Gorham Mountain Trail

Enjoyable Acadia Hiking

The Gorham Mountain Trail is a typical "along the ridges" hike. Fun Acadia hiking!

Still, it made a great second hike on a day when our first hike just didn't quite fulfill us! It's easy to get to, being located right along the Ocean Drive portion of the Park Loop Road, and only a couple of miles from Sand Beach near Thunder Hole.

It offers some really fine features, such as squeezing through rock "tunnels" to rolling ridges on Acadia's signature smooth rock faces, capped by a magnificent view of the coast. It's a super hike for families or large groups.

Trail Description

Distance: 4.2 mi
Type of Hike: Loop
Where to Park: Sand Beach parking, walk down the Ocean Drive path

This trail was built as a memorial to Waldron Bates (father of Acadia’s trail system). You begin the hike on Ocean Drive Trail near Sand Beach. To get to the trail head, walk down the trail until you see the sign for Gorham Trail.

As the trail climbs, you'll be walking over smooth rocks till you get to a split in the trail. At the split, follow the trail to the right if you want to see Cadillac Cliffs. Next, follow the trail to the left, where it squeezes past rocks and passes a cavern, some stone steps and eventually rises to the summit.

Once you've enjoyed the views, head down following the trail to the north towards the Beehive. You will enters a woods section, and after a bit, small stone steps lead to the parking lot.

Insider Tips

• Even with a 4 mile loop, this trail goes fairly quickly, so it's easy to combine it with another short hike, all in the same day.
• The Gorham Mountain Trail follows the southern reaches of the Champlain Ridge
• This hike is a good beginner hike or one to do with small children

In summary, if you're looking for a more challenging family or short day hike than the nature trails or the loop around Jordan Pond, try the Gorham Mountain Trail. You won't be sorry!

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