Bernard Mountain Trail

Bernard Mountain Trail is a 2.5-mile loop from Mill Field with about 930 feet of climbing; allow two to three hours. The route reaches Bernard Mountain’s 1,071-foot, tree-covered top and returns through the forest. You can walk it either way. Counterclockwise begins gently on Sluiceway for about 0.4 mile, then steepens for another half-mile toward the summit; clockwise puts the Bernard-side climb first and returns on Sluiceway.

Most of the effort is on the rocky, rooted upper climb. The trail rises over ledges, then levels out for a short stretch near the summit. Expect uneven footing rather than a smooth walk, and take your time over roots and rock.

Bernard’s summit is heavily wooded, and new growth has blocked much of its old summit view. A small west-facing opening just beyond the Sluiceway junction looks across the western end of Mount Desert Island, though hemlocks partly screen it. For a clearer outlook, continue east across Little Notch to Knight Nubble’s small overlook toward Mansell Mountain and Southwest Harbor. That extra walk is outside the mapped 2.5-mile loop. The separate Great Notch itinerary is longer and uses different junctions.

Seal Cove Road leads to Western Mountain Road and the Mill Field trailhead; it becomes gravel after entering park land. Its gate is usually closed from November through April, so check current access notices before a winter trip. An Acadia entrance pass is required unless you already have a qualifying pass. Dogs are allowed on this trail under the park’s leash rule: keep them on a leash no longer than six feet.