Hiking the Sundew Trail in Acadia National Park
Distance (One Way): 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
The Sundew Trail in Acadia National Park is a renowned day hike on the Schoodic Peninsula because of the bog that the trail and boardwalk pass through.
By this, I mean that this unique landscape is known for its carnivorous plants, including Sundews and Pitcher Plants, which can be found growing directly alongside the trail.
The best time to see these plants is during the warmer months of the year. However, the Sundew Trail is a great, easy year-round adventure, as there are numerous viewpoints to enjoy along the way, regardless of the season!
Sundew Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Sundew Trail is located at one of two places at the Schoodic Institute, depending on whether you’d prefer to hike north to south or vice versa. Both trailheads are linked below.
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: North Sundew Trailhead / South Sundew 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 Sundew Trail
I chose to begin at the Southern Sundew Trailhead, returning at the end on one of the many paths through the Schoodic Research Center.
Sundew-Frenchman Bay Junction
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Sundew Trail splits, leading to the first of two main viewpoints along the loop, which overlooks Frenchman Bay.
Frenchman Bay Bench
This first bench along the Sundew Trail faces west, across Frenchman Bay, toward Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain in the distance.
Sundew-Frenchman Bay Junction
Once back at the main loop, go left to continue around the Sundew Trail in the same direction I have written.
On the far western end of the Sundew Trail, there is another, less obvious bench, unlike the other two that noticeably branch off the loop on two distinct side trails.
Sundew-Pond Island Junction
After roughly 0.6 miles (1.0 km), the Sundew Trail splits once again, with the second viewpoint toward Pond Island just offshore.
Pond Island Bench
The Pond Island Bench is the third and final bench on the Sundew Trail, with the Northern Sundew Trailhead located just 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the junction shown below.
Sundew-Pond Island Junction
After returning to the previous junction, go left to continue along the Sundew Trail toward the boardwalk—the best section of the loop, for which the Sundew Trail is aptly named!
Where to See Carnivorous Plants on the Sundew Trail?
Throughout the entire 0.9-mile (1.4 km) Sundew Trail, the short section along the boardwalk is the best place to look for the various carnivorous plants along the trail.
They may not be easy to spot, but in general, carnivorous plants thrive in wet, bog-like environments. Hence, they need to supplement nutrients from other sources besides the poor soil conditions in which they are found.
Northern Sundew Trailhead
The Sundew Trail finishes at the far northern end of the Schoodic Institute.
Here, there is the option to either turn back, creating a 1.8-mile (2.9 km) round-trip hike, or to continue for about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) on the paths through the Research Center, creating the 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop mentioned throughout this article.
Mount Desert Island
Schoodic Peninsula
