Mushroom and moss grow along the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path.
40 Asticou & Jordan Pond Path (Asticou Trail)
A major walking route between Northeast Harbor and Jordan Pond in the late 1800s, the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path is now less traveled but still important. This garden-style path provides access to the recently reopened historic section of the Penobscot Mountain Trail and the Amphitheater Trail, which ascends toward Cedar Swamp and Sargent Mountains.
Distance: 2.6 miles out and back
Hiking time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Trail surface: Graded gravel path, granite steps, wooden bridges, forest floor
Best season: Spring through fall
Other trail users: Bicyclists and walkers at carriage road crossings
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Map: USGS Acadia National Park and Vicinity
Special considerations: Full facilities available seasonally at the Jordan Pond House
Finding the trailhead: From the park’s visitor center, drive south on the Park Loop Road for 7.7 miles to the Jordan Pond House. Walk behind and to the left of the Jordan Pond House and follow a path marked To Asticou, Jordan Cliffs and Penobscot Mountain Trails down to a carriage road. The trailhead, marked by a sign that reads To Sargent and Penobscot Mtn. Trails and Asticou, is across the carriage road and wooden bridge, on the left. The Island Explorer’s Loop Road and Jordan Pond lines stop at the Jordan Pond House. GPS: N44 32.04' / W68 25.57'
The Hike
This can be an easy hike. Or it can be more difficult if used as part of a climb up Penobscot, Cedar Swamp, or Sargent Mountain.
Leave the crowd at the Jordan Pond House behind, and take the graded gravel path into woods of striped maple and towering cedars and pines.
At 1.1 mile cross a carriage road; at 1.2 miles cross a second carriage road. The even less-traveled Amphitheater Trail, up Cedar Swamp and Sargent Mountains, starts 0.3 mile to the right (northwest) along this carriage road.
Mushroom and moss grow along the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path.
At 1.3 miles reach a major junction near an elaborate wooden bridge. The recently reopened historic section of the Penobscot Mountain Trail heads right (north) along the east side of Little Harbor Brook, and the private Harbor Brook Trail heads left (south) along the west side of the brook.
Although the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path continues west another 0.8 mile toward a junction with the Sargent South Ridge Trail, ending in the hamlet of Asticou, this is a natural turnaround point.
Return the way you came.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path trailhead, behind and to the left of the Jordan Pond House, across a carriage road and wooden bridge.
1.1Cross a carriage road.
1.2Cross a second carriage road. To the right (northwest) 0.3 mile along the road is the Amphitheater trailhead for access to Cedar Swamp and Sargent Mountains. Continue straight (southwest) on the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path.
1.3Reach a major junction near an elaborate wooden bridge, with the recently reopened historic section of the Penobscot Mountain Trail heading to the right (north) along the east side of Little Harbor Brook, and the private Harbor Brook Trail heading to the left (south) along the west side of the brook. Although the path continues, for this hike retrace your steps.
2.6Arrive back at the trailhead.