A classic Acadia view from the Jordan Pond Nature Trail includes pink granite along the shoreline, and the Bubbles, a pair of rounded mountains, on the horizon.
Jordan Pond, Bubbles, and Eagle Lake Area
37 Jordan Pond Nature Trail
This short interpretive nature trail leads through woods and along Jordan Pond, taking you past unique views. A brochure is available, describing the effects still visible from the 1947 inferno that burned much of Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Distance: 0.5-mile loop
Hiking time: About 30 minutes
Trail surface: Graded gravel path
Best season: Spring through fall, particularly early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid the crowds
Other trail users: Motorists using the Jordan Pond boat ramp road that crosses the trail to unload their canoes or kayaks; hikers along the nearby Jordan Pond Path; people walking their bikes to the nearby Jordan Pond House
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted on the trail but not in Jordan Pond
Map: USGS Acadia National Park and Vicinity
Special considerations: Accessible to visitors with wheelchairs or baby strollers. Chemical toilet at trailhead; full facilities available seasonally at the nearby Jordan Pond House. No swimming or dogs are allowed in Jordan Pond, which serves as a public water supply.
Finding the trailhead: From the park’s visitor center, head south on the two-way Park Loop Road for about 7.6 miles, and turn right (north) into the Jordan Pond north lot. Park in the lot on the right. The trailhead is at the far end of the lot, at the top of the boat ramp road and on the right (northeast). The Island Explorer’s Loop Road and Jordan Pond lines stop at the nearby Jordan Pond House. GPS: N44 32.24' / W68 25.28'
The Hike
A lot is packed into this short interpretive trail: panoramic views of Jordan Pond and the distinctive Bubbles on its far shore, as well as lessons in history and nature. But because it is so accessible, be prepared for the trail to be packed with people during the height of the summer season.
The trail begins in the woods, heading right (northeast) at the top of the boat ramp road. A descriptive brochure is available for purchase for a nominal fee, or you can borrow one and return it at trail’s end.
The first two numbered trail posts take you through deep forests of balsam fir and red spruce, then under broad-leafed American beeches and towering northern white cedars.
At 0.2 mile and trail post 3, as you approach the shore of Jordan Pond, explore the stone walk to the right to get pond and wetland views. The rock path was originally built in the early 1900s and is also part of the Jordan Pond Path, which takes you 3.2 miles around the pond.
A classic Acadia view from the Jordan Pond Nature Trail includes pink granite along the shoreline, and the Bubbles, a pair of rounded mountains, on the horizon.
Turn around to head back northwest along the nature trail, keeping the pond on your right.
At post 6 you get a lesson in the geology and history of Acadia, with the brochure describing the special granite found here and the dramatic scenery that has attracted artists since the 1840s.
Cross the foot of the boat ramp road after post 7 at 0.3 mile.
At post 8 a plaque describes the power of glaciers in shaping Acadia. Sit here awhile at a commemorative stone bench that looks over Jordan Pond and the twin mountains known as the Bubbles.
At 0.4 mile bear left at the fork after post 8 and head back into the woods to post 9. Here the brochure describes how the Jordan Pond House tradition of afternoon tea and popovers came into being around 1900. Bear left again at post 9 to circle back to the parking lot or, if the hike has made you hungry, bear right at post 9 for a short stroll to the Jordan Pond House.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the trailhead for the Jordan Pond Nature Trail, which begins at the top of the boat ramp road at the far end of the Jordan Pond north parking lot, heading right (northeast) into the woods.
0.2Bear left (northwest) after trail post 3 at the shore of Jordan Pond and the junction with the Jordan Pond Path.
0.3Cross the foot of the boat ramp road after trail post 7.
0.4Bear left twice, at the forks after post 8 and post 9.
0.5Arrive back at the trailhead, completing the loop.