North Bubble
Conquer the North Bubble for breathtaking panoramic views of Jordan Pond, a quintessential Acadia National Park experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
North Bubble
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer the North Bubble for breathtaking panoramic views of Jordan Pond, a quintessential Acadia National Park experience.
"The view of Jordan Pond from the North Bubble was spectacular!"
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Scrambling on smooth rocks requires good grip. Wear appropriate hiking shoes!
⬆️ North vs. South Bubble
North Bubble is steeper with better Jordan Pond views; South Bubble is gentler.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jordan Pond Overlook
North Bubble Summit
Panoramic views of Jordan Pond, surrounded by mountains and the distant Atlantic Ocean.
Bubble Rock
South Bubble Trail
A massive glacial erratic perched precariously on the edge of South Bubble.
Eagle Lake Vista
North Bubble Summit (from Conners Nubble)
Unobstructed views of Eagle Lake, a serene blue expanse nestled within the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your North Bubble Ascent
Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Scrambling on smooth rocks requires good grip. Wear appropriate hiking shoes!
⬆️ North vs. South Bubble
North Bubble is steeper with better Jordan Pond views; South Bubble is gentler.
I have one day in Acadia park. What trails do I hike? What should I see?
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook of Jordan Pond is spectacular, especially in the late afternoon light.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even short hikes require water, especially on warmer days. Carry a bottle!
Advice for third-time visitors
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Scrambling on smooth rocks requires good grip. Wear appropriate hiking shoes!
⬆️ North vs. South Bubble
North Bubble is steeper with better Jordan Pond views; South Bubble is gentler.
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook of Jordan Pond is spectacular, especially in the late afternoon light.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even short hikes require water, especially on warmer days. Carry a bottle!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the spectacular views of Jordan Pond from the North Bubble summit, calling it a highlight of Acadia. The hike is described as fun and rewarding, though some note the rocky, steep sections require good footwear. While generally well-maintained, the popularity means parking can be challenging during peak times.
"When climbing to the North Bubble from the Conners Nubble in the north, the Eagle Lake is visible in its entirety. At the summit there is a wonderful view to the south over the Jordan Pond and the Cranberry Isles in the Atlantic Ocean.
We climb the mountain at the beginning of June on a circular hike over the Conners Nubble and The Bubbles from the Bubbles Divide Trail parking lot."
Hubert Trapp
"Gorgeous views from the summit. It is about . 5 miles from the parking lot. There is a point where the trails splits up for north and south and the north is .2 miles from that point and south much gentler one is .3 miles from that point. North one is a little more steep and more scrambling on the rocks but beautiful views of Jordan pool from up top"
Sanjeeta Pai
"Nice walk through the woods leading to a quick, slightly steep scramble to a clearing on a boulder. The views overlook the pond clearly, surrounded by mountains and ocean on the horizon. Great simple trail but wear shoes that are appropriate for scrambling on smooth rock."
Wem Nilme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Bubble trail is accessible from the Bubbles Divide Trail parking lot in Acadia National Park. You can also access it via the Conners Nubble trail from the north.
Yes, there is a parking lot at Bubbles Divide. It can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
While you can drive up Cadillac Mountain for views, the North Bubble hike itself requires walking. The closest parking is at Bubbles Divide.
Yes, the North Bubble is a prominent peak within Acadia National Park in Maine, offering iconic New England scenery.
From Bar Harbor, drive approximately 15-20 minutes to the Bubbles Divide parking area. The park's Island Explorer shuttle also stops nearby during operating season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Acadia National Park entrance pass is required for all visitors. Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations.
The North Bubble trail is within Acadia National Park, so your park entrance fee covers access. There are no separate trail fees.
Acadia National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and some facilities have seasonal hours. The trails are always accessible.
You cannot book specific tickets for the North Bubble trail. You need to purchase a general Acadia National Park entrance pass.
While there are no specific entry times for the North Bubble, arriving early is highly recommended to secure parking and avoid crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the North Bubble summit and back is typically around 1-1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
The North Bubble trail is considered moderate. It involves some steep sections and scrambling over rocks, but it's manageable for most fit hikers.
The most spectacular views are from the summit, overlooking Jordan Pond. You can also see Eagle Lake from certain points.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the North Bubble trail and in Acadia National Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. A camera is a must for the stunning views!
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photographing Jordan Pond. Early morning can also be stunning with fewer people.
The main overlook of Jordan Pond from the summit is a must-capture. Also, look for interesting rock formations and the surrounding landscape.
Bubble Rock is located on the South Bubble trail, but it's a popular spot for photos. You can often see it from the North Bubble trail as well.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the distant islands.
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the NPS website for current regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families tackling the North Bubble, consider carrying younger children or opting for a shorter out-and-back hike to a good viewpoint rather than the full summit. Ensure everyone has sturdy shoes and plenty of water. The stunning views of Jordan Pond are a great reward for the effort!
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
It's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their plans, carry a fully charged phone, and be aware of their surroundings. The relatively short hike and clear paths make it a safe and rewarding experience for those exploring on their own.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating The Bubbles Trails
The South Bubble trail is a gentler option, making it more accessible for a wider range of hikers. This trail leads to the famous Bubble Rock, a massive glacial erratic perched on the mountainside. Many visitors combine both hikes by starting at Bubbles Divide, ascending one bubble, and then traversing to the other before descending.
When planning your hike, consider your fitness level and what you want to see. Both trails provide excellent opportunities for photography and experiencing the natural beauty of Acadia. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
The Iconic Jordan Pond View
During the late afternoon, the sunlight casts a warm, golden glow over the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere. This 'golden hour' is perfect for capturing stunning photographs. The reflection of the surrounding mountains on the still surface of Jordan Pond is particularly mesmerizing.
To truly appreciate the view, take your time at the summit. Find a comfortable spot on the rocks, breathe in the fresh Maine air, and soak in the natural splendor. It's moments like these that make the hike well worth the effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit