Great Head Trail
Moderate Acadia trail with stunning coastal views, featuring Sand Beach overlooks and challenging rock scrambles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Great Head Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Moderate Acadia trail with stunning coastal views, featuring Sand Beach overlooks and challenging rock scrambles.
"Awesome trail with breathtaking views around every bend. Definitely a highlight!"
👟 Wear sturdy shoes!
Lots of rock scrambles, so good grip is essential. Avoid if very wet!
🚗 Park smart
Sand Beach lot fills fast. Try Schooner Head Rd for easier access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Sand Beach Views
Along the trail, especially near the start
Breathtaking vistas of Sand Beach and the coastline unfold from the granite ledges.
Rocky Scrambles and Ledges
Throughout the loop
Engage with the trail's moderate challenge, featuring fun rock climbs and descents.
Sunset Spectacle
Coastal overlooks
Experience an unforgettable sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Great Head Trail
Parking and Trail Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes!
Lots of rock scrambles, so good grip is essential. Avoid if very wet!
🚗 Park smart
Sand Beach lot fills fast. Try Schooner Head Rd for easier access.
🐶 Dog-friendly? Check rules!
Dogs not allowed on Sand Beach in summer. Plan accordingly.
🌅 Sunset is magical
The views at sunset are amazing, worth the climb!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes!
Lots of rock scrambles, so good grip is essential. Avoid if very wet!
🚗 Park smart
Sand Beach lot fills fast. Try Schooner Head Rd for easier access.
🐶 Dog-friendly? Check rules!
Dogs not allowed on Sand Beach in summer. Plan accordingly.
🌅 Sunset is magical
The views at sunset are amazing, worth the climb!
🗺️ Trail map recommended
While the loop is clear, a map helps navigate options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Head Trail for its absolutely breathtaking coastal views and rewarding, albeit challenging, rock scrambles. Many highlight it as a memorable part of their Acadia trip, especially for sunset. Some find the trail's difficulty, particularly the rock climbing, makes it less suitable for very young children or those seeking an easy walk.
"Awesome trail with breathtaking views around every bend. We went to sand beach first and then made our way around the loop. This was definitely a highlight of our trip"
Olivia Tisone
"Great hike, amazing views, lots of rock scrambles. Very worth it."
Molly Maroney
"We did the short loop with our dog (counter clockwise) and enjoyed the beautiful view along the trail. It’s relatively easy but you would have to climb up some rocks here and there. Because of that, personally, I wouldn’t go if it’s pouring or super wet. Also note for those with dogs, the trailhead is at the end of the Sand beach, which doesn’t allow dogs during summer."
Stella Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Head Trail is accessible from the end of Sand Beach. You can also park at the lot off Schooner Head Road for an alternative starting point.
Yes, there's parking at Sand Beach, but it fills up quickly. The lot off Schooner Head Road is often a better option.
While you can bike on Acadia's carriage roads, direct access to the Great Head Trailhead via bike is limited. It's primarily a hiking trail.
If Sand Beach parking is full, head to the parking area off Schooner Head Road. This provides access to the trail and avoids the Sand Beach crowds.
The Acadia National Park shuttle system does stop at Sand Beach, which is a common starting point for the Great Head Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need an Acadia National Park entrance pass to access the Great Head Trail and Sand Beach. Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations.
Great Head Trail is open year-round during park hours. However, access to Sand Beach may have seasonal restrictions.
No, there is no additional fee specifically for the Great Head Trail beyond the standard Acadia National Park entrance pass.
Park entrance passes for Acadia National Park can be purchased in advance online to save time.
Acadia National Park does not currently have timed entry requirements for hiking trails like Great Head. However, always check the official NPS website for any updates.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Great Head Trail is generally considered moderate, with some rocky scrambles and ascents. It's not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues.
The loop typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Dogs are allowed on the Great Head Trail on a leash, but they are not permitted on Sand Beach during the summer months.
You'll experience stunning coastal views, including panoramic vistas of Sand Beach, the ocean, and surrounding granite cliffs.
It's generally not recommended for children under 8 due to the rock scrambling. Parents should assess their child's comfort with climbing.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks offering views of Sand Beach are prime spots. The rocky ledges also provide dramatic angles for photography.
Absolutely! The coastal views make it an ideal location for capturing stunning sunset photos.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with fewer crowds.
Drone usage is restricted in many National Parks, including Acadia. Always check current NPS regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The rocky ledges provide dramatic foregrounds, and the rugged coastline is perfect for capturing the essence of Acadia. Sunset is a particularly popular time, with the sky often erupting in vibrant colors over the Atlantic. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Great Head Trail Loop
For those seeking a slightly different perspective or a less crowded start, parking at the lot off Schooner Head Road is a recommended alternative. From here, you can connect to the Great Head Trail. The loop is approximately 1.4 miles and can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you pause to soak in the views or capture photos.
Important Note: While dogs are welcome on leash on the trail itself, they are prohibited on Sand Beach during the summer months. This is a crucial detail for dog owners planning their visit.
Why Great Head Trail Divides Opinions
However, for those who embrace the challenge, the panoramic vistas of Sand Beach and the rugged coastline are consistently highlighted as a major draw. The opportunity to get closer to the cliffs and experience the raw beauty of Acadia's shore is a significant part of its appeal. The sunset views are particularly praised, offering a magical end to the day.
Ultimately, whether the Great Head Trail is 'worth it' depends on your personal preferences and expectations. If you enjoy moderate hikes with rewarding views and don't mind some rock scrambling, you'll likely find it a highlight. If you're looking for an easy stroll or are concerned about challenging terrain, other trails might be a better fit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit