South Bubble

Overview

South Bubble is the rounded granite peak above Jordan Pond, famous for Bubble Rock—a glacial erratic that looks improbably balanced on the cliff. It’s one of those classic Acadia moments: a manageable hike with outsized views.

What You'll See

• Panoramas over Jordan Pond with Pemetic, Penobscot, and Sargent Mountains framing the scene.
• The Bubble Rock spur near the summit for the money-shot photos down to Park Loop Road and, on clear days, distant ocean.

The Hike

• Fast option: About 1.0 mile round trip to Bubble Rock from the Bubbles Parking Area on Park Loop Road.
• Loop option: Roughly 1.7 miles total, typically 1–2 hours.
• Elevation: ~250 feet up to South Bubble; the loop toward Jordan Pond drops about 400 feet—steep, rocky, and slower in reverse.
• Expect rocky footing and a short bit of scrambling near the top.

Logistics & Amenities

• Access from the Bubbles Divide/Bubbles Trail at the small roadside Bubbles Parking Area.
• No services at the trailhead or summit—bring water and snacks.
• Fee area with active enforcement; have your park pass and park only in designated spaces.
• Island Explorer shuttle is a smart backup: routes #4 or #5; ask the driver for the Bubbles Divide parking area between Jordan Pond House and Bubble Pond.

Geology 101

The Bubbles are granite domes sculpted by Ice Age glaciers. Bubble Rock is a textbook glacial erratic—carried and deposited far from its source, now teetering photogenically on South Bubble’s east face.

Safety Notes

The ledges around Bubble Rock drop off quickly. Rock can be slick when wet—move carefully, especially if you descend toward Jordan Pond, which is steep and rough.

Pair It Up

Tag North Bubble for an extra summit and different angles over Jordan Pond; many hikers do both from the same trailhead.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
• Fall foliage ups the wow factor and can ease parking outside peak weekends.
• Weekdays beat weekends for crowd levels.