Cobble beach and pink granite at Hunters Beach.
33 Hunters Beach Trail
This lovely short hike leads to a cobble beach on the Atlantic and the chance to explore an unusual sea cliff at low tide. The trail also offers some special views of Baker Island, Little Cranberry Island, and nearby ocean ledges.
Distance: 0.4 mile out and back
Hiking time: About 30 to 45 minutes
Trail surface: Wooden bridges, forest floor, cobble beach
Best season: Spring through fall
Other trail users: Local residents using nearby old village improvement association trails
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Map: USGS Acadia National Park and Vicinity
Special considerations: No facilities; limited parking
Finding the trailhead: From downtown Bar Harbor, head south on ME 3 toward Seal Harbor, and travel 0.6 mile past the Blackwoods Campground entrance. Turn left (southeast) at Cooksey Drive (no trucks, buses, trailers, or campers allowed on this road, which is labeled Sea Cliff Drive on some maps) and travel 0.2 mile to a small gravel parking area on the left (east) side of the road. The trailhead is on the southeastern end of the parking area. The Island Explorer does not stop here. GPS: N44 30.24' / W68 22.10'
The Hike
To reach the cobble beach and sea cliff, start on a wide pine-needle-covered path and then descend slightly to a footbridge. Hunters Brook, with large boulders scattered all over, can be seen flowing to your left (east).
A short boardwalk provides easy access over the brook to the end of the trail and Hunters Beach.
This could be one of the best spots in Acadia to step along a cobble and boulder beach and get close to some cliffs and ocean waves.
Cobble beach and pink granite at Hunters Beach.
The trail, which dates back to the 1890s, is not well publicized, and it can seem remote. At certain times you might have this beach all to yourself or share it with only a few other visitors or seabirds known as common eiders.
To the left, facing the Atlantic, pink and black granite cliffs rise from the shore. At low tide only, you can walk along an inlet and between the amazing volcanic cliffs with their pillars and jagged rock.
Caution: Watch the tide if you walk along this tiny inlet, or you might get trapped by the rushing waves.
Take some time to enjoy the views south over the ocean to Bunker Ledge with its monument, the circular Baker Island, and adjacent Little Cranberry Island. Take away pictures and memories, not beach cobbles or anything else you find along the trail.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the Hunters Beach trailhead, on the southeastern end of the trailhead parking area on Cooksey Drive.
0.2Reach the cobble beach, with a sea cliff to the left (east) worth exploring at low tide. Retrace your steps.
0.4Arrive back at the trailhead.