Long Pond Trail

On Acadia’s quiet west side, Long Pond Trail threads the shoreline of Great Long Pond for a peaceful, less-traveled hike with steady water views and deep-woods vibes. It’s the mellow access path many hikers use to launch bigger adventures like Perpendicular Trail or Great Notch—so it’s both a destination and a gateway.

Plan on roughly 4.2 miles total for the main shoreline out-and-back (about 2.1 miles one way). The yellow-blazed segment hugs the water with minimal elevation and easy footing. A blue-blazed section ups the effort with a more noticeable climb; take it if you want a workout or to connect with steeper routes toward Mansell Mountain. This trail does not circle the pond—expect a shoreline stroll that turns inland rather than a full loop.

Scenery is classic “Quiet Side”: a glacier-carved lake framed by forested slopes, occasional fog skimming the surface, and frequent bird activity (seagulls are common along the water). Watch for old stone walls in the woods—a hint of past settlement—and keep an eye on blazes through stretches that can feel lightly maintained.

Start at the south end of Long Pond Road in Southwest Harbor, by the public boat launch. The trailhead sits behind the water pumping station, and parking is limited (about 8 cars) and shared with paddlers. Nearly half of the shoreline is private or locally managed outside park boundaries, so stay on signed paths and respect property lines.

Best time to hike: Summer is excellent—the route is shaded and close to water, making it cooler on hot days. Fall delivers colorful foliage; spring and winter are quieter but can be muddy or icy. For photography and views, a clear, sunny day beats fog. Arrive early for parking, especially on fair-weather weekends when paddlers are active.

Know before you go: Natural surfaces dominate (packed dirt, roots, some rocky patches). Dogs are allowed on leash. No special permits are required beyond standard park entry. If you want a bigger day, take Long Pond Trail as your calm warm-up, then branch to Perpendicular or Great Notch for steep, rewarding climbs. Prefer an easy lakeside walk with fewer people than Jordan Pond? This is your move.