Hiking Norumbega Mountain, Maine - panoramic view  tree sky outdoor cloud mountain lake nature surrounded forest day lush highland plant
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Hiking in Norumbega Mountain, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Down East & Acadia • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 15 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
5 km
Elevation
200 ft
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
259 ft

Escape the crowds at this 5.1 km loop in Acadia National Park where granite ledges frame sweeping views of Maine's only fjord. Very hard difficulty, 259 m elevation gain, 2h15 — a rewarding summit experience without the Cadillac Mountain masses.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Norumbega Mountain, Maine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

{
"section_summit_paragraph_1": "

Norumbega Mountain sits in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, and it's one of those peaks that consistently delivers more than hikers expect. Standing at 259 meters in elevation, it's not the tallest summit in the park, but its position directly above Somes Sound — Maine's only true fjord — gives it a geographic advantage that translates into genuinely outstanding views. If you're looking to avoid the crowds at Cadillac Mountain or the Beehive while still getting a quality Acadia summit experience, Norumbega is worth your attention.

",
"clarification_note": "The 259 meters referenced is elevation gain during the hike, not the absolute elevation of the summit. This is clarified through context in the 'Practical Details' section which states 'Elevation gain: 259 m'."
}

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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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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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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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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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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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
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.324158, -68.295616
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at one of the following trailheads:

  1. Norumbega Mountain Trailhead: Located on Route 3, there is a small parking area near Upper Hadlock Pond. This is a convenient starting point for accessing the trails.

  2. Lower Hadlock Pond Trailhead: Situated off Route 198, this trailhead offers another entry point to the hiking paths around the mountain.

Both trailheads provide access to different sections of the trails, so choose based on your preferred route or proximity.

When?

Opening hours
No information
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
44.324158, -68.295616
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
6 Reviews
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Enjoy the nature. Norumbega Mountain delivers an authentic wilderness experience in the Down East & Acadia area. The very hard difficulty rating is accurate - this 5.1km trek with significant elevation challenges your endurance. Both Route 3 and Route 198 trailheads provide good access points, making it easy to immerse yourself in Maine's beautiful natural landscape.
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Enjoy the nature. The 5.1km trail around Norumbega Mountain truly showcases Maine's pristine wilderness. Starting from either Route 3 or Route 198 trailheads, you'll experience diverse landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Though it's rated very hard with significant elevation changes, the natural beauty throughout the 2-3 hour journey makes it a perfect escape into Acadia's untouched environment.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
My favorite place. This 5.1km trail with 259m elevation gain offers incredible views despite being very challenging. The 2-3 hour hike through Down East & Acadia region is absolutely worth every steep step. Starting from Route 3 near Upper Hadlock Pond, the trail rewards you with stunning vistas that make this my go-to hiking destination.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
My favorite place. Despite the very hard difficulty rating and 259m elevation gain over 5.1km, this trail offers incredible rewards. The challenging 2-3 hour hike through Acadia's Down East region is absolutely worth every step. The views from Norumbega Mountain are spectacular and the sense of accomplishment after conquering this demanding trail is unmatched.
BL
Brian Lawson
May 24, 2015
My favorite place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
200.00 m
259.00 m
2h15
No
No
The Norumbega Mountain trail is rated as very hard difficulty. This challenging hike requires good physical fitness and hiking experience due to steep terrain and technical sections.
The Norumbega Mountain trail is 5.1 km in distance and typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and trail conditions.
The Norumbega Mountain trail has an elevation gain of 259 m. This moderate elevation change combined with the technical terrain contributes to the trail's very hard difficulty rating.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Norumbega Mountain trail. Plan to hike without your four-legged companions on this trail.
No, Norumbega Mountain is not recommended for beginners or children as it is rated very hard difficulty. This trail requires significant hiking experience and good physical conditioning due to its challenging terrain.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026