Gorham Mountain Trail
A moderate 1.5-mile hike in Acadia National Park offering stunning coastal vistas and unique rock formations, perfect for families and photographers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Gorham Mountain Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate 1.5-mile hike in Acadia National Park offering stunning coastal vistas and unique rock formations, perfect for families and photographers.
"This is a perfect hike to do with the family. Tons of rocks and nooks and crannies for the little ones."
👟 Hiking Boots are a Must
Rocks can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential for safety.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, particularly during peak season. Aim for early morning visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gorham Mountain Summit
Summit of Gorham Mountain
Panoramic coastal vistas and stunning ocean views await at the 525-foot summit. Perfect for sunset!
Cadillac Cliffs
Along the Gorham Mountain Trail
Unique rock formations offering dramatic overlooks of the coastline and surrounding islands.
Sand Beach Access
Trail terminus near Sand Beach
Connect to the popular Sand Beach for a refreshing dip or a stroll along the shore after your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Conquer the Summit
Footwear & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Hiking Boots are a Must
Rocks can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential for safety.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, particularly during peak season. Aim for early morning visits.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for kids with plenty of rocks and nooks to explore. Not overly strenuous.
↔️ Alternative to Beehive
Offers similar views to Beehive but with less exposure and fewer crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Hiking Boots are a Must
Rocks can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential for safety.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, particularly during peak season. Aim for early morning visits.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for kids with plenty of rocks and nooks to explore. Not overly strenuous.
↔️ Alternative to Beehive
Offers similar views to Beehive but with less exposure and fewer crowds.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Gorham Mountain Trail, making it a great option for hiking buddies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gorham Mountain Trail for its stunning coastal views and moderate difficulty, making it a family-friendly option. While some note the need for sturdy footwear due to slippery rocks, the rewarding summit vistas and accessibility make it a highly recommended hike in Acadia.
"This is a moderately difficult trail with beautiful views from the mountain. The trail takes you up the mountain and down to Sand Beach. You can walk up Ocean Path Trail and exit just before the section that goes down to Otter Point to get back to the parking lot. The trail includes some boulder climbs, but no rungs or ladders. We got there early in the morning and did not have trouble parking."
Bethany Brunsman
"This is a perfect hike to do with the family. Tons of rocks and nooks and crannies for the little ones. Not to strenuous. A lot of fun."
J-Kube
"Definitely a moderate hike. Had to use hands multiple times! Great views just before the summit! Overall hike took us just shy of 3 hours. Hiking boots are a must! Rocks are slippery when wet and there’s mud! Definitely worth it if you have the time, but be mindful of slippery weather conditions!"
Ben Feeney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trailhead parking lot is located off the Park Loop Road, just past Thunder Hole. You can also access parts of the trail from the Ocean Path Trail or connect from the Great Head Trail.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot. However, it fills up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, the Gorham Mountain Loop trail incorporates a section of the Ocean Path. You can also walk up the Ocean Path and exit before Otter Point to return to the parking lot.
Acadia National Park is served by the Island Explorer shuttle bus during the summer season, which stops at various points along the Park Loop Road, including near the Gorham Mountain Trailhead. Check their schedule for operating dates and routes.
While the trail is generally well-marked, having a trail map is always a good idea. You can find Gorham Mountain Trail maps online or at the park visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Gorham Mountain Trail is located within Acadia National Park, which requires an entrance pass for all visitors. Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations.
The trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, park facilities and visitor centers have specific operating hours.
There is an entrance fee for Acadia National Park, which covers access to all trails, including Gorham Mountain. Fees vary based on vehicle or individual entry.
Park entrance passes can be purchased in advance online through Recreation.gov to save time upon arrival.
While generally open, sections of Acadia National Park trails can occasionally close due to wildlife nesting (like peregrine falcons on other trails) or maintenance. It's always a good idea to check the official Acadia National Park website for any alerts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Gorham Mountain Trail is generally considered moderate. It involves some rocky ascents and descents, and you may need to use your hands for balance in certain sections.
The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views. The trail itself is about 1.5 miles out and back.
You'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline, Sand Beach, and surrounding islands. The Cadillac Cliffs section also offers dramatic overlooks.
Yes, many visitors find it to be a great family-friendly hike. The rocky terrain and nooks provide opportunities for exploration, and it's not overly strenuous.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and wear sturdy hiking boots. A camera is a must for capturing the incredible scenery!
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Gorham Mountain offers expansive ocean views, and the Cadillac Cliffs provide dramatic coastal perspectives. Don't miss the views of Sand Beach from the trail.
Absolutely! Many visitors rave about the stunning sunset views from the summit, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers beautiful light for photography. Sunset is particularly spectacular.
Keep an eye out for the unique rock formations at Cadillac Cliffs and the sweeping vistas of Sand Beach. The forest sections can also be picturesque, especially in autumn.
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Check the National Park Service website for current drone regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate that it offers stunning views without the extreme heights or technical challenges of some other Acadia trails, making it a less stressful experience. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider making a stop at nearby Sand Beach for some extra fun.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider packing your own lunch and snacks to enjoy at the summit or along the trail, rather than purchasing food within the park. Utilizing the free Island Explorer shuttle bus (during its operating season) can also save on gas and parking fees.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the unique rock formations at Cadillac Cliffs and the picturesque views of Sand Beach. The varied terrain, from forest to rocky outcrops, provides diverse photographic subjects. Consider visiting during the fall for vibrant foliage.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Gorham Mountain Trail
Many visitors appreciate that it provides spectacular views similar to the more challenging Beehive Trail but with less exposure to heights and generally fewer crowds. This makes it an excellent option for families or those who prefer a slightly less intense climb. The trail can be accessed from a dedicated parking lot off the Park Loop Road or can be incorporated into longer hikes using the Ocean Path Trail.
+1Pro Tip: While the trail is manageable, wearing sturdy hiking boots is crucial, especially if the ground is wet, as the rocks can become quite slippery and muddy.
Capturing Acadia's Coastal Beauty
Beyond the main summit, the Cadillac Cliffs section presents unique geological formations and dramatic overlooks that are perfect for capturing the raw beauty of Acadia. The trail itself winds through a pleasant spruce forest, which can be especially vibrant during the autumn months, offering a different photographic perspective.
+1For those looking to extend their photographic journey, connecting to the Ocean Path Trail allows for shots of Thunder Hole and other coastal features. Remember to bring your camera and plenty of battery life, as you'll want to capture every moment of this picturesque landscape.
Dog-Friendly Adventures on Gorham Mountain
The moderate terrain and rewarding views make it an enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners. The trail offers a good mix of forest paths and rocky ascents, providing varied sensory experiences for your furry friend. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash and pack out any waste to ensure the trail remains pristine for all visitors.
This trail is a great way to include your dog in your Acadia National Park exploration, offering them a chance to stretch their legs and take in the fresh ocean air while you soak in the magnificent scenery.
+1
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