Hiking the Anemone Cave Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Anemone Cave Trail in Acadia National Park is an easy, kid-friendly day hike that follows a paved downhill path to Anemone Cave and the Schooner Head Overlook beyond.
That being said, the easy trail down to the coast is not a good reflection of the challenging rocky scramble from the end of the paved path to enter Anemone Cave, as it requires good weather—specifically, low tide and calm ocean conditions—to make it possible.
Considering this, the Anemone Cave Trail to the Schooner Head Overlook is still a beautiful adventure in Acadia that I recommend exploring. However, arriving with realistic expectations about entering the cave is paramount. Not everyone, regardless of ability, should attempt such a dangerous scramble. There’s simply no nice way to say it.
Anemone Cave Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Anemone Cave Trail is the same as the Schooner Head Overlook, located just before the Acadia National Park entrance station on Park Loop Road.
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: Anemone Cave 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 Anemone Cave Trail
The Anemone Cave Trail descends about 70 ft. (21 m) down three switchbacks from the trailhead to the coastline above the cave itself.
At the end of the trail, the pavement ends where the rocky coastline begins.
Here, visitors typically walk north toward the Schooner Head Overlook, but look out for the fenced-off Anemone Cave skylight when heading in that direction, as it serves as a good indicator of where to find the mouth of the cave.
This fenced-off area is the very top of the Anemone Cave, with the best route down located just to the south of this skylight.
Schooner Head Overlook
The Schooner Head Overlook is this north-facing viewpoint toward the Schooner Head Peninsula, which is not a part of Acadia National Park.
Perhaps one day the park might acquire this land, but as of today, Schooner Head is home to numerous private luxury residences.
Anemone Cave Access
To get down to Anemone Cave, look for this trail before the skylight shown above.
Warning
The final descent into the Anemone Cave should not be attempted by all people or in all conditions.
The tide needs to be low, the ocean needs to be calm, and even if this is the case, this descent can be very dangerous if the rocks are wet or conditions change.
Yes, visitors have drowned at Anemone Cave in the past, which is why it is of the utmost importance to only consider entering Anemone Cave during low tide.
Tide Forecast: Bar Harbor Tide Chart
Turning the corner into the mouth of the cave is always what proves to be the trickiest part.
Anemone Cave
Anemone Cave is aptly named after the native Anemones that call this sea cave home.
However, due to frequent visitation, they are not as abundant as they have been in the past, which is why I want to encourage all to treat this fragile ecosystem with respect.
Please watch where you step!
Mount Desert Island
Schoodic Peninsula
