Schoodic Head Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike offers both scenic views and enjoyable hiking through rugged pine forest. This hike also allows you to explore as much of the area around Schoodic Head including the Anvil. While it is not long, this trail gives one a real sense of hiking through the Maine wilderness.

The Schoodic Loop Road (and Blueberry Hill parking area) requires an Acadia National Park Entrance Pass that can be purchased online (must be printed ahead of time!) or at Schoodic Woods or at any other park entrance station.

This loop starts and ends at the Blueberry Hill parking area on the Schoodic Loop Road in Acadia National Park. It begins on the Anvil Trail, just north of the parking area, which leads up both the Anvil and Schoodic Head, 440 feet. With steady, though sometimes steep, inclines through the pine forest, the first leg of this hike is exemplary.

Next, this loop goes slightly past the terminus of the Anvil Trail to the overlook at the top of Schoodic Head. Here, is the perfect place to take a rest and enjoy the scenery. Next, take the Ranger Station Trail on a steeper descent from the peak. Though this is a steeper section of the trail, it is still very enjoyable.

Finally, at the end of the Ranger Station Trail, the loop takes a left at Ranger Cabin Road and continues straight on the Alder Trail. This trail meanders for a little over a half a mile through lush meadows and forest. The Alder Trail then leads back onto the Schoodic Loop Road just south of the Blueberry Hill parking area.

Birds, wildflowers, pines, red squirrels