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If you want a gentle Acadia warm‑up right near Bar Harbor, this loop delivers. The Great Meadow Loop circles a roughly 100‑acre freshwater wetland in the Cromwell Brook watershed with open views toward Kebo, Dorr, and Champlain Mountains. It’s an easy, mostly flat 1.8‑mile total loop that trades crowds and summits for birdsong, meadow light, and a quiet slice of park ecology.
What you’ll see
Skirt the edge of the Great Meadow’s grasses and sedges with woods on one side and those granite ridgelines on the other. Expect excellent birding and occasional wildlife in this wetland habitat. The route passes near local landmarks like Kebo Valley Golf Course and Ledgelawn Cemetery, and the setting reflects ongoing efforts to restore more natural water flow after decades of human tinkering.
Trail details
Surfaces are packed earth, grass, and bits of improved tread or boardwalk near the broader Jesup/Hemlock path network. Some low spots can be wet or muddy, especially after rain or in spring. Figure 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace. Elevation change is minimal, making this a true stroll for most hikers.
Access and route ideas
You can access the loop close to downtown Bar Harbor, with convenient parking along Kebo Street. Many visitors connect from the Sieur de Monts area via Jesup Path and Hemlock Path. If you do that combination, you’ll cross Park Loop Road twice where there are no crosswalks—use extra caution.
Best time to hike
It’s walkable year‑round, but the sweet spot is spring through early fall when vegetation is lush and bird activity is high. After sub‑freezing nights, expect lingering frost on grasses and any boardwalk in the morning until the sun warms things. Summer mornings and late afternoons bring softer light across the meadow; shoulder seasons are quieter.
Tips
Wear waterproof footwear if it’s recently rained—sections pool and get muddy. This is also a refreshing alternative when the park’s summits are busy; it usually stays calmer and feels more local. Dogs are allowed on leash. If you’ve got extra time, tack on a quick visit to the nearby Wild Gardens of Acadia from Sieur de Monts.
Pros
- Peaceful, less‑crowded loop minutes from downtown Bar Harbor
- Outstanding wetland birding with broad mountain views
Cons
- Some segments can be wet and muddy after rain
- Park Loop Road crossings on connector routes have no crosswalks
Parking
Street parking along Kebo Street; or start via Sieur de Monts and connect on Jesup/Hemlock paths.
Caution
If combining with Jesup/Hemlock, you’ll cross Park Loop Road twice with no crosswalks. Expect wet or muddy stretches and morning frost after freezing nights.
