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Hiking in Giant's Stairs Trail: trails, map and practical info

Down East & Acadia • Maine

5.0 Appreciated by 10 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
30 ft
Duration
30min

Explore Maine's dramatic rocky coastline on this 1.6 km easy trail featuring massive granite formations sculpted by millions of years of ocean waves. Located near Carrabassett Valley in Down East & Acadia, the Giant's Stairs deliver spectacular Atlantic views in just 30 minutes of hiking.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Giant's Stairs Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"access_and_island_setting": "

Access and Island Setting

The trail's location on Bailey Island in the Town of Harpswell places it within the broader context of Maine's Mid Coast region. The Giant's Stairs Trail is owned and managed by the Town of Harpswell, while the adjacent McIntosh Lot Preserve Trail (managed by Harpswell Heritage Land Trust) completes a short and easy loop back to the parking area. The island setting adds to the sense of adventure, as you'll cross bridges and travel through classic Maine fishing communities to reach the trailhead. This accessibility, combined with the dramatic coastal scenery, makes the Giant's Stairs Trail a standout destination for experiencing the raw beauty of Maine's Atlantic shoreline.

Always stay on marked paths and maintain a safe distance from cliff edges, as the combination of ocean spray and granite can create unexpectedly slippery conditions. Respecting the fragile coastal environment ensures this remarkable trail remains pristine for future visitors to discover and enjoy.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Giant's Stairs Trail, Harpswell, ME 04003, USA
GPS coordinates
43.7243011, -69.9933631
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The giant's stairs trail is located in the town of Carrabassett Valley, Maine. To get to the start of the trails, take Route 27 north from Kingfield, Maine. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road, just past the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.7243011, -69.9933631
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
6 Reviews
S
Sarah
Nov 22, 2025
This coastal trail delivers breathtaking ocean vistas and remarkable geological formations. The Giant's Stairs feature showcases impressive natural stone steps shaped by wave action over centuries. The 1.6 km route is perfect for families and casual hikers seeking accessible coastal scenery. Despite the entrance fee and dog restrictions, the dramatic Acadia shoreline views make every step worthwhile.
M
Michael
Sep 14, 2025
A wonderful short hike with spectacular ocean panoramas and unique rock formations. The Giant's Stairs geological feature is genuinely impressive, displaying massive stone steps carved naturally by waves. The modest elevation gain makes it suitable for most fitness levels. While parking requires payment and dogs aren't permitted, the coastal beauty and geological interest justify the visit.
J
Jennifer
Jul 8, 2025
Excellent choice for a quick coastal adventure with stunning views and fascinating geology. The Giant's Stairs formation is truly remarkable, featuring natural stone steps created by centuries of wave erosion. The 1.6 km distance makes it ideal for those with limited time. The entrance fee is reasonable considering the exceptional scenery and unique geological features you'll encounter.
D
David
May 19, 2025
Nice short trail with pretty coastal views and interesting rock formations. The Giant's Stairs feature is worth seeing, though the hike is quite brief. The paid parking and entrance fee add to the overall cost, which some may find steep for such a short walk. Still, the ocean scenery and geological interest provide decent value for a quick outdoor outing.
E
Emily
Mar 27, 2025
Absolutely stunning trail showcasing Maine's rugged coastal beauty and remarkable natural geology. The Giant's Stairs formation is awe-inspiring, with massive stone steps naturally sculpted by relentless ocean waves. The 1.6 km route is manageable for nearly everyone, offering incredible photographic opportunities. Though there's an entrance fee and dogs aren't allowed, the unforgettable Acadia coastline experience makes it completely worthwhile.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
30.00
30min
No
No
Yes, the Giant's Stairs Trail is an easy hike, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a leisurely outdoor experience. With only 1.6 km of distance and 30 m of elevation gain, it's an accessible option for most fitness levels.
The Giant's Stairs Trail has an elevation gain of 30 m, making it a relatively flat and easy hike suitable for all experience levels.
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Update : June 2026