Sorrento MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sorrento, Maine.
1. Bean Island Preserve
ISLAND TRAILS WITH VIEWS
Bean Island Preserve offers a 1.2-mile network of easy to moderate trails weaving through dense forests, rocky shores, and sandy stretches. This 27-acre island, accessible only by kayak or motorboat, rewards hikers with panoramic views of Acadia National Park and glimpses of coastal wildlife and shipwreck remains. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic diversity make it a must-visit for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
2. Acadia National Park - Bar Island Trail
TIDAL PATH TO ISLAND
Acadia National Park's Bar Island Trail is a unique 1.6 km walk that emerges only at low tide, connecting the mainland to Bar Island. Visitors enjoy sweeping views of Frenchman Bay and downtown Bar Harbor as they cross the sandbar and explore forested paths and open meadows on the island. The experience is time-sensitive, requiring attention to tide schedules for a safe return.
3. Acadia Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN ASCENT
The Acadia Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that climbs to one of the park's best viewpoints. Hikers experience mixed hardwood forests, rocky outcrops, and sweeping vistas over Somes Sound and the surrounding islands. This trail is popular among seasoned trekkers seeking both elevation and dramatic scenery.
4. Schoodic Peninsula Trails
SEASIDE PENINSULA PATHS
The Schoodic Peninsula, part of Acadia National Park, features several scenic coastal and forested trails with fewer crowds than Mount Desert Island. Trails like the Schoodic Head Trail offer a blend of spruce woods, granite outcrops, and ocean views. The peninsula's tranquility and dramatic shoreline make it a favorite for hikers seeking a quieter wilderness experience.
5. Great Head Trail
BLUFFS AND OCEAN VIEWS
Great Head Trail is a moderate coastal hike in Acadia National Park known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The roughly 1.4-mile loop traverses rocky terrain, open headlands, and forests, making it both scenic and accessible. It's a favorite for early morning hikers and photographers due to its sunrise vistas.
6. Jordan Pond Path
ICONIC LAKESIDE LOOP
Jordan Pond Path circles the clear, glacial Jordan Pond with a gentle, well-maintained 3.5-mile loop. The trail offers beautiful views of the Bubbles mountains and a peaceful woodland setting, making it ideal for both families and photographers. Boardwalk sections protect the sensitive shoreline ecosystem while providing easy walking.
7. Beehive Trail
LADDER CLIMB ADVENTURE
Beehive Trail is an iconic Acadia hike that challenges visitors with iron rungs and exposed cliffside sections, rewarding them with panoramic views of Sand Beach and the Gulf of Maine. This short but steep loop is best suited to adventurous hikers comfortable with heights. The thrilling ascent and summit scenery make it one of the park's most memorable experiences.
8. Flying Mountain Trail
SHORT MOUNTAIN CLIMB
Flying Mountain Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that rises quickly to a summit overlooking Somes Sound, Maine's only fjord. The route offers forested hillside hiking, occasional wildlife sightings, and unobstructed views from the open summit ledges. It's popular for being short yet offering high rewards in terms of scenery.
9. Ship Harbor Trail
COASTAL FOREST WALK
Ship Harbor Trail is a gentle 1.3-mile loop that leads hikers through spruce forests and along the rocky coastline of Acadia's western side. The path features tide pools and quiet coves ideal for birdwatching and photography. Its flat terrain makes it accessible to families and casual walkers alike.
10. Day Mountain Trail
SCENIC CARRIAGE ROAD VIEW
Day Mountain Trail follows a historic carriage road up to the summit, where sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands await. The steady, moderate grade makes this hike suitable for a variety of fitness levels, including those on horseback or bicycles. The open summit is perfect for picnicking and taking in the Maine coast's natural beauty.