Ocean Path Trailhead — Attraction in Bar Harbor

I LOVE hiking Ocean Path Trail year round. One of my favorite hikes on earth. This trail is rated as “easy” and is a 4.5 mile “out-and-back” hike; plus extra mileage for the endless spur trails. Be sure to check out the spurs! Total elevation gain is about 375 feet. This trail follows alongside Park Loop Road. Ocean Path is well maintained and easy to follow. I love the sounds of the crashing waves and the briny smell of the salty ocean water here. Lots to see. There is little to no cell service here. I recommend a waterproof Acadia paper map from Amazon or the paid subscription to AllTrails app which allows downloading trail maps for use offline where there’s no cell service. Main points on Ocean Path Trail include (A) Sand Beach, you can park at this large parking lot as one of the starting points for hiking Ocean Path. Sand Beach is gorgeous. Trail access to Beehive Trail begins here. (B) Thunder Hole, google the tide schedule and visit this spot around high tide to witness the iconic thundering sounds of crashing waves here (C) Gorham Mountain Trail offers stunning views of the entire Ocean Path and the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see (D) Monument Cove contains granite pillars and a beautiful cobblestone beach (E) Fabbri is a picnic area, parking lot, and restrooms (F) Otter Cliffs are sheer vertical cliffs over 100 high and about 500 feet wide. These cliffs are popular for rock climbers. Ocean Path Trail ends at the Otter Cliffs area (G) spur trails, as I mentioned be sure to take the extra time to explore the numerous side trails (spurs) branching off from Ocean Path Trail, many spurs lead to rocky outcrops with spectacular views of Acadia...

The Ocean Path Trailhead, located in Acadia National Park, Maine, marks the start of one of the most scenic and accessible coastal walks in the region. Beginning near Sand Beach and stretching about 4 miles round trip to Otter Point, this trail offers continuous ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and a series of iconic landmarks along the way.

From the very first steps, the Ocean Path Trail delivers stunning scenery. The route follows the coastline closely, giving hikers unobstructed views of the Atlantic’s crashing waves, rugged pink granite cliffs, and endless horizon. Popular stops along the path include Thunder Hole, where incoming tides create dramatic splashes and booming sounds; Monument Cove, with its striking vertical rock pillars; and the impressive headland of Otter Cliff.

One of the trail’s best features is its accessibility. It’s a relatively flat, well-marked path, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The proximity to Park Loop Road means visitors can shorten or extend their walk by stopping at various parking areas along the way. Benches and open rock slabs provide plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, making it a perfect leisurely hike for families, couples, or...

The Ocean Path features beautiful seaside views of the classic rocky main shoreline, with irregular rock formations jutting out into the ocean, which are accessed by a well maintained footpath. The trail itself is easy to walk for the most part as it follows the asphalt road directly above it. The Ocean Path is an alternative to the comparatively very difficult trails surrounding Acadia, such as the trails climbing up to Cadillac, Dorr, and Acadia mountains. The Ocean Path is more family oriented and is also designed to accommodate most people of all ages. This trail appears to be accessible to strollers and perhaps wheelchairs, though in some areas, the trail features steps up and down, including very rocky surfaces requiring good balance and physical dexterity. Some of the rocky outcroppings are more difficult to access because of these features. Overall, this is a trail with wonderful ocean views, accessible to most every person visiting Acadia National Park, though not off the beaten tourist path,...