Jesup Path & Hemlock Boardwalk
An accessible boardwalk trail in Acadia National Park, offering serene marsh views, vibrant foliage, and wildlife encounters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Peaceful strolls & wildlife
Jesup Path & Hemlock Boardwalk
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & wildlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An accessible boardwalk trail in Acadia National Park, offering serene marsh views, vibrant foliage, and wildlife encounters.
"One of the most beautiful and easy hikes ever. Fall is beautiful out here."
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Owl
Visit early morning for a chance to spot owls and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
Perfect for families and those seeking gentle walks; the boardwalk is well-maintained.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jesup Path Boardwalk
Acadia National Park
An elevated boardwalk winding through serene marshland and birch forests, perfect for easy strolls and wildlife spotting.
Hemlock Boardwalk
Acadia National Park
A picturesque loop offering stunning views of foliage and a chance to see owls in their natural habitat.

Wild Gardens of Acadia
Trailhead
The starting point for Jesup Path, featuring a variety of native plants and a great spot for birdwatching.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Boardwalk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Owl
Visit early morning for a chance to spot owls and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
Perfect for families and those seeking gentle walks; the boardwalk is well-maintained.
🍂 Fall Foliage Hotspot
Spectacular autumn colors make this a must-visit during the fall season.
🐦 Birdwatching Paradise
Start at the Wild Gardens for excellent birding opportunities along the path.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Owl
Visit early morning for a chance to spot owls and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
Perfect for families and those seeking gentle walks; the boardwalk is well-maintained.
🍂 Fall Foliage Hotspot
Spectacular autumn colors make this a must-visit during the fall season.
🐦 Birdwatching Paradise
Start at the Wild Gardens for excellent birding opportunities along the path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jesup Path & Hemlock Boardwalk for its accessibility, natural beauty, and unique boardwalk experience. It's highlighted as an easy, enjoyable trail perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful nature walk, especially during the stunning autumn foliage season. Some find it can get crowded during peak times.
"This was an easy trail. Part of it was on mostly even dirt and the rest was elevated on a boardwalk. Pretty views. Trail starts in wild gardens of acadia."
Emily Ross
"A good easy walk to do right as you enter the park. The two paths are just beyond the botanical gardens and take you through and around some wetlands in the forest. The rangers alerted us to an owl that was just off the trail, which was cool to see! The boardwalks over the wetlands were much appreciated, and the path on the way back was wide and well maintained. We were here on a very hot day and it was noticeably cooler in the forest too. Definitely a good stop for seeing a different side of Maine than the rest of Acadia shows."
Brian DiGiorgio Zanger
"These two trails are gorgeous any time of year. The boardwalks are in great shape; traveling through grassy bogs; also includes dirt and gravel paths. Very busy here during peak summer months. I prefer the off-season hikes here so I can take my time without the crowds. These trails are rated as “easy” with very little elevation gain. During the warmer months there are restrooms available at the trailhead parking lot. From the parking lot there are tons of other trail options branching into many different directions; including moderate and strenuous hikes."
Paul Veilleux
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jesup Path and Hemlock Boardwalk are located within Acadia National Park. They are easily accessible from the Park Loop Road, often starting near the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead for Jesup Path, which also serves as the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It can fill up quickly during peak times.
Absolutely! Jesup Path is a popular stop along the scenic Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, making it convenient to visit by car.
Restrooms are typically available at the trailhead parking lot during the warmer months, especially during peak season.
While the Park Loop Road is accessible for most vehicles, parking at trailheads like Jesup Path can be limited for larger RVs. It's best to check Acadia National Park's official website for specific guidance on vehicle size restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Jesup Path and Hemlock Boardwalk are located within Acadia National Park, which requires an entrance fee or a valid Acadia National Park pass for entry.
Jesup Path and Hemlock Boardwalk are generally accessible year-round during park hours. However, facilities like restrooms may have seasonal availability.
Entrance fees vary depending on the type of pass (e.g., 7-day, annual). You can purchase passes online or at park entrance stations. Check the official Acadia National Park website for current pricing.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted for entry into Acadia National Park, which covers access to Jesup Path and Hemlock Boardwalk.
The Wild Gardens of Acadia is part of Acadia National Park, so your park entrance fee or pass covers access to it and the adjacent Jesup Path.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Jesup Path is considered an easy trail, with very little elevation gain. The boardwalk sections are smooth, and the dirt paths are generally well-maintained.
The loop is approximately 2.2 miles, making it a relatively short and manageable walk for most visitors.
The boardwalk sections are generally stroller-friendly. However, some dirt or gravel paths might be a bit uneven, so a sturdy stroller is recommended.
Visitors have reported seeing owls, various bird species, and other small woodland creatures. Early mornings and quiet visits increase your chances.
Dogs are allowed on Jesup Path but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are permitted on carriage roads and some trails, but not all. Always check park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination, and is also ideal for spotting wildlife. Autumn provides stunning fall foliage for vibrant shots.
It's excellent for nature photography, landscape shots, wildlife, and capturing the unique textures of the boardwalk and surrounding forest.
Tripods are generally allowed in Acadia National Park, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors, especially on narrow boardwalks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive boardwalk and forest. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
The entire boardwalk offers picturesque views. Look for areas where the light filters through the trees or where the marsh opens up for unique compositions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss: The interpretive signs along the path can be educational, and the chance to spot wildlife like owls adds an element of excitement. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and some family photos amidst nature.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
This trail is a low-cost activity that provides significant scenic and natural rewards. Pack your own snacks and water to save on expenses within the park, making it an economical way to enjoy Acadia's beauty.
📸 Photographers
Key shots: Focus on the textures of the boardwalk, the reflections in the marsh, and the interplay of light through the trees. Keep an eye out for birds and other small creatures that frequent the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Boardwalk Experience
Many visitors find the boardwalk to be a tranquil escape, offering a different kind of natural beauty compared to Acadia's more rugged coastal trails. The interpretive signs along the path add an educational element, detailing the flora and fauna of the area. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest and marsh.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for wildlife! Rangers have been known to alert visitors to owls perched nearby, and the quiet of the boardwalk can reveal other small creatures. Visiting during the off-season or early in the morning can enhance your chances of a peaceful encounter.
Autumn's Palette: Fall Foliage at Jesup Path
The combination of the boardwalk winding through the colorful foliage and the crisp autumn air makes for an unforgettable experience. It's a relatively short trail, but the visual rewards are immense, offering a serene and picturesque setting that feels almost magical. Many visitors describe it as one of the most beautiful autumn hikes they've encountered.
Best for Fall Photography: The interplay of light and color on the boardwalk and through the trees is particularly striking during the golden hour. Be prepared for crowds during peak foliage season, as this spot is highly popular.
Family-Friendly Exploration
It offers a gentle introduction to Acadia National Park's natural wonders without the strenuous climbs associated with some of its more famous hikes. Parents can relax knowing the path is safe and easy to navigate, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenery and perhaps spot some local wildlife.
Key for Families: The proximity to the Wild Gardens of Acadia also provides an added educational and visual element for children. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours enjoying nature without overwhelming little ones.
Social
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