Hunters Beach Trail

Hunters Beach Trail is a short out-and-back from Cooksey Drive to the cove where Hunters Brook reaches the sea. Allow about 0.6 miles round trip and 30–60 minutes, including time on the beach. The mostly easy walk through woods ends at a quiet shore of rounded cobbles, not sand.

The path drops from the road into thick forest, with young pines along the way, then follows Hunters Brook toward the coast. The short beach walk is separate from the longer routes over Hunters Cliffs and Day Mountain. Near the shore, the brook crosses the approach. Whether a bridge now spans it is unclear, so expect uneven footing and judge the crossing before continuing.

Hunters Brook threads between surf-rounded stones, from large boulders to small cobbles, before reaching the ocean. The loose rocks are awkward underfoot. From the cove, frame the stream running through the stones toward the water for a photo.

The trailhead is on Cooksey Drive, just outside the park boundary; the path enters Acadia. Roadside parking at the original start is limited. A 12-car lot on Route 3 serves the wider Day Mountain and Hunters Cliffs network, but its direct connection to this short beach walk is unclear; follow current trail signs if using it. Dogs are allowed on most Acadia trails and must stay on a leash no longer than six feet.