Flying Mountain Loop

Flying Mountain Loop is a 1.5-mile circuit from Fernald Point Road over a small granite summit, down to Valley Cove, and back through the woods. Most hikers take one to two hours; allow about 90 minutes if you want time at the ledges and shore. It packs two very different stops into a short walk: a steep little mountain climb above Somes Sound and a rocky cove at the water. The mileage is modest, but the footing is real hiking throughout. Choose it for a compact summit-and-shore outing, not for a smooth, easy stroll.

The trail starts on log and gravel steps through forest. As it climbs, the tread gets rougher underfoot: roots and irregular rock replace the steps, then the route crosses exposed granite ledges near the top. Overlooks open east toward Somes Sound and south toward the ocean. The climb to the summit is roughly 200 feet, but the steep, uneven sections can make it feel harder than the number suggests. Take your time on the ledges; you do not need to hurry to the top to get the views.

Continue north along the ridge past the summit markers. A short out-and-back spur reaches an east-facing overlook; retrace it to rejoin the main path. Flying Mountain rises to 284 feet, so the reward is more about the open granite and water views than a long ascent. For a summit photo, keep some granite in the foreground with Somes Sound beyond it; a frame filled only with water loses the sense of being up on the ledges.

From the ridge, the trail descends over rocky ground and stone steps to Valley Cove. The shore is rocky rather than sandy, and it makes a good pause after the exposed climb. A local trail history says British ships used the cove as shelter and took drinking water from Man O' War Brook Waterfall. The waterfall is not on this short loop, so do not follow the northbound trail unless you are deliberately choosing a longer walk.

The short loop crosses a flat grassy stretch and then follows Valley Cove Road through forest back to the parking area; that road is for foot traffic only. It is easier than the summit climb, but footing remains uneven. Continuing north from the cove toward Valley Peak creates a separate 3.1-mile loop. The 1.5-mile figure here includes the complete return to Fernald Point Road.

From ME 102 just before Southwest Harbor, turn left onto Fernald Point Road and continue to the parking area on the left. There is no public transportation to this trailhead. A park entrance pass is required year-round, though there is no separate trail fee or reservation. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than six feet. The route is not accessible because of uneven footing, and there are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead. It can work for skilled young hikers, but anyone uneasy on steep rock or exposed ledges may be happier on a flatter trail.