Penobscot Mountain
Hike Penobscot Mountain for stunning Acadia views of Jordan Pond and surrounding peaks. An intermediate trail with rewarding scrambles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more solitude
Penobscot Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike Penobscot Mountain for stunning Acadia views of Jordan Pond and surrounding peaks. An intermediate trail with rewarding scrambles.
"The view from the top is amazing. You can park the car at Jordan lake."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating cliff sides and rungs on the Penobscot Mountain Trail for safety and balance .
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for staying hydrated, especially during the climb on warmer days .
Quick Facts
Rating
5 · 12 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Penobscot Mountain Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Jordan Pond and surrounding peaks await. Absolutely worth the climb!
Challenging Penobscot Mountain Trail
Penobscot Mountain Trail
An exhilarating intermediate hike with cliffside scrambles and rungs for an adventurous ascent.
Jordan Pond Access
Base of Penobscot Mountain
Convenient parking near Jordan Pond makes accessing the trailhead easy for a rewarding hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Penobscot Mountain
Gear Up for the Penobscot Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Planning a Trip Next Year - Tips?
I want to explore Acadia next year for my birthday (May). Do you have any tips? I would be a solo female traveler. I workout a lot but I’m not much of a hiker as of yet. Will I be ok to explore or should I get some hiking experience? Should I be worried about my safety or the…
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating cliff sides and rungs on the Penobscot Mountain Trail for safety and balance.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for staying hydrated, especially during the climb on warmer days.
Some shots from our trip to Acadia Nat'l Park, Maine US
We had amazing weather. Hiked Jordan Cliffs > Penobscot > Sargent one day, then Beehive > Gorham the next. Highly recommend!
Solitude
Would love to visit Acadia, but I know it’s known as a busy/popular park where sometimes hikes can be more like a conga line. I was wondering if there are areas to get away from the crowds? I’ve seen all the popular things to do in the park like the Beehive, but my family enjoys…
🚗 Park at Jordan Pond
Convenient trailhead access for the Penobscot Mountain hike.
🚶♀️ Consider Weekdays
To avoid the 'conga line' effect and enjoy more solitude.
Beehive Trail Alternatives
Check out trails up Sargent, Penobscot and Parkman. Acadia and St Saveur are awesome, too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating cliff sides and rungs on the Penobscot Mountain Trail for safety and balance.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for staying hydrated, especially during the climb on warmer days.
🚗 Park at Jordan Pond
Convenient trailhead access for the Penobscot Mountain hike.
🚶♀️ Consider Weekdays
To avoid the 'conga line' effect and enjoy more solitude.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the gorgeous summit views of Jordan Pond and surrounding peaks, calling the hike 'definitely worth it' for average hikers. The challenging sections with cliffside scrambles and rungs add an element of adventure. Some note the trail can be hot and requires ample water, and recommend sturdy hiking shoes for safety.
"Completed the Penobscot Trail, the mountain loop, at the Acadia State Park! It is about 5.2 miles. This is an intermediate hike. There were side of cliffs we held onto and walked tightly across, rungs to hold tightly and make it onto the next step of the trail, and high footstep bridges to walk across. I recommend hiking shoes to keep your ankles and feet protected and balanced. The view is gorgeous at the top!"
C
"It’s a medium difficulty trail but the view from the top is amazing. You can park the car at Jordan lake."
divyam hansaria
"Great views of the valley and surrounding areas, the hike isn't bad at all. Definitely worth it even for average hikers."
Jonah Baksa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Penobscot Mountain is located within Acadia National Park. The most common access point for the Penobscot Mountain Trail is near Jordan Pond. You can drive to the Jordan Pond parking area, which can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider using the park's shuttle system if available.
Yes, there is a parking area near Jordan Pond that serves as a trailhead for Penobscot Mountain. Arrive early, as this lot is very popular and can fill up by mid-morning.
Acadia National Park offers a free Island Explorer shuttle service during the summer months, which can be a great way to access trailheads like Penobscot Mountain without worrying about parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Penobscot Mountain is within Acadia National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass online in advance or at one of the park's visitor centers. Check the official Acadia National Park website for current fees and pass options.
Penobscot Mountain itself is accessible year-round, but park roads and facilities have seasonal hours. The trails are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check the Acadia National Park website for any specific alerts or closures.
You don't book tickets for specific trails like Penobscot Mountain. You purchase an entrance pass for Acadia National Park, which grants you access to all areas, including the mountain trails.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Penobscot Mountain Trail is generally considered an intermediate hike. It involves some steep sections, narrow cliff sides, and requires using rungs for assistance. Good physical condition and proper footwear are recommended.
The Penobscot Mountain loop trail is approximately 5.2 miles. The duration can vary depending on your hiking pace and how much time you spend enjoying the summit views.
You'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountain ranges of Acadia National Park. The open summit provides excellent panoramic vistas.
The trail has some exposed sections along cliff sides and requires using rungs, which can be challenging for those with a fear of heights. It's important to be cautious and use the provided handholds.
The Penobscot Mountain Trail is suitable for families with older children who are comfortable with moderate to challenging hikes and have good balance. Younger children might find some sections difficult.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views, especially of Jordan Pond. The open summit climb itself provides dramatic photographic opportunities. Look for unique rock formations and the expansive landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive summit views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Ensure your phone or camera is securely stored during challenging sections of the hike.
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