Best bird watching trails in Maine

The trail is closed between March 15 and August 15 due to falcon nesting. Please consult the park's website before visiting: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Precipice Trail is a difficult and very steep loop trail using iron rungs and ladders on exposed cliffs providing spectacular views of Acadia National Park. The trail opens after nesting Peregrine Falcons leave the nest. The hike is not recommended during wet conditions, or if you experience vertigo; also not recommended for small children. The trail starts up steps and through some boulder scrambles. While officially a non-technical hike due to strategically placed iron rungs, ladders and rock ledges, this is really a climb that requires you to be able to navigate some tricky spots by pulling yourself up (e.g. the very first example of this might even be the hardest). If you are careful and pay attention, this will be a great and thrilling experience. Leave hiking poles behind, as you won't need them and they'll just get in the way. One of the very best short hikes in Acadia, similar to what you get on Katahdin's Knife Edge.Show more

Great views on a lot of the walk around the lake. This trail can get crowded at points, especially on the parts where there were narrower wooden walkways for paths. Go early, as it can be difficult to find a parking spot due to its traffic. The backdrop of the pond and bubbles are beautiful as you meander through the woods along the pond. The boardwalks are unique, and outside of a couple muddy spots, a trail that is very enjoyable and easy. Note: There’s a section with some rocky terrain but other than that it’s a flat, easy, peaceful walk suitable for just about anyone. There are a couple sandy areas as well where people can step aside and relax on the shore. Dogs, swimming, and wading are not allowed in the pond!Show more

Please note that Thunder Hole has been reported closed as of 07/08/2020. A wonderful loop hike that will take you along the shore of the Atlantic, over mountain ledges to end at Sand Beach. This hike that will take you along the shore of Newport Cove past powerful Thunderhole and then up over the open ledges of Gorham Mountain. You will have beautiful ocean views along the entire route. When you come down Gorham Mountain to the north you can also run up the Bee Hive if you have the energy. After you descend back to Sand Beach spend some time out on the sand relaxing!Show more

Note: This path follows along Park Loop Rd closely. Starting at the south end of the upper Sand Beach Parking lot, the easy 2.2 mile mostly flat one-way Ocean Path trail parallels the loop road all the way to Otter Point. The path offers scenic views and numerous access points to outcroppings above the rocky shore, including major attractions like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Great trail to stroll or to deviate and explore the best Acadia has to offer. Get to the area early before any tour buses or late around sunset and you can have the shoreline mostly all to yourself. Some more on exploring along the path: Half-way between Sand Beach and Otter Cliff is Thunder Hole. Waves and tides dictate whether you hear the sound like thunder or whether you'll hear a whisper of waves crashing below. Granite stairs and railings lead to the viewing area. Half way between Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs on the right side of the Park Loop Road, is the small parking area for the Gorham Mountain Trail, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the eastern coastline. From this vantage point (another 2 mi. RT deviation to the summit), you can see from Sand Beach to the north and all the way south to Otter Cliff. At the southern end of the path is Otter Cliff. Just before Otter Cliff is Monument Cove. Look for the short side trail on the left as there are some great photo ops from this vantage point, especially when the first light of the morning turns the cliffs a golden color. Rock climbers and rappellers frequent the Otter Cliff. This is a great hike - take as little or as much time as you like to explore!Show more

Moderate loop trail along Sea Cliffs on the east side of Acadia NP's Sand Beach to Great Head. Great Head Trail is moderate and loops around the perimeter of the small peninsula called Great Head located on the east side of Sand Beach in Acadia National Park. This is a great early morning hike, or afternoon for that matter, and one that the whole family can experience (with caution of course). Park in the lower Sand Beach parking area located on the left of the Park Loop Road. Take the granite steps to Sand Beach. Walk to the other side of the beach. Near the base of the rocky outcropping, look to your left for a great view of the Beehive (520 foot summit - another great hike). Close to this spot you will see a small sign leading to steps where you will begin your ascent. This starts as a leisurely climb leading to some beautiful pink granite cliffs. Follow the blue lines to be sure to stay on the best route up as it can be steep at times. Once on top, the hike is fairly easy. A sign leads your way to the right leading to Great Head where you will have wonderful views of the rocky coast, Otter Cliff, and the churning ocean below. There are ample spots for you to have a picnic, relax, or sit and reflect on the power of this place. Continue on the loop back through a section of white birch trees. Up ahead, there will be a path split. Take the left up the granite, following the markers, to return to Sand Beach. Watch for signs. There is one that you will not see the front of until you look back at it as you pass. If you continued straight, it would lead to the Schooner Head Road in Bar Harbor.Show more

Note: Trail can be CLOSED in the east sections due to bird nesting. Please check with the park page for more information. This is a great hike that starts out with a steep climb with a bit of scrambling up the spring trail. The Penobscot trail is mainly on rock top with very little shade, but a steady incline to the the top. The views on top are totally worth it.Show more