Pros & cons
PROS
- Less crowded than South Bubble with equally stellar viewpoints
- Easy to extend to Conners Nubble and Eagle Lake for a rewarding loop
CONS
- Very small trailhead lot that fills early
- Exposed granite ledges are slippery when wet or icy
Park at the Bubbles Divide Trailhead on Park Loop Road; the small lot fills quickly. If full, use the Jordan Pond parking and connect via Jordan Pond Path/Jordan Pond Carry.
Open granite ledges are slick when wet or icy; use care and consider traction in winter. Limited parking—arrive early.
Why go
North Bubble is the quieter sibling to South Bubble, but the payoff is just as good—wide‑open granite ledges with standout views of Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and the surrounding mountains. It’s short, moderately steep, and a crowd‑pleaser for anyone who wants big scenery without committing half a day.
Route snapshot
Start at the Bubbles Divide Trailhead on Park Loop Road. Follow Bubbles Divide about 0.25 miles to the signed junction, then turn right onto the Bubbles Trail toward North Bubble. Expect stone steps at first, then open granite slabs on the final approach. The summit spur is signed and close—sources describe it as a short push from the junction. Total distance varies by exact turnaround point, but plan on roughly 1.0–1.5 miles round trip, out‑and‑back. Elevation gain is brief but meaningful (about 400–550 feet, depending on where you measure).
If you want more, continue past North Bubble to Conners Nubble and loop back via the Eagle Lake Trail and Jordan Pond Carry for roughly 3.4 miles total—an easy way to turn this into a half‑day with additional lake views.
What you’ll see
The draw here is classic Acadia granite—open ledges and a bald summit with postcard views, especially over Jordan Pond. Bubble Rock (the famous glacial erratic) sits on neighboring South Bubble, but North Bubble’s outlooks are broader and usually calmer.
Difficulty and footing
This is a moderate, short hike. No ladders or technical moves, but you’ll encounter uneven rock, stone steps, and stretches of exposed granite that get slick when wet. Families with older kids do fine; just mind the footing on the ledges.
Best time to hike
Fall foliage in mid‑October is prime—color everywhere and crisp air. Spring and summer bring lush greens and wildflowers with comfortable temps. North Bubble sees fewer people than South Bubble, but it’s still popular; go early or late in the day for easier parking and softer light. In winter or after rain, expect ice or slick rock and bring traction.
Tips
- Parking is limited at Bubbles Divide and fills fast. If full, park at Jordan Pond and connect via the Jordan Pond Path/Jordan Pond Carry.
- From Bubbles Divide, watch for the right turn to the Bubbles Trail; ledges come after this junction.
- Want a bigger day? Tag Conners Nubble and loop back along Eagle Lake for a scenic circuit without major extra effort.
Elevation
1.5 mi · 1 hrWhere it starts
44.3411, -68.2505Wildlife on this trail
Near North Bubble Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayBubble Rock TrailShort climb to Acadia’s famous perched boulder and big pond viewsEasy · 1.5 mi · 1.5 hr
0 mi awayConners Nubble TrailQuiet granite summit with big Eagle Lake views and flexible loopsModerate · 4.1 mi · 2.5 hr
0.2 mi awayThe BubblesTwin granite domes with big views and the famous Bubble RockTrailhead · Parking
0.2 mi awaySouth BubbleShort climb to Bubble Rock and huge views over Jordan PondTrailhead · Parking
0.2 mi awayBubble RockA glacial boulder teetering over big Jordan Pond viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.4 mi awayNorth BubbleQuick climb to big Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake panoramasTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayPemetic Mountain West Face TrailShort, steep climb to Pemetic’s big granite views from Bubble PondChallenging · 2.2 mi · 3 hr
0.8 mi awayCadillac Mountain West Face TrailAcadia’s steepest shot to Cadillac’s summit, with big lake views.Challenging · 1.1 mi · 1.5 hr
