Pemetic North Ridge Trail

Pemetic North Ridge Trail climbs from the north end of Bubble Pond to Pemetic Mountain, one of Mount Desert Island’s central peaks. The mapped summit-and-back walk is about 2.6 miles, with roughly 900 feet of climbing over a 1.3-mile ascent each way; allow 2 to 3 hours. The named 1.1-mile North Ridge segment reaches the Pemetic Northwest junction just short of the high point. This route continues along the short shared ridge to the summit, then returns the same way. That final approach is why the complete walk is longer than the named segment alone. It is an out-and-back, not a loop, and the payoff is concentrated at the top.

From the Bubble Pond north access, the trail quickly enters a pine forest and climbs steadily over exposed roots and rough, uneven rock. The grade is sustained rather than broken up by a long level traverse, and some rocky sections run near cliffs. Trees block most broad views along the climb, so expect a focused uphill walk before the landscape opens. Near the top, the North Ridge meets Pemetic Northwest; continue along the ridge connection to the mountain’s high point instead of turning down another route. The return follows the same rough ground, where the rocky footing takes as much attention downhill as it does on the climb.

The forest thins onto an open granite top at about 1,250 feet. From here, Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond sit among the nearby peaks; the panorama also reaches across the bay and ocean to Mount Desert Island’s outer islands. Cadillac, Sargent and Penobscot are among the recognizable mountains on the horizon. For a photo, keep a strip of summit granite or a pine in the foreground and include water and the distant islands behind it; a horizon-only shot loses the sense of height and place.

North Ridge is a direct northern ascent with a wooded approach and one broad summit payoff. The Northwest route is a separate, steeper scramble, while the longer Pemetic circuit from Jordan Pond combines the Northwest and South ridges. Choose one of those if you want a loop or a different climb; they do not form part of this out-and-back. The North Ridge suits hikers looking for a short, strenuous mountain climb, not someone seeking an easy pondside walk or frequent viewpoints.

Use the small Bubble Pond parking area along Park Loop Road; spaces are very limited. A seasonal, fare-free Island Explorer stop serves the lot when buses are operating, and can be a useful alternative to parking. Acadia requires an entrance pass. No drinking water or food service was confirmed at this access, so arrive with what you need for the climb. Dogs are allowed on this route but must stay on a leash no longer than six feet; the steep, rocky tread can be difficult for dogs as well as people.