The Bubbles
Discover the iconic Bubble Rock and breathtaking vistas on these moderate hikes in Acadia National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
The Bubbles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the iconic Bubble Rock and breathtaking vistas on these moderate hikes in Acadia National Park.
"Amazing view. Beautiful clear water. And easy trail."
📸 Creative Bubble Rock Pics
Experiment with pushing the giant bubble rock for unique, gravity-defying photos! :camerawithflash:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Expect stairs and rock scrambling; comfortable, grippy shoes are a must for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
5 · 13 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bubble Rock
South Bubble Trail
A massive glacial erratic boulder precariously balanced, perfect for playful photos.
North Bubble Overlooks
North Bubble Trail
Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and landscape.
Jordan Pond Views
Near South Bubble Trailhead
Crystal clear waters offering serene beauty and a peaceful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to The Bubbles
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bubble rock blows my mind every time I make the hike. (Acadia National Park)
Nice shady spot underneath. Perfect to stop and have lunch.
📸 Creative Bubble Rock Pics
Experiment with pushing the giant bubble rock for unique, gravity-defying photos! :camerawithflash:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Expect stairs and rock scrambling; comfortable, grippy shoes are a must for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Advice for third-time visitors
Have visited Acadia over the summer a couple of times and this summer will be spending a full week in Bar Harbor. On prior trips, have canoed the sound, hiked Beehive, Gorham loop, and Great Head, and biked the carriage trail to the Jordan path—so, most of the park’s “main”…
Trouble planning a trip to Acadia National Park; help request…
Hello All, I hope that everyone is doing well today. I’m normally very good at planning park system vacations, but this trip has been a real struggle to pull together ideas. I’m planning a short-notice trip to Maine end-of-July into early-August. I usually travel to parks…
💧 Hydration is Key
Even on shaded trails, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🅿️ Small Parking Lot Alert
The parking lot fills up fast, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider alternative transport. 🚗
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Creative Bubble Rock Pics
Experiment with pushing the giant bubble rock for unique, gravity-defying photos! :camerawithflash:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Expect stairs and rock scrambling; comfortable, grippy shoes are a must for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Key
Even on shaded trails, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🅿️ Small Parking Lot Alert
The parking lot fills up fast, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider alternative transport. 🚗
🥾 Explore Both Bubbles
Hike both North and South Bubbles for varied views; the South Bubble trail can extend your hike. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Bubbles for their stunning natural beauty and rewarding hikes. The iconic Bubble Rock and panoramic views are major highlights, offering unique photo opportunities. While the trails can be challenging with rock scrambling, the scenery is widely considered worth the effort. Some visitors note the small parking lot and potential for crowds during peak times.
"This is on the south bubble trail. You can try the north bubble trail as well for beautiful lake views but it is kinda steep. The huge bubble rock is carried here by glacier long time back and is an erratic rock which means it's composition is very different from the surrounding rocks. Try pushing the boulder and see if you can get some nice pics here. People get very creative here for the pics."
Nikhil Jain
"Great hike! Lots of stairs and rock scrambling to get to the top but the views are worth it! We took the route to the North Bubble and there are several overlooks along the way. The trail is mostly shaded but I still recommend packing water, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring a snack to enjoy at the top! I saw a lot of people without any supplies on them. Could be up to a 4 mile hike if you continue to the South Bubble. The parking lot is small."
Sam A
"The Bubbles has a nice view of the valley from the top. Absolutely gorgeous!"
Devoe Digital
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bubbles are accessible via the South Bubble and North Bubble trails within Acadia National Park. Parking is available at the South Bubble trailhead, but it's limited. Many visitors access the area via the park's shuttle system or by biking the carriage roads.
Yes, there is a small parking lot at the South Bubble trailhead. It tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Absolutely! The carriage roads in Acadia National Park offer scenic routes that can lead you to the vicinity of The Bubbles. It's a popular way to explore the park.
The Island Explorer shuttle bus service typically stops near the Jordan Pond House, which is a short walk or hike to the base of The Bubbles trails. Check the current shuttle routes and schedules for exact stops.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early morning visits, especially on weekdays. Late afternoon can also be less crowded than midday. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) offers a more peaceful experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance pass for Acadia National Park is required for all visitors. You can purchase passes online in advance or at park entrance stations.
There are no separate fees for accessing The Bubbles trails themselves beyond the general Acadia National Park entrance fee.
The trails in Acadia National Park are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, weather conditions can affect accessibility, especially in winter.
You cannot book specific tickets for The Bubbles trails. However, it is highly recommended to purchase your Acadia National Park entrance pass online in advance to save time upon arrival.
To maximize your experience and avoid crowds, aim to arrive as early as possible, ideally before 9 AM, or in the late afternoon after 4 PM.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trails to The Bubbles involve moderate difficulty, with sections of rock scrambling and stairs. The North Bubble trail offers several overlooks, while the South Bubble trail leads to the iconic Bubble Rock.
A hike to The Bubbles can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, how much you stop for photos, and whether you combine it with other nearby trails. A loop encompassing both North and South Bubbles can be up to 4 miles.
The most popular photo spot is the massive Bubble Rock on the South Bubble trail, where visitors often pose as if pushing it. The overlooks on the North Bubble trail also provide stunning panoramic views.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the Jordan Pond House, which is a common starting point or endpoint for hikes in the area. Check park maps for the most current locations.
Pack essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are crucial due to the rocky terrain and stairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Jordan Pond House, located near the base of The Bubbles, offers a popular spot for lunch and their famous popovers. It's a classic Acadia experience.
Yes, picnicking is allowed in designated areas within Acadia National Park. Bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended for the hike itself.
Bar Harbor, the nearest town to Acadia, offers a wide range of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants. It's a great place to eat before or after your park visit.
Food delivery services are generally not available within Acadia National Park due to its remote nature and limited access points. It's best to plan your meals accordingly.
The Jordan Pond House is famous for its afternoon tea service featuring popovers with butter and jam. They also serve lunch options.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can create magical shots of the landscape and Jordan Pond.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the scale of the Bubble Rock. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or distant landscapes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light shots.
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check the latest National Park Service regulations regarding drone operation.
The iconic Bubble Rock, the overlooks on the North Bubble trail, and the serene Jordan Pond are prime photography locations. The reflections in the pond can be stunning.
Get creative with the Bubble Rock – try different angles and poses. Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the rocks, and look for reflections in Jordan Pond. Consider capturing the journey on the trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit