Hiking the Flying Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance: 0.6 - 1.5 miles / 1.0 - 2.4 km
The Flying Mountain Trail, also called the Flying Mountain Loop Trail in Acadia National Park, is one of my favorite day hikes on Mount Desert Island because it’s such a quick and easy adventure with beautiful views along the summit ridge at the top.
That said, the hike up Flying Mountain also goes by the name Flying Mountain Loop Trail because of the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop that can be created with the Valley Cove Trail that runs along the base of the mountain.
This is why the distance above is so variable, as the Flying Mountain Trail to the summit is only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) each way if you decide to hike out and back instead of completing the full loop.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Flying Mountain Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Flying Mountain Trail is located in a small parking lot directly off Fernald Point Road, about 1.9 miles (3.1 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: Flying 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.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Flying Mountain Trail
At only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) each way, the Flying Mountain Trail follows a nearly all-uphill path, gaining roughly 220 ft. (67 m) from the trailhead to the summit.
As the Flying Mountain Trail nears the summit, the views toward Somes Sound to the east begin to open up!
Flying Mountain
According to the National Park Service, the summit of Flying Mountain measures just 266 ft. (81 m) above Somes Sound below.
However, I personally don’t think the summit is the best place to enjoy the views on the Flying Mountain Trail, which is why I recommend continuing further to complete the full loop, as great views can be found scattered along the trail across the top.
Past the summit, the Flying Mountain Trail follows a relatively flat path out toward the Somes Sound Overlook, meaning that only the very beginning and end of the trail have any significant elevation change.
For this reason, the Flying Mountain Trail can make for a great trail run. Not to mention, the full 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop sees a fraction of the visitors that other trails in the park receive, such as the Great Head Trail or the Jordan Pond Path.
These are my recommend shoes for Acadia, which work great for both hiking and trail running across all areas of the park!
Flying Mountain-Somes Sound Overlook Junction
About 0.3 miles (0.5 km) past the summit, the Flying Mountain Trail splits with the short path that leads over to the Somes Sound Overlook.
That said, go right to hike out to the overlook or left to continue down to Valley Cove.
Somes Sound Overlook
The Somes Sound Overlook is the last named viewpoint before the Flying Mountain Trail descends back into the forest toward Valley Cove.
Here, hikers can enjoy views of not just Somes Sound but also Norumbega Mountain across the bay and Acadia Mountain just to the north. This is why hikers often combine Flying Mountain with Saint Sauveur or Acadia Mountain—or sometimes all three!
Following the Somes Sound Overlook, the Flying Mountain Trail begins descending almost immediately, losing about 250 ft. (76 m) from the junction above to the beach along Valley Cove.
Some hikers may prefer to carry trekking poles for the uneven granite terrain, which can be especially useful on the steep hike back down.
Valley Cove Beach
Just before the beginning of the Valley Cove Trail, the Flying Mountain Trail comes to this beautiful little beach at the base of Flying Mountain, Valley Peak, and Saint Sauveur Mountain, which I love because not all ponds and lakes within Acadia National Park are open to swimming, such as Hadlock Ponds and Jordan Pond.
Flying Mountain-Valley Cove Junction
After the beach, go left to begin the Valley Cove Trail back to the Flying Mountain Trailhead.
In total, the Valley Cove Trail extends for about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) between Valley Cove and the Flying Mountain Trailhead.
Valley Cove-Valley Peak Junction
Just before the end of the Flying Mountain Loop, the Valley Cove Trail splits with the Valley Peak Trail, which climbs from here to Valley Peak and Saint Sauveur Mountain beyond.
However, I personally recommend hiking the Ledge Trail to Saint Sauveur Mountain and Valley Peak because I think it makes for a fun, unique hike up to the top, compared to the route from the south.
In any case, go straight (left) at this split to complete the full Flying Mountain Loop Trail.
More Acadia Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Acadia National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Mount Desert Island
Schoodic Peninsula
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
The biggest risks that the National Park Service highlights in Acadia National Park are largely associated with falls, whether on slippery, wet granite or down one of the countless dramatic cliffs found throughout the park.
This is true both in coastal areas and on unsuspecting upper-elevation trails—not just on well-known challenging hikes, like the Precipice and Beehive Trail.
That being said, prepare for all types of conditions, as New Englanders will tell you that layers are your best friend in Maine—especially on the Atlantic Coast!
Apart from this, be aware that there are Black Bears in Acadia National Park, though the National Park Service reports that encounters are very unlikely. Even so, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea, regardless that Black Bears usually present less of a risk compared to Grizzlies. However, it’s truly up to your own discretion and comfort level.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Acadia National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
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