Sargent Northwest Trail

This is the quieter, steeper way up Sargent Mountain—Acadia’s second-highest summit at 1,362 feet—with a classic mix of mossy forest, rocky tread, and broad granite ledges. From the west side of the mountain, the Sargent Northwest Trail climbs quickly through trees before breaking onto open rock with increasingly panoramic views across Mount Desert Island.

Length is about 1.0 mile one way (2.0 miles total if you return the same way), with roughly 870 feet of gain. Expect sustained, sometimes very steep grades on uneven granite and rocky scrambles. It’s a hiking-only segment that often gets woven into bigger ridge days—think links to Parkman, Bald Peak, or a longer summit loop once you pop out near Sargent’s trail junctions.

The draw here is solitude and scenery: fewer people than the park’s marquee peaks, and real payoff once you hit the open ledges—360-degree feel near the top with mountains, valleys, and coastline on display. The flip side: there are no facilities, little shade on upper slabs, and the rock can be slick after rain or icy in cold snaps.

Best time to hike: late spring through fall for milder weather and clear views. Winter is possible for experienced hikers with traction—expect icy ledges and strong winds near the summit. Go early or late in the day for softer light and calmer summit traffic. Layers are smart; it’s often cooler and windier up high than at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection for the exposed upper section, and a map or GPS if you plan to connect trails at the top.

If you’re debating routes up Sargent, this northwest line is a great pick for strong hikers who prefer a direct, rugged ascent without crowds—rewarding and efficient. If you’d rather a more gradual approach, consider stitching it into a longer loop that uses gentler neighboring ridges and carriage road approaches.