The 78-foot-long Deer Brook Bridge on the Deer Brook Trail is the only double-arch bridge in Acadia’s carriage road system.
46 Deer Brook Trail via Jordan Pond Path
It’s not the most scenic or accessible route up Penobscot Mountain, but the hike does offer a perspective on the carriage road system’s Deer Brook Bridge that eludes some park users. On foot it’s amazing to see the bridge’s towering double-arched construction, the only such carriage road span in Acadia. On a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, it’s easy to miss the unusual architecture below.
Distance: 5.2 miles out and back
Hiking time: About 3 to 3.5 hours
Trail surface: Forest floor, rock ledges
Best season: Spring through fall
Other trail users: Hikers on the Sargent East Cliffs or Jordan Cliffs Trail
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Map: USGS Acadia National Park and Vicinity
Special considerations: Full facilities available seasonally at the nearby Jordan Pond House
Finding the trailhead: From the park’s visitor center, head south on the 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. Follow the boat ramp road down to the shore of the pond (don’t take the Jordan Pond Nature Trail at the top of the ramp road that leads into the woods). The trailhead for Jordan Pond Path is on the right (east) and leads around the pond. Follow Jordan Pond Path to the right (northeast) for 1.7 miles, halfway around to the northwestern shore of Jordan Pond. The Deer Brook trailhead is on the right (northwest). The Island Explorer’s Loop Road and Jordan Pond lines stop at the nearby Jordan Pond House. GPS at start: N44 32.27' / W68 25.35'; GPS at featured trail: N44 33.99' / W68 25.98'
The Hike
A less-traveled route up Penobscot Mountain, this trail follows Deer Brook steeply up through the woods and includes some potentially tricky brook crossings. It offers solitude and a chance to explore the lovely double-arched Deer Brook Bridge, built in 1925.
From the end of the boat ramp, take Jordan Pond Path to the right (northeast) for 1.7 miles, halfway around the pond, to the Deer Brook trailhead on the right (northwest).
Leave the shore of Jordan Pond and climb on stone steps along the brook, with its strong cascades. In 1.9 mile reach the unusual Deer Brook Bridge. The bridge, built by master masons under the personal oversight of John D. Rockefeller Jr., is 78 feet long and 22.4 feet high. Take a look around and notice if the bridge’s dark granite matches the area as intended by Rockefeller and his architect.
The 78-foot-long Deer Brook Bridge on the Deer Brook Trail is the only double-arch bridge in Acadia’s carriage road system.
Cross the carriage road diagonally to the left and ascend along an area with large exposed roots. Deer Brook flows through a large chasm here. Soon the trail cuts through an unexpected wooded area of tall spruce and pine.
Stay straight (southwest) at 2.0 mile, through the intersection where the Jordan Cliffs and Sargent East Cliffs Trails come in. Continue climbing steeply.
At 2.5 mile reach the junction with a spur to Sargent Mountain Pond and the Sargent South Ridge Trail. Bear left (southeast), and reach the open 1,194-foot summit of Penobscot in 2.6 mile, with its 360-degree views. Here is where the Penobscot East Trail and the Penobscot Mountain Trail also meet.
Return the way you came.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the Jordan Pond Path trailhead. At the end of the boat ramp road, turn right along the graded gravel path and walk along the eastern shore of the pond.
0.2Reach the junction with Jordan Pond Nature Trail; continue straight along the eastern shore of the pond.
0.3Reach the junction with the Bubble & Jordan Ponds Path (Pond Trail); continue straight along the eastern shore of the pond.
1.1Reach the junction with Jordan Pond Carry and the South Bubble Trail; continue straight along the eastern shore of the pond.
1.6Reach the junction with Bubbles Divide, which goes northeast through the gap between North and South Bubbles. Continue along the shore as the path rounds the north side of the pond.
1.7Reach the Deer Brook trailhead, and turn right (northwest) onto the trail.
1.9Reach the Deer Brook Bridge and a carriage road. Cross over the road and continue straight (southwest).
2.0Reach the junction with the Jordan Cliffs Trail coming in from the left (south) and the Sargent East Cliffs Trail coming in from the right (north). Continue straight (southwest).
2.5Reach the junction with a spur to Sargent Mountain Pond that goes to the right (west) and hooks up with the Sargent South Ridge Trail. Bear left (southeast) to continue to Penobscot.
2.6Summit Penobscot, and reach the junction with the Penobscot East and Penobscot Mountain Trails. Retrace your steps.
5.2Arrive back at the Jordan Pond Path trailhead.