Grandgent Trail

Grandgent Trail is an about 1.1-mile one-way ridge route between Parkman Mountain and Sargent Mountain, crossing Gilmore Peak. The mapped tread measures just under a mile and other mileage estimates differ, so treat 1.1 miles as approximate. Both ends are trail junctions rather than road access, which makes this most useful as one leg of a longer ridge walk. Allow about 1½ to 2 hours for the segment and plan the route back before you start.

From the Parkman end, the trail drops sharply toward a saddle, then climbs roughly 300 feet to Gilmore Peak. The rocky route keeps changing grade as it continues toward Sargent; a sampled elevation profile suggests about 570 feet of uphill from Parkman to the Sargent side, with additional drops along the way. The distance is short, but the rough granite and steep grades make it a hard outing.

The upper approach opens out of the trees, with views west and north across Acadia. The summit marker stands on open granite above lakes and forested islands. For a photo, include the post and foreground boulders with the water beyond; that keeps the route’s rocky setting in the frame.

Grandgent is a connector, not a standalone walk from a car park. The nearby Giant Slide Loop uses it as part of a 5.7-mile circuit; its roadside access is on ME 198 about a mile south of ME 233. That approach begins on private land, so stay on the marked trail and respect the owner’s privacy. Acadia’s entrance pass is required year-round. Leashed dogs up to six feet are allowed, though the park does not recommend this steep route for pets.