South Bubble Trail

Why go

If you want a huge payoff for a short effort, this is your move. South Bubble serves up sweeping views over Jordan Pond (and beyond) and the famous glacial erratic, Bubble Rock, perched dramatically on the cliff’s edge. Expect a popular, social trail with some rocky steps and quick, steep bits—manageable for most hikers who are comfortable with uneven granite.

Route in a nutshell

Most hikers start at the small Bubbles Parking Lot on Park Loop Road and follow Bubbles Divide up the valley. At the junctions, take the spur left to South Bubble, tag the summit, then continue a few minutes to the signed path for Bubble Rock. Turn around and descend the way you came. This classic outing is about 1.5 miles round trip with a few hundred feet of gain. Trails are well marked (look for blue blazes), but there are multiple junctions nearby, so a quick map check never hurts.

Prefer a circuit? You can link South Bubble with Jordan Pond Path for a short loop (roughly 1.4–1.5 miles) or go bigger—visit both North and South Bubble and add Jordan Pond Path for an excellent ~5-mile loop. The Bubbles Divide–Jordan Pond Carry connector gives you flexibility to stitch together what you want.

What you’ll see

Panoramas over Jordan Pond are the star, with Eagle Lake and neighboring peaks filling the horizon. You’ll walk through spruce–fir forest, over rock steps and open granite, and finish on ledges near the summit. Bubble Rock—arguably Maine’s most famous boulder—is the geologic cherry on top: a glacial erratic delivered and dropped by ancient ice. It’s photogenic, not a playground—don’t push or climb it, and give cliff edges a respectful buffer.

Difficulty and footing

Call it moderately challenging for the short loops: steady grade, rocky footing, brief scrambles near the top. Granite gets slick when wet, and in winter it can ice up—traction helps. This is a standard backcountry footpath and not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

Logistics and tips

• Parking is limited at the Bubbles lot and fills fast—go early or aim for a weekday. There are no restrooms at the trailhead; the nearest are at Jordan Pond House.
• Wear grippy shoes; the granite slabs can be slippery after rain.
• Leashed dogs are allowed, but some pups may struggle with the steeper, rocky sections.
• Stay on marked trails and away from cliff edges, especially around Bubble Rock.

Best time to hike

April through October is prime. Mornings offer cooler temps, softer light on Jordan Pond, and a fighting chance at parking. Fall color here is outstanding. In winter, the trail is still hikeable with proper traction and caution on icy ledges.