Pemetic Mountain Loop

Pemetic Mountain Loop is a 4-mile circuit from the Jordan Pond boat launch, joining a lakeside path and woodland carry with a steep Northwest Ridge climb, an open granite summit, and a rough South Ridge descent. The park gives an average time of 2–3 hours; plan toward the longer end if you stop at the top or take time on the scramble. Choose it for a compact hike that changes character several times. Skip the climb if you only want an easy pond walk.

From the boat launch, follow Jordan Pond Path along the pond's east side for about 0.8 mile; the trail looks across to South Bubble. Turn onto Jordan Pond Carry and stay on it to Bubble Rock parking. Cross Park Loop Road at the Northwest Ridge trailhead and climb to the summit. Descend by South Ridge to the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path junction, then turn right toward the lake; the last 0.4 mile returns you to Jordan Pond House and the North Lot. The Bubble Rock lot is an intermediate access point, not this loop's start.

Northwest Ridge starts with a rocky forest climb and soon divides into two options. The ledge is an exposed, steep granite face. The ravine threads between granite walls and climbs two wooden ladders. The routes rejoin, but wet rock makes the ledge a poor choice; use the ravine in wet conditions. Keep an eye out for blue blazes on rock and trees so you don't miss the split.

The trees give way to broad granite slabs and a near-360-degree outlook over Jordan Pond, Penobscot and Sargent mountains, the ocean, and islands. This is the place to linger. Leave a strip of pale rock in a phone photo so the wooded ridges and island chain read as a summit view.

South Ridge stays on rocky granite and gives open views for much of the descent, then drops back into forest. It has less scrambling than the Northwest side, but remains steep underfoot. At the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path junction, turn right for Jordan Pond and follow the path back to the trailhead.

Start at the Jordan Pond boat launch; the North Lot is just before Jordan Pond House, where restrooms are available. Acadia requires an entrance pass year-round, but no hike reservation is needed. Dogs are prohibited on this route, and its steep, uneven footing, iron rungs, and ladders make it inaccessible. For an easier outing, walk the first 0.8 mile along Jordan Pond's east shore and turn back before Jordan Pond Carry.