Gorham Mountain Loop, Acadia National Park

This spectacular 3-mile loop near Bar Harbor includes a moderate climb to the 525-foot summit of Gorham Mountain with sweeping views of the coastline and Sand Beach. The second half of the loop is relatively flat, beginning at Sand Beach and following the Ocean Path all the way to Thunder Hole before returning to the trailhead. This hike is dog-friendly (on-leash) and although the first half involves a steady climb, you could always skip that section and opt for the easy Ocean Path walk if you're looking for a gentler hike.

View of Monument Cove from the Ocean Path

Renowned for its rocky coastline, granite peaks, island landscape and recreational trails, Acadia National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year. Gorham Mountain is the 23rd tallest mountain in the park and is located in the southeast corner of Mount Desert Island. Due to its location, this loop includes views of popular attractions in the park including Cadillac Mountain, The Beehive, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole. 

Thunder Hole is a shallow sea cave where giant waves crash into a narrow chamber between towering rock walls, producing a thunderous sound. To maximise your chance of hearing the roar of the waves, it’s best to visit one to two hours before high tide. In the 1960s, walkways with handrails were built here, and in the early 1990s, it was renovated to include an accessible ramp with switchbacks. Across the road from Thunder Hole, there are restrooms and a gift shop offering snacks.

The large parking area for this trail is located off Park Loop Road, a scenic 27-mile drive around the east side of the island that provides access to many of the popular destinations in the park. Acadia National Park does charge a fee to enter. For more information, visit: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/fees.htm

The trailhead is located in the southwest corner of the parking lot, marked by a large stump with Gorham Mountain Trail carved into it. You’ll begin with a gradual climb up a stream bed with granite slab before reaching the Waldron Bates Memorial, a bronze plaque on a giant boulder at the junction of the Gorham Mountain and Cadillac Cliffs Trails. From 1900 to 1909, Bates was chairman of the Path Committee of the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association and twenty-five miles of trails were created under his leadership, including Gorham Mountain.

Beyond this point, the trail becomes steeper with some stairs and rock scrambling. If you visit in late July or August, Wild Maine Blueberries lining the trail will fuel your climb. At just over ½ mile, you’ll reach what is known as the false summit of Gorham Mountain. It includes open views of Otter Point to the south and Sand Beach to the northeast. Further ahead is the true summit with panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, including Cadillac Mountain.

After descending to the Bowl Trail, you’ll find yourself at the Park Loop Road, where you’ll turn right towards Sand Beach. From June 15th to September 8th, dogs are not allowed on Sand Beach, but you can view the beach from the top of the stairs leading down to it. At the south end of the Sand Beach parking lot, you’ll connect with the Ocean Path. This trail, composed mainly of flat, packed gravel and concrete, runs along the rocky coast and includes numerous spurs that lead to ocean cliffs with stunning views. 

After two and a half miles, you’ll reach the granite staircase leading down to Thunder Hole. This spot can be crowded, so it’s best to time your visit for early morning or sunset.

Beyond this point, you will reach the picturesque Monument Cove and Otter Cliffs before encountering a large boulder that marks the trailhead and parking area for the Gorham Mountain Trail.

Cross the Park Loop Road to return to the trailhead parking lot. Here is the All Trails link for the full Gorham Mountain Loop. If you'd prefer the shorter Ocean Path Trail, find that here.

If you're looking for more stunning hikes in Bar Harbor, a few of my favorites are the Penobscot Mountain Loop, the Beech Mountain/Beech Cliff Trails, and the Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop. Reach out with questions and enjoy Maine's National Park!