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.
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.
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.
Mount Desert Island
Schoodic Peninsula
