State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length, Round Trip: 3.3 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Maximum Elevation: 1193 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
October in Maine
Trail Information
The Penobscot Mountain Trail begins on Jordan Pond’s southern shore right near the boat ramp. This trail offers excellent views of many of Acadia’s features including Eagle Lake, Cranberry Isles, Seal Harbor, Frenchman’s Bay and nine different mountains. At the beginning of the hike just after Jordan Pond, visitors will view a beautiful stone arch bridge crossing Jordan Stream.
From the starting point, take the carriage road a few hundred feet to a foot bridge where you’ll see trail signs. The trail enters a pine forest and parallels bubbling brooks. The trail gradually ascends and you’ll cross the carriage road. Be sure to keep your eye out for the quiet bicyclists that might be on the road. Continue climbing following the blue-blazed rocks. Climbing along a number of switchbacks you will pass several points providing excellent view of the Acadia area. Farther down the trail, the sites include South Bubble, North Bubble, the Atlantic Ocean studded with numerous islands.
The Penobscot Mountain Trail opens onto a ridge with extraordinary views of Pemetic Mountain, Day Mountain and Jordan Pond to the east; Southwest Harbor and Somes Sound (only fjord in eastern US) to the south; shifting slightly westward, you’ll see Greening Island and Cranberry Islands. Continued climbing presents additional viewpoints including views with Northeast Harbor in the foreground to the Park Loop Road. After passing a small wetland, you’ll reach an elevation of over 1,000 feet. Frenchman’s Bay is northeast serving as a backdrop to Eagle Lake. When you reach the large cairn, look for Sargent Mountain Pond which will be southwest of Eagle Lake.
You can retrace your steps for a different perspective of the landmarks during your return to the trailhead. Or return via the Deer Brook Trail and the Jordan Cliffs Trail for different views on the way back.
Directions
From Bar Harbor:
Travel the Park Loop Road to approximately 0.5 miles north of Jordan Pond Gatehouse. The trail begins on the west side of the road in the Jordan House parking lot. Walk to the boat ramp and begin on the path running on the pond’s southern shore.
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