
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
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
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."

๐ฏ Early Bird Gets the Owl
Visit early morning for a chance to spot owls and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
๐ถโโ๏ธ Easy & Accessible
Perfect for families and those seeking gentle walks; the boardwalk is well-maintained.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 ยท 24 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Boardwalk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ฏ Early Bird Gets the Owl
Visit early morning for a chance to spot owls and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
๐ถโโ๏ธ Easy & Accessible
Perfect for families and those seeking gentle walks; the boardwalk is well-maintained.
๐ Fall Foliage Hotspot
Spectacular autumn colors make this a must-visit during the fall season.
๐ฆ Birdwatching Paradise
Start at the Wild Gardens for excellent birding opportunities along the path.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ฏ Early Bird Gets the Owl
Visit early morning for a chance to spot owls and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
๐ถโโ๏ธ Easy & Accessible
Perfect for families and those seeking gentle walks; the boardwalk is well-maintained.
๐ Fall Foliage Hotspot
Spectacular autumn colors make this a must-visit during the fall season.
๐ฆ 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 โeasyโ 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
๐ ๐บ๏ธ 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.
๐ซ ๐ซ 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.
๐ซ ๐ถโโ๏ธ 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.
๐ธ ๐ธ 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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit