Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It is the easternmost national park in the United States. In Acadia, the coast and the forest converge. So, there are a variety of trails to explore. One awesome easy Acadia hike to add to your to-do list is Jordan Pond Path.
Acadia’s Jordan Pond Path is a 3.5 mile loop trail that encircles, you guessed it, Jordan Pond. Hopefully, you have time to hike the whole loop. But, if your time or energy is limited, hike the west side of the Jordan Pond Path trail as an out and back.
Jordan Pond is about 7 miles from the town of Bar Harbor heading southwest on Park Loop Road. However, this two lane road is somewhat narrow and windy. So, allow plenty of time.
To hike this Acadia trail, park in the Jordan Pond parking lot and go left (west) at the trailhead. Alternatively, you can enjoy a meal with a spectacular view at the nearby Jordan Pond House and access the trail from there.
Jordan Pond is a beautiful a glacier tarn (mountain pond created by a glacier). At its deepest point, Jordan Pond is approximately 150 feet deep. This pond is extremely clear, but swimming is prohibited. However, non-motorized boats are allowed.
Jordan Pond Path Awesomeness
Jordan Pond Path is an easy Acadia hike. Much of this path is a traditional hiking trail. However, a portion of the trail traverses a boggy area. Here is where this Acadia hike gets really awesome!
Wooden planks are in place to protect the marsh. The planks along the lake shore creates a unique and picturesque path.
While it takes a little concentration to stay on the wooden planks, it is is not hard and is worth the effort. Besides, Jordan Pond Path is best savored at a slow pace anyway. I loved this exceptional trail, and hopefully, you will too!
Want more info on Acadia National Park? Be sure to check out Acadia National Park Must-See.
On our Maine vacation, we stayed in Bar Harbor at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. This hotel was conveniently located and had lots of character (the good kind). We also stayed in Boothbay Harbor in vacation rental cabin. This cabin was comfortable with plenty of privacy and an awesome outdoor living space. (These are affiliate links to places we’ve stayed on our own dime, and where I’d happily stay again!)
