Pros & cons
PROS
- Quiet, panoramic high point of the Schoodic Peninsula
- Short, linkable trail network with fun granite ledges
CONS
- No facilities at the summit
- Trails include steep, rocky sections and light scrambling
Overview
Schoodic Head is the Schoodic Peninsula’s high point (about 442 feet) and the spot to get that big ocean-and-island panorama without the Mount Desert Island crowds. The summit itself is a rounded, mostly wooded bump, but ledges and nearby outlooks open up views to Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Point, and the Gulf of Maine.
Why it’s worth your time
On Schoodic, elevated viewpoints are rare—this is the mountaintop experience here. The vibe is intentionally low-key and minimally developed, so you get coastal vistas and mossy spruce–birch forest without the bustle.
Trails and how to hike it
Multiple trails knit together to reach the top:
- Schoodic Head Trail (about 0.6 miles one-way): short but rocky with some steep pitches and minor scrambles.
- Anvil Trail: climbs past “the Anvil,” a rocky outcrop with its own views.
- Alder Trail and Schoodic Head East Trail: alternatives that let you make a satisfying loop.
Common access is from the small Blueberry Hill parking area on the one-way Schoodic Loop Road; Schoodic Woods Campground has more parking but is farther away. Expect roughly 425 feet of gain if you start near sea level.
What you’ll see
- Big views over the Schoodic coastline, offshore islands, Mount Desert Island, and open Atlantic.
- Classic coastal granite ledges shaped by glaciers and storm waves.
- In season, look for wildflowers and fungi on the forest floor.
Wildlife
Keep an eye out for seabirds and gulls swirling along the cliffs and open ledges. Bring binoculars if birding is your thing.
Logistics and expectations
There are no services at the summit: no water, no restrooms, no picnic tables. Frazer Point (elsewhere on the peninsula) has restrooms, drinking water, and picnic tables, and Schoodic Woods is the nearby campground. Dogs are allowed on-leash (6 feet).
Best time to visit
- Early morning for solitude and soft side-light on the islands.
- Weekdays are typically quieter than peak summer weekends.
- Sunset can cast nice color but you won’t get a direct horizon drop; aim for golden hour for the best photos.
- Coastal weather changes fast—carry a layer even on warm days.
Where it is
44.3508, -68.0530Tips for Schoodic Head
- 01Park at the small Blueberry Hill lot and build a loop via Anvil and Alder.
- 02Trekking poles and sturdy shoes help on steep, rooty pitches.
- 03Carry water and snacks—there are no services at the summit.
- 04Have your park pass; rangers do spot checks on the Schoodic Loop Road.
- 05Start early for quieter trails and better photography light.
Amenities
Near Schoodic Head
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayEast Trail (Schoodic)Schoodic's shortest, steepest sprint to wide-open coastal viewsChallenging · 0.5 mi · 30 min
0.9 mi awayAnvil TrailShort, rugged climb to Schoodic Head with classic granite viewsModerate · 1 mi · 1.2 hr
1.1 mi awayRockefeller HallHistoric Schoodic welcome center with exhibits and nearby trail accessVisitor Center · Exhibit
1.1 mi awayRavens NestHidden Schoodic cliffs glowing at sunset over open AtlanticPullout · Parking
1.3 mi awaySchoodic PointWild Atlantic waves on granite slabs with big island viewsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
2 mi awayFrazer PointQuiet seaside picnic area with a fishing pier and Schoodic viewsRestroom · Parking
6.2 mi awaySchooner Head PathQuiet forest stroll to big ocean views at Schooner HeadEasy · 2.5 mi · 1.3 hr
6.6 mi awayOcean PathClassic coastal stroll from Sand Beach to Otter PointEasy · 4.4 mi · 2.5 hr
