*Name: Jordan Pond Path*
*Location: Acadia National Park*
*Distance: 3.3 miles, loop trail*
*Terrain: Boardwalks, soft dirt paths, gravel, roots, rocks.*
*Elevation gain: 0ft*
*Difficulty: Easy*
*Pets: Allowed, on-leash*

The Jordan Pond Path in Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s most iconic and picturesque hikes. This easy, 3.3-mile path hugs the shores of Jordan Pond—offering breathtaking views of North and South Bubble and Penobscot Mountain. With multiple trail options, hikers can hand-pick their hiking route to match their skill level and ensure an enjoyable hike. Be sure to add this hike to your itinerary for your next trip to Acadia National Park!

In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before exploring the Jordan Pond Path in Acadia National Park—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips and the best nearby eats.

Prepare for the Jordan Pond Path

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 and parking information for Jordan Pond Path

Directions from Route 1

Start on U.S. Route 1 heading toward Ellsworth, Maine. In Ellsworth, turn onto ME-3 East following signs for Bar Harbor / Mount Desert Island. Continue on ME-3 for about 17 miles until you cross the bridge onto Mount Desert Island. After crossing the bridge, stay on ME-3 (veer left at the intersection) toward Bar Harbor / Acadia National Park. Drive approximately 8 miles, then turn right at the Acadia National Park entrance (follow signs for Park Loop Road). Once inside the park, follow Park Loop Road for about 3.5 miles and look for signs for Jordan Pond House and/or Jordan Pond Path.

Parking

Parking for the Jordan Pond Path is shared with the Jordan Pond House. There are two parking lots—one is located at Jordan Pond House and a second parking lot is located further North on the Park Loop Road, near the Southern end of Jordan Pond.

Jordan Pond Path Trail Description

Jordan Pond Path (3.3 miles, easy)

The Eastern side of the Jordan Pond Path provides excellent views of Jordan Pond and Penobscot Mountain—the trail is wide and flat and comprised of crushed stone. As the path approaches the North end of the pond, it intersects with the Bubbles Trail and the Bubbles Divide Trail, both of which can bring hikers to the summit of South and North Bubble. The path also intersects with a third trail that connects to the parking lot for the Bubbles.

The Western side of the Jordan Pond Path is a lot more technical, due to the significant number of wooden boardwalks and large boulders that make up most of the trail. This side also has nice views of Jordan Pond and the Bubbles—but the trail becomes shaded by Penobscot Mountain around mid-day.

The North end of Jordan Pond Path has two wooden bridges that go over the pond. This is a popular photo spot—as the bridges are very charming and provide nice views of the pond.

Jordan Pond Path Viewpoints

In my opinion, the best viewpoints on the Jordan Pond Path are:

The bridge at the Southern end of the pond that looks North
The bridges at the Northern end of the pond that look South
Halfway down the Western side of the path looking towards the Bubbles
Anywhere on the Eastern side of the path

Insider tips for hiking the Jordan Pond Path

The Jordan Pond Path is a part of Acadia National Park—so a park entrance pass is required. You must purchase and display the pass on your dashboard.
The best time(s) to visit: June to September for warm temperatures, early to mid-October for peak foliage.
To avoid crowds, visit while school is in session (September-early June) or consider getting to the trailhead before 8:00a.m.
Parking for this trail can be a nightmare, so consider taking the FREE island explorer shuttle instead. Their buses are comfortable, on-time, and have 11 different bus routes on Mount Desert Island.
Best nearby eats:
- Jordan Pond House: skip the bland popovers and opt for their sandwiches and salads instead. And tea—you must get tea!
- Milk and Honey Kitchen: a delicious cafe in NorthEast Harbor serving great sandwiches and biscuits. Heads up—they are only open on weekdays!
- Abel’s Lobster: a restaurant that serves fresh and fried seafood with great views of Somes Sound

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

Jordan Pond Path: One of Acadia National Park’s Most Popular Scenic Hikes