Jordan Pond
A pristine mountain lake in Acadia National Park, offering a scenic loop trail, iconic mountain views, and a historic tea house.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, easy parking
Jordan Pond
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, easy parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine mountain lake in Acadia National Park, offering a scenic loop trail, iconic mountain views, and a historic tea house.
"Beautiful and peaceful trail around the pond with stunning views of the lake."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Aim for early morning to secure a spot. :car:
🥾 Trail Variety
The main Jordan Pond Path is easy, but a fork offers rock scrambling for more adventure and better views. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jordan Pond Path
Loop trail around the pond
A scenic 3.3-mile loop offering stunning lake views and iconic vistas of the Bubbles mountains.
The Bubbles
North and South Bubble mountains
Hike to the summit of these distinctive twin peaks for panoramic views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding park.
Jordan Pond House
East side of Jordan Pond
Enjoy afternoon tea and famous popovers at this historic lodge with picturesque views of the pond.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond House Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Aim for early morning to secure a spot. :car:
🥾 Trail Variety
The main Jordan Pond Path is easy, but a fork offers rock scrambling for more adventure and better views. :hiking_boot:
💧 Pond Water is Drinking Water
The crystal-clear water is for drinking, so swimming or wading is prohibited. :droplet:
🍽️ Book Jordan Pond House
Reserve your spot at the Jordan Pond House restaurant up to a month in advance for their famous popovers. :forkandknifewithplate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Aim for early morning to secure a spot. :car:
🥾 Trail Variety
The main Jordan Pond Path is easy, but a fork offers rock scrambling for more adventure and better views. :hiking_boot:
💧 Pond Water is Drinking Water
The crystal-clear water is for drinking, so swimming or wading is prohibited. :droplet:
🍽️ Book Jordan Pond House
Reserve your spot at the Jordan Pond House restaurant up to a month in advance for their famous popovers. :forkandknifewithplate:
📸 Capture the Bubbles
Hike the North Bubble Trail for iconic views of Jordan Pond with the Bubbles in the background.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Jordan Pond, particularly the scenic loop trail and the iconic views of the Bubbles mountains. The Jordan Pond House and its famous popovers are a beloved highlight. While parking and crowds can be an issue during peak times, arriving early or visiting on weekdays significantly enhances the experience.
"Beautiful and peaceful trail around the pond with stunning views of the lake.
Easy walk with a mix of boardwalks and dirt paths, but there’s a fork where you can veer off for some fun rock scrambling and climb to the top for amazing views. Totally worth it if you’re up for a bit more adventure!"
Shachar Ashkenazi
"A nice place for short hikes and picnic. Notice that it's pretty crowded and in high season you won't have parking 10am to 4pm . IMO nice but not wroth the hype"
Amit Mandelbom
"Beautiful, easily accessible trail offering stunning views. There isn’t a ton of parking, so getting there early would be a good choice. Plus, the earlier the less crowded."
Eva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jordan Pond is accessible by car via the Park Loop Road. Parking is limited and fills up early, especially during peak season. Consider using the Acadia National Park shuttle system if available.
Yes, there is a parking area at Jordan Pond, but it is quite small and fills up very early, often before 8 AM.
Yes, Jordan Pond is accessible via the historic carriage roads, which are popular for biking. +1
The best strategy is to arrive very early in the morning, ideally before 8 AM, or visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall).
Acadia National Park offers a shuttle service during the summer months that stops at popular locations, including Jordan Pond. Check the park's official website for current routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jordan Pond is located within Acadia National Park, so you will need a park entrance pass. Vehicle reservations may also be required for certain areas like Cadillac Mountain summit road during specific times.
Jordan Pond itself is accessible year-round. The Jordan Pond House restaurant has seasonal operating hours, typically from late spring through fall.
There is an entrance fee for Acadia National Park. Specific costs can be found on the National Park Service website.
No, swimming or wading in Jordan Pond is prohibited as its water is used as a drinking water source for the surrounding communities.
The main Jordan Pond Path is largely flat and has boardwalk sections, making it suitable for strollers for much of its length. However, there are some uneven areas and rock scrambles on certain sections.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Jordan Pond Path is approximately 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and is considered an easy to moderate hike, with some sections of boardwalk and dirt paths, and optional rock scrambling.
