Acadia National Park maintains more than 120 mi of hiking paths, from easy strolls around lakes and ponds to rigorous treks with climbs up rock faces and scrambles along cliffs. Although most hiking trails are on the east side of the island, the west side also has some scenic trails. For those wishing for a long climb, try the trails leading up Cadillac Mountain or Dorr Mountain. Another option is to climb Parkman, Sargeant, and Penobscot mountains. Most of the hiking is done from mid-May to mid-October. Snow falls early in Maine, so from late October to the end of March, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing replace hiking.

The Hulls Cove Visitor Center and area bookstores have trail guides and maps and will help you match a trail with your interests and abilities. You can park at one end of any trail and use the free shuttle bus to get back to your starting point.

Distances for trails are given for the round-trip hike.

Caution

A couple of people a year fall off one of the park's trails or cliffs and are swept out to sea. There is a lot of loose, rocky gravel along the shoreline, and sea rocks can often be slippery—so watch your step. Don't bring a sudden end to your visit by trying to get that "impossible" photo op.

Easy

Cadillac Summit. The ½-mi trail around the summit is mostly level and offers panoramic views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the outer islands. Cadillac Summit parking lot.

Carriage Roads. A treasure because of their historical significance and scenic vistas, the park's carriage roads make for an easy walk. There are several to choose from; distances vary. Throughout the park.

Jordan Pond Nature Trail. This 1-mi trail loops through a forest setting. Jordan Pond parking lot.

Ocean Patch Trail. This 3.6-mi, easily accessible trail runs parallel to the Loop Road from Sand Beach to Otter Point. It has some of the best scenery in Maine: the cliffs and boulders of pink granite at the ocean's edge, the twisted branches of the dwarf jack pines, and ocean views that stretch to the horizon. Sand Beach or Otter Point parking area.

Ship Harbor Nature Trail. Located on the southwestern side of the island, just beyond Seawall, this mostly flat, 1.3-mi trail winds through the woods and along the seashore. The nearby Wonderland Trail offers a similar walk. Ship Harbor parking area.

Moderate

Bowl Trail. Beginning 100 feet north of Sand Beach, this 1.4-mi trail goes through forest and includes granite ledges and a pond. Sand Beach parking area.

Bubble Rock Trail. The 1-mi trail through the forest includes views of Jordan Pond. Bubble Rock parking area.

Jordan Pond Shore Trail. This 3.3-mi loop follows the water's edge; there are some rocky sections. Jordan Pond parking area.

Acadia Leaf Peeping

The fall foliage in Maine can be spectacular. Because of the moisture, the fall foliage comes later along the coast than it does in the interior of the state. In the interior, it's usually the last week of September, whereas along the coast, it's usually around the middle of October. The best way to catch the colors along the coast is travel on the Acadia National Park Loop Road. In fall 2007, the National Park Service placed Acadia National Park on its fall foliage list of "The 10 Best Places in the U.S. to Take Photographs." For up-to-date information, go online to www.mainefoliage.com.

Difficult

Acadia Mountain Trail. This is the king of the trails. The 2½-mi round-trip climb up Acadia Mountain is steep and strenuous—but the payoff is grand: views of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor. If you want a guided trip, look into the ranger-led hikes for this trail. Acadia Mountain parking area, on Rte. 102.

Beehive Trail. This 0.8-mi hike is a steep climb from woods to exposed cliffs. 100 ft north of Sand Beach parking area.

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. Only for the experienced hiker, this 7.4-mi trail ascends gradually from a beautiful forest setting to granite. 100 ft south of Blackwoods Campground.

Pemetic Mountain Trail. This 2.4-mi trail packs a punch with its array of terrain: forest, ocean, and lake views. Bubble Pond parking area.

Precipice Trail. This 1.6-mi, nearly 1,000-foot vertical climb is the most challenging trail and is only for the most experienced and the most physically fit. Watch for peregrine falcons along the way. Schooner Head parking area of the Park Loop Rd.