain Trail or straight toward the Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail before turning toward Acadia Mountain.
I chose to go straight, but it truly makes no difference in terms of difficulty to reach the start of the loop, about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) away.
Acadia Mountain-Saint Sauveur Mountain Junction
This is where the Acadia Mountain Trail reaches the Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail.
However, if you are interested in hiking Saint Sauveur Mountain, my personal recommendation is to begin just down the road from the Ledge Trail because I think it’s a much more fun route to the top compared to the gradual Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail here.
In any case, go left to continue on the Acadia Mountain Trail toward the beginning of the Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Loop.
Read My Separate Post: Saint Sauveur Mountain Trail
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Junction
After just 0.25 miles (0.4 km), the Acadia Mountain Trail reaches the start of the loop.
While it doesn’t matter which direction you decide to go to reach the summit, my personal recommendation is to go straight, as the views on the hike down from the east side are better enjoyed when hiking the loop clockwise.
Regarding my thoughts above, I chose to go straight in the clockwise direction.
At roughly 0.1 miles (0.2 km) from the Man O' War Junction, the Acadia Mountain Trail begins climbing steeply up the west side of the peak.
However, I think it’s important to note that this ascent up the steps on the west side is much more gradual compared to the descent on the east side to complete the full Acadia Mountain Loop. I’ll provide more details on this later.
This is some fairly impressive trail work!
As the hike gets close to the summit, the Acadia Mountain Trail levels out significantly compared to the beginning sections.
Acadia Mountain
According to the National Park Service, the summit of Acadia Mountain stands at 676 ft. (206 m), making it just shorter than Saint Sauveur Mountain straight ahead by only 3 ft. (1 m).
It is because of this panoramic viewpoint that I think Acadia Mountain is one of the best and most beautiful summits in Acadia National Park—especially if you decide to hike to the top for sunset!
That being said, be sure to come to Acadia with a good headlamp if catching the sunset from the summit is something you’re interested in, as it can be useful here and across countless adventures in the park, including sunrise on the Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail—just to name a few!
Past the summit, the Acadia Mountain Trail continues down a gradual path before it begins descending much more rapidly when the trail turns toward Somes Sound to the south.
This is where the steep descent down the east side of Acadia Mountain begins, and it’s also where the beautiful views toward Somes Sound begin to open up, which is why I strongly suggest completing the full 3.0-mile (4.8 km) loop.
These views are one of my favorite things about descending the east side of Acadia Mountain!
Some hikers may prefer to carry trekking poles for the uneven granite terrain, which can be especially useful on the steep hike back down the east side of the mountain.
Some of the steepest sections are closest to the Man O' War Trail at the bottom.
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Waterfall Junction
Once at the bottom of the descent, the Acadia Mountain Trail splits, with a short trail that leads out to Somes Sound.
I would say that the 'overlook/ waterfall' could be skipped without missing too much, which you can read more about why I say this below.
The trail down to the water is quite steep!
Man O' War Waterfall
This is where the trail leads, with the 'waterfall' located directly behind where this photo was taken.
However, I wouldn’t say it’s much of a waterfall, which is why I feel that skipping this short side trail isn’t the worst idea.
Acadia Mountain-Valley Peak-Valley Cove-Man O' War Junction
After returning to the Acadia Mountain Trail, the loop comes to this long-winded four-way intersection, with trails that both climb Saint Sauveur Mountain and parallel Valley Cove toward Flying Mountain beyond.
In any case, go right at this split to begin the Man O' War Trail and return to the beginning of the Acadia Mountain Loop.
Man O' War Trail
For the most part, the Man O' War Trail follows a fairly flat 0.9-mile (1.4 km) path back to the beginning.
Acadia Mountain-Man O' War Junction
Once back at the beginning of the loop, there’s either the option to go left to return by way of the same route taken at the start or straight to hike the fastest route toward the highway.
Personally, I chose to go straight.
Overall, the Acadia Mountain Trail is easily one of the best day hikes in the park, and it’s more than practical to plan the trail for sunset, as the hike back from the summit is only 0.9 miles (1.4 km) after it has set.
Again, this is why I strongly suggest coming to Acadia with a good headlamp, as there are more than a few adventures where it can come in handy!
Mount Desert Island
Schoodic Peninsula
