South Bubble Acadia National Park
Hike to the iconic Bubble Rock and enjoy breathtaking views of Jordan Pond from South Bubble Mountain in Acadia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & snag parking
South Bubble Acadia National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds & snag parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the iconic Bubble Rock and enjoy breathtaking views of Jordan Pond from South Bubble Mountain in Acadia.
"The view of Jordan Pond is stunning, making the challenging hike well worth it!"
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking at South Bubble Trailhead fills FAST. Arrive super early or park at Jordan Pond & hike in.
🥾 Choose Your Bubble Path
South Bubble Trail = steep scramble. North Bubble Trail = easier access to Bubble Rock.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bubble Rock
South Bubble Mountain
A massive glacial erratic perched precariously, offering a unique photo op and a symbol of Acadia's geological past.
Jordan Pond Vista
South Bubble Mountain summit
Panoramic views of the serene Jordan Pond, the Jordan Pond House, and the surrounding mountains create a breathtaking landscape.
South Bubble Trail Scramble
South Bubble Trail
An exhilarating, rocky ascent requiring hands and feet, rewarding adventurous hikers with stunning scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Bubble Rock Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking at South Bubble Trailhead fills FAST. Arrive super early or park at Jordan Pond & hike in.
🥾 Choose Your Bubble Path
South Bubble Trail = steep scramble. North Bubble Trail = easier access to Bubble Rock.
🧗♀️ Scramble with Care
The South Bubble trail involves rock scrambling; wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to use your hands.
📸 Iconic Bubble Rock
Don't miss the famous Bubble Rock! It's a unique photo opportunity and a highlight of the hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking at South Bubble Trailhead fills FAST. Arrive super early or park at Jordan Pond & hike in.
🥾 Choose Your Bubble Path
South Bubble Trail = steep scramble. North Bubble Trail = easier access to Bubble Rock.
🧗♀️ Scramble with Care
The South Bubble trail involves rock scrambling; wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to use your hands.
📸 Iconic Bubble Rock
Don't miss the famous Bubble Rock! It's a unique photo opportunity and a highlight of the hike.
💧 Jordan Pond Views
The vistas of Jordan Pond from South Bubble are stunning, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views of Jordan Pond and the unique geological wonder of Bubble Rock. While the South Bubble trail offers an exciting scramble, some find it challenging. Parking is a significant issue, with many recommending early arrival or alternative access points like Jordan Pond.
"Cool spot with an excellent view of Jordan Pond! Parking at the North Bubble Trailhead is extremely limited so you may have to wait or hike from Jordan Pond. The ascent up from the pond requires scrambling, so if you want the easy route hike up from the north."
Christopher Roman
"Steep climb up south bubble trail. Some scrambling up rocks for sure. Don’t miss bubble rock. Great view of Jordan Pond."
Caroline Sikkink
"Difficult rocky hike with a challenging cliff side finish! The view of the Jordon pond is stunning though so well worth it.
Really fun trail"
Don Dude
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access is via the Bubbles Divide Trail off the Park Loop Road, which has limited parking. Alternatively, you can park at Jordan Pond and hike the Jordan Pond Loop to reach the South Bubble trail.
Parking at the South Bubble Trailhead is extremely limited and fills up very quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended.
Yes, you can hike the Jordan Pond Loop and connect to the South Bubble trail. This route involves a steeper, rocky ascent from the pond side.
Bubble Rock can be accessed from both the South Bubble Trail (steeper, more challenging scramble) and the North Bubble Trail (easier access).
Yes, the Park Loop Road provides access to the Bubbles Divide Trailhead, which is a primary access point for the South Bubble. Check Acadia National Park's website for seasonal road closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need a valid Acadia National Park entrance pass to access South Bubble and other areas within the park. Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations.
South Bubble is accessible year-round during park hours. However, parking availability and trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
No, there is no separate fee for Bubble Rock. It is included with your Acadia National Park entrance pass.
No, time slot reservations are not required for hiking South Bubble. However, due to limited parking, arriving early is crucial.
Acadia National Park offers various passes, including the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees for all national parks for a year. Check the NPS website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The South Bubble trail is considered moderate to challenging due to steep sections and rock scrambling. The North Bubble trail is generally easier. 
The hike to the summit of South Bubble and back, including time at Bubble Rock, can take approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for the rocky terrain and scrambling sections. Layers are recommended as weather can change quickly.
Restroom facilities are available at the Jordan Pond House area, which is a common starting or ending point for hikes involving South Bubble. There are no restrooms directly at the South Bubble Trailhead.
The South Bubble trail's scrambling sections can be challenging for very young children. Families with younger kids might prefer the easier North Bubble trail or the Jordan Pond Loop.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic Bubble Rock, the panoramic views of Jordan Pond from the summit, and the rocky scramble sections offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers great shots of Bubble Rock.
Drone usage is restricted in many areas of Acadia National Park, including popular hiking spots. Always check the latest NPS regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details.
The scrambling sections can make it tricky to manage camera gear. Be sure to secure your equipment and be mindful of your footing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, the Jordan Pond Loop itself is a relatively flat and scenic walk that provides beautiful views of the pond without significant elevation gain. While the South Bubble trail offers a more adventurous climb, it can be challenging for little ones, so consider their stamina and comfort level with heights and scrambling. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive Jordan Pond vistas and a sturdy tripod if you plan on shooting in lower light conditions. Be prepared for some rock scrambling on the South Bubble trail, so ensure your camera gear is secured. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Bubble Trails
+1In contrast, the North Bubble Trail offers a more accessible route, particularly for those seeking an easier path to Bubble Rock. While it may not offer the same level of physical challenge as the South Bubble Trail, it still provides excellent views and a chance to see the iconic boulder. Many visitors opt to hike up one trail and down the other to experience both aspects of the Bubble mountains.
Parking is a critical consideration for both trails. The trailhead for the South Bubble Trail, accessible from Bubbles Divide Trail off the Park Loop Road, has very limited parking. It's common for spots to be taken by early morning. An alternative is to park at the Jordan Pond lot and hike the Jordan Pond Loop, which connects to the South Bubble trail, adding mileage but ensuring access.
The Geological Marvel: Bubble Rock
The rock itself is a popular spot for photos and a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the landscape of Maine. While the South Bubble trail offers a more direct, albeit challenging, route to its base, the North Bubble trail provides easier access. Regardless of the path taken, seeing Bubble Rock up close is a memorable experience, highlighting the natural wonders of the park.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at South Bubble
+1The views of Jordan Pond from the summit of South Bubble are breathtaking. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for encompassing the serene water, the historic Jordan Pond House, and the rolling hills beyond.
The rocky terrain of the South Bubble Trail itself also presents interesting photographic opportunities, showcasing the rugged beauty of the park. Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic and flattering light.
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