Sunset at Little Hunters Beach.
34 Little Hunters Beach
The jagged, pink granite cliffs off this cobble beach are reminiscent of the cliffs on Isle au Haut, a remote island that is part of the park. Little Hunters Beach features a seasonal brook that rushes to the sea, smooth cobblestones, and views of Little Cranberry Island. This is a good place to see tidal pools at low tide or the pounding ocean at high tide.
Distance: 0.2 mile out and back
Hiking time: About 15 minutes
Trail surface: Wooden stairs, cobble beach, rock ledges
Best season: Spring through fall
Other trail users: Motorists stopping along the Park Loop Road
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Map: USGS Acadia National Park and Vicinity
Special considerations: No facilities
Finding the trailhead: From the park’s visitor center, drive south on the Park Loop Road for about 3 miles and turn left (east) at the sign for Sand Beach. Follow the one-way Park Loop Road, going 4.3 miles beyond Sand Beach and 1.6 miles beyond Otter Cove. Drive past three parking turnouts after Otter Cove, one after another, and park at the next pullout on the right (north) side of the Park Loop Road, near a stone bridge. The stairs down to the beach are on the left (south) side of the Park Loop Road. There is no nearby Island Explorer stop. GPS: N44 29.86' / W68 21.14'
The Hike
The walk begins along a charming wooden stairway, with thirty-five steps and double-log hand railings. To the right, depending on the season and any rainfall, a brook comes rushing out from under a stone-faced bridge on the Park Loop Road.
The beach is about 100 yards long. It’s a nice place for listening to the ocean waves, exploring the tidal line, or examining some ancient, rounded cobblestones.
There are also great views of some good-size sea-stained pink cliffs, Baker Island, and Little Cranberry Island.
The beach is best explored at low tide or during calm seas. Heed the sign: Do Not Remove Beach Stones.
Sunset at Little Hunters Beach.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the stairs down to Little Hunters Beach, on the left (south) side of the Park Loop Road.
0.1Reach the shoreline. Retrace your steps.
0.2Arrive back at the top of the stairs.