Razorback Trail

Razorback rides a narrow spine of exposed granite on the west side of Mount Desert Island, with airy views over Long Pond and out toward the Cranberry Isles. It’s a quieter, more rugged slice of Acadia—less famous than the coastal headliners, but no less satisfying if you like open ledges and ridge walking.

Length-wise, the Razorback segment itself is about 0.9 miles one way over the ridge. Most hikers fold it into the classic Perpendicular–Razorback loop (nearly 3 miles total with roughly 1,000 feet of gain), climbing Perpendicular’s famed stonework and short iron-rung bits to the Mansell area, then following Razorback along the ridge to complete the loop. If you just want Razorback, you can treat it as an out-and-back connector along the ridge.

Expect mixed footing—packed dirt and roots in the woods, then long stretches of bare granite with short, steep pitches. It’s never a full-on “ladders trail,” but some sections demand hands and careful footwork, and the open ledges can feel exposed. The name makes sense up top: the domed slabs and knobs look like a dino’s back in profile.

Crowds are thinner here than on the Park Loop Road side, which is a big part of the appeal. Do bring a map or GPS: junctions with Gilley, Cold Brook, and other Western Mountain trails can be confusing the first time. On dry days the ridge is a joy; when wet or icy, granite turns slick fast—skip it after rain or in freeze/thaw.

Best time to hike: late spring through fall, aiming for dry conditions. Summer offers big, clear views but little shade on the ridge—start early or late for cooler temps and softer light. If you love stonework and a punchy ascent, go up Perpendicular and down Razorback; if you only want the ridge feel and views, Razorback is the star of the loop.

Getting there: use the Western Mountain trailheads along Long Pond Road to access the Perpendicular–Razorback loop and nearby connections in the Long Pond/Mansell network.