Pros & cons
PROS
- Legit sunset vantage with fewer people than the park’s headliners
- Cool history touch: Van Santvoord Trail plaque near East Triad
CONS
- Several junctions; easy to miss turns without a good map
- Granite ledges get slick after rain
Park at Jordan Pond for the most straightforward access (ample parking), or start from the Park Loop Road overpass by Day Mountain to climb directly onto the ridge.
Uneven, rocky footing and slick granite after rain; multiple intersections require careful navigation. If extending via Hunters Brook, expect stone‑hopping stream crossings. Bring a headlamp if staying for sunset.
The Triad Trail is a low-key winner if you want classic Acadia granite, woods, and views without the crowds. It climbs the three-knobbed ridge known as The Triad, with panoramas toward Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, Seal Harbor, and the Atlantic. Expect a mix of forest path and open ledges—very Acadia, just quieter.
Route options are flexible. The most direct outing is about 2.4 miles total (round-trip) starting from the Jordan Pond area, with moderate, sometimes rocky grades. You can also approach from the Park Loop Road overpass by Day Mountain and head straight up to East Triad. The trail then rolls across the ridge, crossing the Hunters Brook Trail (Triad Pass) and passing Middle Triad; the West Triad is often praised for its views toward Seal Harbor. If you’re feeling ambitious, link-ups to Pemetic or Day Mountain and the nearby carriage roads make easy loop extensions.
Footing is typical Acadia: roots, rocks, and granite slabs that turn slick after rain. Intersections can come fast, especially around brooks—bring a real map or offline GPS and pay attention at junctions. Trekking poles help on the steeper, ledgy bits. If you add Hunters Brook, expect stone‑hopping water crossings.
This summit shines as a sunset spot—fewer people and wide angles to the coast. If you time it that way, pack a headlamp and warm layers for the descent. Near East Triad’s summit marker, look for the small plaque commemorating the historic Van Santvoord Trail—an early slice of Acadia trail history still echoed by today’s routes.
Best time to hike: spring through fall for dry rock and crisp views. Summer brings more visitors park‑wide, but The Triad stays comparatively mellow. Winter is possible, but ice and snow demand proper traction and caution.
Bottom line: not the park’s flashiest summit, but an underrated, peaceful ridge with real views, easy loop potential, and a dash of history. If you want a bigger challenge or bigger vistas, Pemetic is nearby; if you want calm and scenery without a slog, The Triad hits the sweet spot.
Elevation
2.4 mi · 1.5 hrWhere it starts
44.3016, -68.2241Near The Triad Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayDay Mountain TrailShort, view-rich summit hike with a historic carriage road optionEasy · 1.6 mi · 1 hr
0 mi awayDay Mountain Carriage Road LoopGentle carriage-road loop with ocean views and granite charmEasy · 3.2 mi · 1.8 hr
0.7 mi awayLittle Hunters BeachSecluded cobblestone cove where waves make the rocks singPullout · Parking
0.7 mi awayDay MountainQuieter summit with a carriage road you can bike toTrailhead · Parking
0.9 mi awayCadillac South Ridge TrailA quieter, scenic climb to Cadillac’s busy summit.Moderate · 7.1 mi · 5 hr
0.9 mi awayEagles Crag TrailQuick ledge detour with sweeping ocean-and-forest viewsEasy · 0.3 mi · 12 min
1 mi awayBlackwoods CampgroundWooded, in-park basecamp with trails and shuttle at your doorCampground · Restroom
1.1 mi awayWildwood StablesHorse-drawn carriage tours on Rockefeller’s car-free carriage roadsParking · Restroom