The best views are from the Jordan Pond Path itself, offering reflections of the Bubbles mountains. Hiking up the North Bubble trail provides a stunning aerial perspective.
Yes, there are restrooms available near the Jordan Pond House and the parking area.
The Jordan Pond House is renowned for its delicious popovers served with butter and jam, enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Kayaking and canoeing are generally not permitted on Jordan Pond due to its use as a drinking water source.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Jordan Pond House restaurant offers a menu featuring light fare, sandwiches, salads, and their famous popovers.
Reservations are highly recommended for the Jordan Pond House, especially during peak season, and can be made up to a month in advance.
The absolute must-try item is their famous popovers, often served with strawberry jam and butter.
While there isn't a designated picnic area with tables, visitors often find spots along the pond's edge for a picnic.
Besides the Jordan Pond House, dining options are limited directly at the pond. Visitors typically drive to nearby towns like Bar Harbor for a wider selection.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Jordan Pond Path offers beautiful photo opportunities. The view from the North Bubble trail is iconic, as is the reflection of the Bubbles in the water.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Sunset can also be stunning, especially with fall foliage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Drone usage is restricted in all National Parks, including Acadia. Check the official Acadia National Park website for current regulations.
Summer offers lush greenery, while fall provides vibrant foliage. Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will be fascinated by the clear water and the iconic shapes of the Bubbles mountains. While the main path is gentle, be aware that some sections involve uneven terrain or minor rock scrambling, so keep an eye on little ones. Consider a visit to the Jordan Pond House for a special treat; the popovers are a hit with all ages!
Arriving early is key to avoiding meltdowns caused by long waits or crowded conditions. The overall experience at Jordan Pond is serene and beautiful, providing a memorable outing for the whole family.🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Arriving early is highly recommended for solo visitors, as it allows for a more contemplative experience without the hustle and bustle of crowds.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive lake and mountain vistas. For a unique perspective, hike up to the North Bubble Trail for an elevated view of the pond and its surroundings.
The Jordan Pond House itself, with its historic architecture and lakeside setting, also makes for charming shots. Fall foliage season transforms the landscape into a vibrant palette, making it an exceptionally popular time for photographers. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Jordan Pond Path: A Gentle Giant
One of the most appealing aspects of the Jordan Pond Path is the constant, breathtaking scenery. As you walk, you're treated to clear, reflective waters and the iconic backdrop of the Bubbles, two distinct mountains that frame the pond. The water itself is remarkably clear, a testament to its protected status as a drinking water source for the surrounding communities, meaning swimming is not permitted.
While the main loop is popular, savvy visitors know about alternatives like the Jordan Stream Path, which can offer a quieter experience and features a charming cobblestone bridge.
Regardless of the exact route taken, the Jordan Pond Path provides an immersive experience in Acadia's natural splendor, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more active hike. Jordan Pond House: A Taste of History and Popovers
The real draw for many is the chance to savor their signature popovers, light, airy, and served warm with butter and strawberry jam. Paired with a cup of tea or coffee, it's a quintessential Acadia experience. The restaurant offers a menu of light fare, sandwiches, and salads, but the popovers are the undisputed star. Due to its popularity, especially during the summer and fall seasons, making a reservation is highly recommended, often up to a month in advance.
Enjoying a meal or tea at the Jordan Pond House offers not only delicious food but also a chance to soak in the picturesque views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect place to relax and reflect on your Acadia adventures, embodying the charm and tradition of this national park.
Hiking the Bubbles: Iconic Peaks of Acadia
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the South Bubble hike is also a great option. It's known for its more challenging sections, including some rock scrambling, which adds an element of thrill to the ascent. At the summit of South Bubble, you can find the famous Bubble Rock, a large glacial erratic precariously balanced on the mountainside, a popular photo opportunity.
These hikes are often incorporated into longer treks, such as descending from the Bubbles to the Jordan Pond Path, offering a diverse hiking experience. The views from the Bubbles are consistently praised by visitors for their grandeur and are considered a must-do for anyone visiting Acadia.
+1
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