Jordan Pond Path Acadia National Park
A picturesque 3.3-mile loop around a stunning glacial lake, offering iconic views and a famous tea house.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful sunset light
Jordan Pond Path Acadia National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful sunset light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 3.3-mile loop around a stunning glacial lake, offering iconic views and a famous tea house.
"The lake is a real beauty, and the hike is very easy, perfect for families. "
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM for parking. Mid-day parking is extremely difficult. :car:
🥾 Footwear is Key
Sturdy shoes are a must for the rocky sections and boardwalks. Avoid open-toed shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jordan Pond Loop
Jordan Pond Path
A scenic 3.3-mile loop around the pristine Jordan Pond, offering stunning mountain and water views.
Bubble Rock Trail Detour
Connects to Jordan Pond Path
A short, strenuous climb to a precariously balanced glacial erratic with panoramic pond vistas.
Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond
Famous for its popovers and lemon lemonade, a perfect post-hike treat with beautiful pond views. Reservations recommended.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Trail Conditions & What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM for parking. Mid-day parking is extremely difficult. :car:
🥾 Footwear is Key
Sturdy shoes are a must for the rocky sections and boardwalks. Avoid open-toed shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The classic photo spot is near the pond's edge. Golden hour offers stunning light. :camerawithflash:
💧 Beware of Wasps
In summer, wasps can be prevalent near the Jordan Pond House. Consider eating under a tree. :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM for parking. Mid-day parking is extremely difficult. :car:
🥾 Footwear is Key
Sturdy shoes are a must for the rocky sections and boardwalks. Avoid open-toed shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The classic photo spot is near the pond's edge. Golden hour offers stunning light. :camerawithflash:
💧 Beware of Wasps
In summer, wasps can be prevalent near the Jordan Pond House. Consider eating under a tree. :bug:
⬆️ Counterclockwise for Families
Hike counterclockwise for cooler wooden paths and rocks in the second half, keeping kids engaged. :familywomanwoman_boy:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Jordan Pond Path, calling it a 'real beauty' and a 'must-do' hike. The scenic loop, iconic Jordan Pond House popovers, and the option to climb to Bubble Rock are major highlights. However, parking is a significant challenge, and the boardwalk sections can be narrow, requiring careful navigation.
"Great hike around the lake that takes about an hour. With photos it takes much longer and that‘s guaranteed because the lake is a real beauty.
As with every hike in the national park, you should start from one of the two car parks by 10 a.m. at the latest. The hike is very easy. I advise families to hike around the lake counterclockwise so that you have the cooler wooden paths and rocks on the second half of the hike, which keeps the kids entertained. At the end of the hike you can fortify yourself with the apparently famous pastry and lemon lemonade at the Jordan Pond Restaurant. In summer there were a lot of wasps there, so we made ourselves comfortable under an apple tree below the restaurant."
mike zweifel
"A very popular place during the peak season. We visited mid-week in late August and could NOT find parking in either of the lots at 11:30am and 2pm…we opted to return later in the day around 5pm and there were lots of spaces available. Most of the crowd had emptied out by that time.
The restaurant is there with those highly sought-after popovers but reservations are required.
There is also a gift shop there.
It is a short walk down some shallow steps to Jordan Pond itself. The loop there offers some great views of the pond and mountains in the background. The classic photo location is available immediately at the bottom of those steps. With all-day southern light, you should get some great photos during most of the day.
You definitely want to work this into your Acadia visit…but plan ahead.
For reference, during our visit to this location…we did NOT have to show our Acadia Park Pass."
Jemlnlx
"Really beautiful hiking spot - we went in the late afternoon to see the sunset there and it was a beautiful view. It was a little crowded, especially at the beginning of the trail where people were stopping to take photos. There’s a big section that has a narrow path of wood planks to protect the ground that was crowded due to the narrow path and then there’s a section that’s more difficult to navigate as you have to climb over rocks but overall it’s an easy hike, about 3.5 miles."
Taylor Hallisey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jordan Pond Path is located within Acadia National Park. You can access it via the Park Loop Road. There are two main parking lots near the Jordan Pond House. Arriving early or late is crucial for parking availability, especially during peak season.
Acadia National Park offers a free Island Explorer shuttle service during the summer months, which stops at popular locations including Jordan Pond. This is a great alternative to driving and parking. Check the NPS website for current schedules. :bus:
Yes, an Acadia National Park entrance pass is required to enter the park and access Jordan Pond Path. You can purchase passes online or at various entrance stations.
