Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain Loop, Mount Desert Island
- Jill McMahon
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Distance: 2.8-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 676 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Features: Rock scrambles, a few iron rungs, sweeping views
Dogs Allowed on Leash: Small dogs will need assistance over large rocks
If you're looking for a family-friendly hike in Acadia National Park, this loop offers two peaks with panoramic views from open granite summits, some fun rock scrambling, and easy parking with an outhouse at the trailhead. Scrambling over large sections of rock is required, but kids will welcome the challenge and tackle it effortlessly. We did this hike with 15 family members ranging in age from 9 to early 50's and it was enjoyed by all.
There are two parking areas for this hike on Route 3 in Mt Desert. All Trails will bring you to the first lot, but we parked in the larger lot, which is just a bit farther north and includes an outhouse. Here's the link to my personal All Trails map, which will bring you to the second parking area.
-From the trailhead, start out on the wide, gravel carriage road.
-At 0.3 miles, take a left onto Parkman Mountain Trail.
-At 1 mile, reach a junction with the Bald Peak Trail. Take a left towards Parkman Mountain, reaching the summit in 0.1 miles.
-Enjoy 360-degree views of the Western side of Mount Desert Island, Somes Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. Then retrace your steps and return to the junction, taking a left onto Bald Peak Trail.
-At 0.4 miles, reach the Bald Peak summit for sweeping views of Upper Hadlock Pond, the coastline, and Parkman Mountain. Continue along the eastern side of the loop until reconnecting with the carriage road in 0.6 miles. Go right here, following it for another 0.2 miles before arriving at the start of the loop. Return to the parking lot in the way you came.
