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Great Head Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (78)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. Acadia National Park
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“A great trail to escape the crowds at Sand Beach and explore the rocky coastline. ”

James Kaiser
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1.5

Miles

2.3

KM

Loop

145' 44 m

High

35' 11 m

Low

232' 71 m

Up

235' 72 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

The Great Head Trail wraps around the rocky peninsula just east of Sand Beach. In the summer, when the crowds along the Park Loop Road can be overwhelming, Great Head offers a nice escape.

Description

The trailhead is located near the eastern end of Sand Beach. You'll hike up a series of granite ledges (the hardest part of the hike) before the trail flattens out. Be sure to look back and enjoy the great views of Sand Beach. Follow the trail to the southern tip of the peninsula, where there are great views of the coast. To the southwest you can see Otter Cliff in the distance. From there, the trail follows the rocky shore northeast, before looping back through the woods.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. If youre interested in learning more details about great day hikes, weather, camping / lodging, and geology, check out his book: .

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park

Shared By:

James Kaiser
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 78 votes

#2

in Acadia National Park

#86

Overall
  4.6 from 78 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Acadia National Park

#2

in Maine

#86

Overall
6 Views Last Month
2,930 Since Sep 1, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
1%
7%
72%
9%
11%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

The view South to the sandy beach from Great Head Trail western side of the loop.
Oct 4, 2021 near Bar Harbor, ME
View from Great Head Peninsula.
Mar 24, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
As you hike near the point on Great Head Trail there are incredible views to the SE.
Oct 4, 2021 near Bar Harbor, ME
This amazing view is to the North hiking the eastern side of the loop just off the trail.
Oct 4, 2021 near Bar Harbor, ME
As you hike the eastern side of the loop just off the trail are incredible views of the rocky shore.
Oct 4, 2021 near Bar Harbor, ME
Interesting textures of rock, trees and shadows along the Great Head Trail.
Oct 4, 2021 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 27, 2024
Anonymous
1.5mi
Aug 25, 2024
Miles Miller
Jul 2, 2024
Raluca Duca
May 31, 2024
David Hitchcock
Apr 21, 2024
Stephanie Gagnon
Sep 4, 2023
Katie Banchek
Completed Sunday 8/3/2023
Sep 4, 2023
Amanda Smith
Aug 23, 2023
Christina Martinez
Stunning views pretty much 360 as you go up the mountain. There is a small off shoot to the beach from this trail that takes 10 minutes. Beautiful! 1.5mi — 1h 00m

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