Length: 3.5 mi (5.63 km)
Elevation Gain: 583 ft (177.7 m)
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, in Acadia National Park, offers stunning vistas and lots of diversity. This loop trail includes the North and South sections of the Gorham Mountain Trail and the Ocean Path. Along it, you will be able to summit Gorham Mountain and see a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also be able to visit Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and enjoy the beauty of the rocky coastline of Acadia National Park.
Accessing the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail in Acadia National Park
Starting Location: Gorham Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot, Park Loop Rd, Bar Harbor, ME
GPS (DD): 44.31658, -68.19169
There are a few different ways to access the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail. The main entrance is located at the Gorham Mountain Parking lot. As parking is limited, you may consider taking the Acadia shuttle to Thunder Hole and walking to the Gorham Trail parking lot. Once you arrive at the parking lot, look for a large stump with “Gorham Mountain trail” carved into it.
This hiking trail will start you out on the south side of the Gorham Mountian Trail. If you have limited time and only want to go to the summit and back, the total distance is 1.6 mi (2.57 km) with an elevation gain of 429 ft (130.76 m). For the entire Loop trail experience, you will want to hike the entirety of the Gorham Mountain Trail.
The trail begins up a granite slab. After about .2 mi (.32 km), you will see a sign pointing to the optional Cadillac Cliff Trail. “This .3 mi (.48 km) section goes along old sea cliffs. The trail does have rungs and ladders to assist hikers over rock scrambles. It finishes with a steep granite stair climb where it returns back to the Gorhman Mountain loop.” (NPS) This detour will not add distance to your hike. However, it will add some difficulty due to the rungs and ladders section.
After you reach the summit, you will then descend down a rocky section until you reach the Bowl Trail. You will want to turn right onto the Bowl Trail and head towards Sand Beach. From Sand Beach, you will connect with the Ocean Path trail. This trail will not disappoint. There are multiple lookouts, and places to explore along the Ocean Path. About .3 mi (.48 km) past Thunder Hole, you will see another small stump with “Gorham Mountain” carved into it. This is your indication to cross the street to return to the parking lot where you began.
Another option for doing this loop trail is to start at Sand Beach, hike the Ocean path, enter the Gorham Mountain Trail and then end your hike at Sand Beach. This will have you starting with the easiest section of the hike and will end with the most difficult section. That said, no matter how you choose to hike the Gorham Mountain Loop trail, you will not be disappointed.
Hiking Tips Along the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail
There are a lot of smooth rock slabs to hike down on the descent from the summit of Gorham Mountain. Because of that, you should not do so in wet conditions. You will also want to consider using hiking boots with ankle supports to help you navigate the rocky terrain.
This hiking trail is beautiful at sunrise as the view from the top of Gorham Mountain is incredible! Leaving early will not only give you beautiful lighting, it will also give you a better chance of getting a parking spot. Be aware that foggy conditions are common along the Acadia coastline. If you run into such conditions, although the hike will still be amazing, your views will be limited. You would do better to wait until the fog has burned off before starting your hike if you want good vistas for your photographs.
The Gorham Mountain Loop Trail is best hiked in a clockwise direction, ending on the Ocean Path. This way you will do the most difficult section of the hike first. If you can, you will want to avoid the bathrooms near Thunder Hole (only open in the summer) and instead use the ones found at Sand Beach. They are much nicer. You will want to carry more water than you think you need on this moderate but fun hike.
The last hiking tip I have is to consider taking the side trail to the Bowl. It doesn’t add a ton of distance, and is a beautiful, serene wild pond. To visit the Bowl, you would need to turn left at the Bowl trail junction and then do an out and back hike.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you stop, Acadia National Park provides amazing landscape photography opportunities. Be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Acadia National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. If you are able to go, I hope you enjoy your time hiking and photographing the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Acadia National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Best Easy Day Hiking Guide and Trail Map Bundle: Acadia National Park
- Carriage Roads of Acadia: A Pocket Guide
- Moon Acadia National Park: Seaside Towns, Fall Foliage, Cycling & Paddling (Travel Guide)
- Acadia National Park: The Complete Guide (Color Travel Guide)
- Historic Acadia National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures
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