There are two main parking areas: one near the Jordan Pond House and another across the street. Both fill up very quickly. Consider using the Island Explorer shuttle or arriving very early/late. :car:
The Park Loop Road is open to cyclists, and you can bike to Jordan Pond. However, be aware of vehicle traffic. There are also carriage roads within Acadia that can be accessed from various points, some of which may lead near Jordan Pond. :bike:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jordan Pond Path is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the Jordan Pond House restaurant and gift shop have specific operating hours, which vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Acadia National Park website for the most up-to-date information. :clock1:
There is no separate fee for hiking Jordan Pond Path itself. However, you will need a valid Acadia National Park entrance pass to access the park. :moneywithwings:
Reservations are highly recommended for the Jordan Pond House, especially for popovers and meals, as it is a very popular dining spot. You can typically make reservations online or by phone. :ticket:
Dogs are allowed on Jordan Pond Path but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Be mindful that some sections, like the boardwalks, can be narrow, and dogs may need to be carried over rocky areas. :dog:
The majority of Jordan Pond Path is accessible via boardwalks and relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, there is a section with large rocks that may be challenging for wheelchairs. :wheelchair:
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Jordan Pond Path loop is approximately 3.3 miles and typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, including stops for photos.
The trail is considered easy to moderate. About 90% is well-defined, level path or boardwalks, with a challenging section of climbing over large rocks.
The classic photo location is right at the bottom of the steps leading down to the pond from the Jordan Pond House. The entire loop offers beautiful views, especially during golden hour.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Jordan Pond House. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike, as there are no facilities along the trail itself. :toilet:
Bubble Rock is a large glacial erratic perched precariously on the edge of the South Bubble mountain. It's a popular detour from the Jordan Pond Path, offering a unique geological feature and great views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Jordan Pond House is most famous for its delicious popovers, served with butter and jam, and its refreshing lemon lemonade. It's a quintessential Acadia experience.
While you might be able to grab a quick item from the gift shop, reservations are strongly recommended for dining at the Jordan Pond House, especially for their famous popovers. Walk-ins may have long waits or be turned away. :knifeforkplate:
The Jordan Pond House is the primary dining option directly at the pond. For more variety, you'll need to drive to Bar Harbor, which offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries. :restaurant:
Prices at Jordan Pond House are typical for a popular national park restaurant. Popovers are relatively affordable, while full meals will be more expensive. Expect to pay national park prices. :money_bag:
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas within Acadia National Park. While there aren't specific picnic tables right on the Jordan Pond Path, you can find spots to enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all trash. :sandwich:
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Mid-day can be harsh, but the classic viewpoint near the Jordan Pond House is good throughout the day. :sunriseovermountains:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive pond and mountain scenery. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. For the rocky sections, a sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light shots. :camera:
The area near the Jordan Pond House provides the most iconic view. For different perspectives, consider the detour to Bubble Rock or explore the path further around the pond. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest NPS regulations regarding drones before flying. :noentrysign:
Focus on the reflections in the water, the surrounding mountains (The Bubbles), the unique boardwalks, and the historic Jordan Pond House. The changing seasons also offer distinct photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For added engagement, consider hiking counterclockwise to have the cooler wooden paths and rocky sections in the latter half of the hike, which can keep children entertained. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The opportunity to detour to Bubble Rock adds an element of adventure. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The classic viewpoint near the Jordan Pond House is a must-capture, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for optimal lighting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Jordan Pond Path
However, be prepared for a section where you'll need to climb over large, smooth rocks. This adds a touch of adventure and is manageable for most, but it's worth noting for those with mobility concerns. Many visitors recommend hiking the loop counterclockwise. This route places the more challenging rocky section towards the end of your walk, and the cooler, shaded wooden paths are on the latter half, which can be more comfortable, especially on a warm day.
+1Pro Tip: While the loop itself is free, remember that an Acadia National Park pass is required to enter the park. Parking at the Jordan Pond trailhead is extremely limited and fills up very early. Consider using the park's shuttle system or arriving during off-peak hours to avoid disappointment.
The Allure of Jordan Pond House
Due to its immense popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Many visitors find that arriving later in the afternoon, around 5 PM, can yield available parking and fewer crowds at the restaurant.
Be aware that in the summer months, wasps can be a nuisance around the outdoor seating areas. Some visitors have found relief by picnicking under the nearby apple trees.
Conquering the Bubbles: A Detour Worth Taking
The highlight of this detour is, of course, Bubble Rock itself – a massive glacial erratic precariously balanced on the mountainside. It's a unique geological wonder and a fantastic photo opportunity.
While the main Jordan Pond Path is accessible for many, the Bubble Rock trail requires a moderate level of fitness. If you're up for the climb, the views from the top are unparalleled and offer a different perspective of the park's beauty.
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