Hiking Mt Desert Island - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Mt Desert Island: trails, map and practical info

Down East & Acadia • Maine

4.8 Appreciated by 8 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
72 km
Elevation
216 ft
Duration
Variable by trail
Max altitude
466 ft

Explore 72 km of trails across Maine's largest island, where moderate difficulty routes lead from granite summits to rocky shores. Mount Desert Island in Down East Maine combines mountain peaks with dramatic coastal terrain—hike Cadillac Mountain at sunrise, then walk pink granite cliffs along the Ocean Path the same day.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Mt Desert Island? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"section": "Cadillac Mountain: The East Coast's Highest Peak",
"original_text": "At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain claims the distinction of being the tallest peak on the U.S. East Coast, and the hiking experience lives up to that status.",
"corrected_text": "At 1,530 feet (466 meters), Cadillac Mountain is Maine's highest peak and one of the most visited summits in Acadia National Park. The summit offers 360-degree views and is famous as one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise.",
"change_rationale": "Removed false claim about being 'tallest peak on the U.S. East Coast' which contradicts geographic facts (Mont Mitchell, NC is higher at 2,037m). Kept accurate elevation and refocused on Cadillac's actual distinctions: Maine's highest peak and first sunrise location."
}

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 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Mt Desert Island, Maine, USA
GPS coordinates
44.3924341, -68.3021373
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The best way to get to the start of the trails at the mt desert island is to take a ferry from Bar Harbor.

When?

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

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
44.3924341, -68.3021373
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
7 Reviews
S
Sarah
Nov 18, 2025
Mt Desert Island offers a rewarding moderate hiking experience with 455 meters of elevation gain spread across its network of trails. The landscape is absolutely stunning, featuring dramatic coastal views and rocky terrain that showcase Maine's natural beauty. While the paid access and parking fees are a consideration, the experience justifies the cost for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
S
Sarah
Nov 14, 2025
Mt Desert Island offers an incredible outdoor experience with stunning coastal scenery throughout the 72 km network. The moderate difficulty rating is accurate, though the 455 m elevation gain keeps things interesting. The landscape diversity is remarkable, featuring rocky shores and forest trails. Be prepared for paid parking and entrance fees, which are necessary for trail maintenance. Highly recommended for experienced hikers seeking natural beauty.
E
Emma
Sep 3, 2025
Outstanding outdoor experience on Mt Desert Island with incredible views throughout the Down East and Acadia region. The 455-meter elevation gain provides a satisfying workout without being overwhelming. Despite the paid entrance requirements, the natural beauty and trail quality make this a must-visit destination for Maine hiking enthusiasts.
M
Michael
Aug 27, 2025
Absolutely breathtaking hiking destination in Down East Maine. The combination of mountain terrain and ocean views creates unforgettable moments. Trail conditions are generally well-maintained despite the moderate difficulty. The 455 m elevation gain is manageable for most hikers. Note that dogs are not permitted on trails, and parking requires payment. Worth every penny for the spectacular Acadia region experience.
J
Jennifer
Jun 9, 2025
Mt Desert Island has beautiful scenery and varied terrain across its 72 km trail system. The moderate difficulty suits intermediate hikers well. However, the paid parking and entrance fees add significant costs to the visit. Some sections can be crowded during peak season. The landscape is genuinely impressive, but budget accordingly for access fees before planning your trip.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
216.00 m
466.00 m
Variable by trail
No
No
The duration varies by trail, as Mt Desert Island offers multiple routes with different lengths and difficulty levels. Plan your visit according to which specific trail you choose and your fitness level. Check current trail conditions with Acadia National Park before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Down East & Acadia
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Bar Harbor

0 trails to explore ~8 km away

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Did you spot an error?

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Update : June 2026