Bernard Mountain Loop Trail is a 4.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Southwest Harbor, Maine that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
views
wild flowers
wildlife
muddy
rocky
Nice jaunt through wooded forests to the top of Bernard Mountain. Slight views to the west. Steep in some parts with rocky terrain.
I live on MDI and have made it my goal to hike every mountain; so far, this has been my favorite as it is challenging but not too strenuous. Since it’s an out of the way spot, there aren’t many other hikers. The views are amazing! If you hike at the right time you will also get a chance to snack on an abundance of blueberries. I love the fact that they have even made a spot at the Bernard mountain overlook to leave messages. I will definitely hike this again soon!
Great trail, lots of blueberries in July and beautiful views the whole way.
Awesome trail with nice viewpoints and scenery!
N.
Great trails to pick from. Recommend going up West Ledge Trail from Western Mountain Road up to Bernard Mountain Trail, the views were spectacular. Happy hiking!
Moderate challenge. Beautiful views of massive swaths of both Baxter State Park and Katahkin National Monument.
Great trails but very difficult up and down. Steep up and some steeps on the way down. We enjoyed the hike but hit a foggy day with not too much to see. We combined to hike both Bernard and Mansell. Lots of options for routes. Good workout as well.
Great exercise Decent views on the ascent. Missing the vista at the top. Hobbit like forest
It was a great trail. Definitely requires some experience hiking. There were several steep climbs. It was worth it for the views.
Nice hike as part of my loop today. Took Sluiceway to get there. Once at the top of sluice it is just a short steep scramble to summit of Bernard. Of course on this beautiful rainy day there were no views overlooking the area. Once again if you love the forest these trails are for you. Fall hikes will be beautiful here with the color.
Well even with the rain I hiked a big loop today including this trail. It was very wet underfoot and slippery in spots along the open ledges. No views today and was just a hike to workout and take off my bucket list of trails. It was pretty with lots of mossy areas which added to slippery feeling in spots. It was steep in places but as long as you have good hiking boots you should be fine. I would not recommend this for the casual hiker.