Long Pond Trail (Isle au Haut)

If you’re chasing solitude in Acadia, this is your move. Long Pond Trail loops through spruce forest to the shores of its namesake freshwater pond on Isle au Haut—a quiet, rough-cut corner of the park reached only by mail boat from Stonington. Expect a remote feel, light signage, and sections that can be hard to follow. The loop is about 3.0 miles total, but plan for a slower pace than mainland Acadia.

What you’ll see: mossy, lichen-rich woods, stretches of rooty tread, occasional marshy bits, and serene glimpses of the long, narrow pond. Keep an eye out for old stone walls and rounded “dinosaur egg” boulders—quirky relics of land use and glacial history that add character. In summer, open patches can brim with lowbush blueberries.

The footing is classic Isle au Haut: rugged and uneven, with short, sometimes steep pitches. After rain, some segments turn muddy—and in spring, low spots can be wet or even briefly underwater. Navigation can be tricky where the corridor feels overgrown, so don’t rely on instinct; bring a reliable map or offline GPS and pay attention at junctions.

Access is part of the adventure. You’ll ride the Stonington mail boat to the island, then walk roughly 3 miles along the dirt loop road to reach the trail—there’s no convenient car parking at a trailhead here. That barrier keeps crowds away. If you’re hoping for a post-hike dip, locals use a small sandy spot at the pond’s south end off the main road (outside the park).

Best time to hike: late April/early May through mid-November for reasonable weather and boat access. Blueberry season (mid–late summer) sweetens the deal. Spring brings bugs and wet tread; summer has more mosquitoes and ticks; fall delivers crisp air and fewer insects. Aim for morning or late afternoon for softer light on the water and even more quiet.

Bottom line: it’s a short loop with a big backcountry feel—great if you value quiet over peak-bagging. If you want dramatic granite ridges and easy logistics, you’ll be happier on the mainland. If you want Acadia to yourself, this scratches the itch.

Tips: bring extra water and layers—there are no services. Waterproof boots and trekking poles help in mud. Pets are allowed on leash, but the footing is rough. Bikes aren’t permitted on hiking trails here.