Gorham Mountain — Attraction in Bar Harbor

Gorham Mountain, located in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, is a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with some of the best coastal views in the park. Standing at 525 feet, it may not be the tallest peak in Acadia, but its panoramic vistas and accessible trail make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

The most common route begins from the Gorham Mountain Trailhead along Park Loop Road, near Sand Beach. The 1.8-mile round trip (longer if combined with connecting trails) offers a steady but manageable climb over pink granite and through spruce-fir forest. Along the way, hikers are treated to frequent openings in the trees, revealing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Otter Cliff, and Frenchman Bay.

One of the highlights of the trail is the Waldron Bates Commemorative Plaque, which honors the man responsible for building many of Acadia’s early hiking routes and introducing the distinctive Bates cairns that still guide hikers today. This historical element adds an extra layer of meaning...

Its a hike indeed. Not easy but worth it. I loved how even tho you are making your way up pretty high, its gradual so its not too bad. We started in the AM and were back at the car in the parking lot by lunch time - so round trip took about 2 or so hours.

Love the views the entire hike up. Its a beautiful view. I love how you start in the "deep forrest" and then it changes as you go up higher to more rocky areas to the flat top which has stunning views over looking the water.

Pack some water, snacks, and hiking boots! Gorham Mt was one of our fave hikes...

The hike up Gorham Mountain can be combined with the ascent of The Beehive on a circular hike. At the beginning of June, we walk on the Beehive Trail over the rocky summit and descend north to the mountain lake The Bowl. We climb up a rocky path to the summit of Gorham Mountain and can look back on the via ferrata on The Beehive. On Gorham Mountain we have a fantastic view of the mountains to the north, the Cadillac, Dorr and...