Gorham Mountain: A Must-Do Hike in Acadia National Park for Stunning Coastal Views

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May 28

Written By Katherine Mills

**Name:** Gorham Mountain
**Location:** Acadia National Park
**Distance:** 1.9 miles (out-and-back)
**Terrain:** Uneven and rocky
**Elevation gain:** 429 ft
**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Pets:** Allowed, on-leash

Gorham Mountain is a scenic hike that provides hikers with rewarding views of Cadillac Mountain, Dorr Mountain, Sand Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and Frenchman Bay. This is one of the busiest hikes in Acadia, due to it’s position on the Park Loop Road, which gets an average of four million visitors every year.

In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know about hiking Gorham Mountain in Acadia National Park—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several tips for visiting Acadia National Park.

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Preparing to hike Gorham Mountain

Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine hike

Directions + parking for Gorham Mountain

To get the trailhead from Route 1, head southeast towards Bar Harbor following the signs for Mount Desert Island and Route 3 as you approach the bridge to Mount Desert Island. After crossing the bridge, stay on Route 3 for about 11 miles, which will take you directly to Acadia National Park. Stop into the visitor center and purchase a park pass, if you haven’t already. Turn onto the Park Loop Road and watch for signs for Gorham Mountain trailhead. It will be about a mile down the Park Loop Road.

There is a small designated parking lot for hikers wishing to summit Gorham Mountain. It fills up really quickly during peak season (June-September) so be sure to arrive before 8:00a.m., have a backup hike picked out, or ride the free island explorer.

Gorham Mountain trail descriptions

Gorham Mountain Trail (1.8 miles, moderate)

This trail begins with a gentle incline on rocky terrain. 0.2 miles into the trail, there is a fork with two trail options—continue straight to stay on the Gorham Mountain Trail. The gradual ascent to the summit will feature large boulders, rock stairs, and stunning views of Frenchman Bay.

Cadillac Cliffs Trail (0.3 miles, moderate)

To experience the Cadillac Cliffs Trail, go right at the fork 0.2 miles into the trail and you will find caves, large boulders, granite steps, and a set of iron rungs. Due to the technical terrain and iron rungs, I would not recommend this trail for young children or anyone unsteady on their feet. I would also not recommend this trail after or during rainy weather.

Gorham Mountain summit

The summit of Gorham Mountain offers sweeping views of Cadillac Mountain, Dorr Mountain, The Beehive, Frenchman Bay, Sand Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Insider Tips for Hiking Gorham Mountain

Best nearby breakfast: Two Cats Cafe and Sunrise Cafe (delicious bagels and crepes).

Best nearby lunch: Side Street Cafe and Lunch Bar Harbor.
The best time to visit: June through October. Enjoy post-hike swims in the Summer months and amazing foliage in the Fall.
There is spotty cell phone service in Acadia, so be sure to tell people your hiking plans or bring a satellite communication device with you so you can let people know when you have summited and when you have made it safely back to your car.
A park entrance pass is required year-round. Vehicles must display a pass clearly visible through the windshield.
Before your trip, be sure to check the Acadia alerts page for a current list of alerts, advisories, and closures for park roads, facilities, and programs.

Leave no trace

When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.

Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.

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With love,

My Maine

Katherine Mills