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Great Head Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.6 (68)
  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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Map Key

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 68 votes

#3

in Acadia National Park

#118

Overall
  4.6 from 68 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Acadia National Park

#3

in Maine

#118

Overall
6 Views Last Month
2,930 Since Sep 1, 2015
Intermediate
2%
8%
73%
8%
11%
0%
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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

Minor Issues 4 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 29, 2023
Moayad Mar
Apr 3, 2023
Karen Sandrock
just checking it out — 13h 22m
Oct 20, 2022
Asha Ewrse
Oct 18, 2022
Alec Martin
Oct 15, 2022
Chelsea Williams
Oct 2, 2022
Roger Chesser
Aug 30, 2022
Jourdan Cohen
Aug 20, 2022
Felicity Fries
very buggy in the beginning

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