Hiking Sargent Mountain, Maine - panoramic view outdoor sky mountain water cloud tree nature hill lake overlooking hillside distance
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Hiking in Sargent Mountain, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Down East & Acadia • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 17 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
9 km
Elevation
455 ft
Duration
3h30
Max altitude
650 ft

Climb Maine's second-highest peak on Mount Desert Island via 8.5 km of moderate trails with 335 m elevation gain in 3h15. This granite dome in Acadia's quieter western side delivers panoramic views across Frenchman Bay with far fewer crowds than Cadillac Mountain.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

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Trail description

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"first_paragraph": "

Sargent Mountain stands as the second-highest peak on Mount Desert Island at 407 m (1,335 feet), offering some of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Acadia National Park. Located on the quieter western side of the island, this granite dome provides spectacular panoramic views while drawing fewer crowds than the more famous Cadillac Mountain. The mountain's exposed summit delivers sweeping vistas across Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and the rugged coastline that defines this corner of Maine.

",
"trail_options_section": "

The Sargent Mountain Loop Trail represents the most popular and well-balanced approach, covering approximately 8.5 km with 335 m of elevation gain. This route typically begins from the Jordan Pond Path parking area and follows the Jordan Cliffs Trail northward. The initial section winds through mixed hardwood and coniferous forest, gradually ascending along well-maintained stone steps and wooden boardwalks that protect sensitive vegetation.

"
}

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 $
See price
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 $
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
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.342893, -68.273303
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at the Jordan Pond House parking area located at 2928 Park Loop Road, Seal Harbor, ME 04675. Another option is the parking area at the north end of Eagle Lake, accessible from Eagle Lake Road (Route 233). Both locations provide trailheads leading to your destination.

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
44.342893, -68.273303
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
17 Reviews
J
Jennifer
Feb 8, 2026
A beautiful winter hiking destination with excellent trail conditions despite seasonal challenges. The elevation gain provides a solid workout without becoming overwhelming. Starting early from available parking helps avoid crowds during peak times. This half-day adventure offers stunning panoramic views from the summit, making it perfect for those seeking a rewarding outdoor experience.
M
Michael
Nov 22, 2025
Sargent Mountain offers spectacular panoramic views from its peak, showcasing Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and surrounding islands. The rocky terrain demands sturdy footwear for safe passage. Multiple route options accommodate different skill levels, making it accessible to various hikers. The summit provides an excellent vantage point for sunrise viewing if you start early.
S
Sarah
Sep 14, 2025
This moderate hike delivers impressive summit views that make the effort worthwhile. The steady climb through varied terrain keeps the experience engaging throughout. Weather can shift rapidly at elevation, so layering is essential. The well-maintained trail and clear markings make navigation straightforward for intermediate hikers seeking a rewarding challenge.
D
David
Jul 19, 2025
The South Ridge Trail approach offers particularly rewarding hiking with gradual elevation gain through beautiful granite landscapes. Early morning starts are highly recommended to avoid crowds and potentially catch sunrise views. The trail is well-maintained with clear markers throughout, making navigation easy. This is one of Acadia's finest moderate hiking experiences with truly spectacular summit vistas.
E
Emma
May 3, 2025
A fantastic moderate hike with excellent trail maintenance and clear signage throughout the route. The Jordan Pond Path approach offers a gentler ascent suitable for families with older children. Arrive early during peak season as parking fills quickly. The well-marked trail and accessible difficulty level make this an ideal destination for intermediate hikers.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
455.00 m
650.00 m
3h30
No
No
Yes, access to Sargent Mountain is not free. You will need to pay an entrance fee as this trail is located within Acadia National Park. Parking fees also apply at both the Jordan Pond House and Eagle Lake parking areas.
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Top 10 best hiking in Down East & Acadia
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Update : June 2026