Jordan Pond Path Trailhead — Attraction in Mount Desert

Parking in the Jordon Pond parking area is challenging. Always cars skulking around looking for anyone to pull out – better have your seat belts on! We parked at the Visitor Center and took the free bus which turned out great. The seats are comfy and it’s air conditioned. They are scheduled for pick up every 30 minutes. The hike is a little over 3 miles. We started at 11:00 going clockwise, and it took us about 2 hours. We were being touristy and stopped a lot to take pictures. It was crowded on a Wednesday in July. The hike is mostly shady but there are a few sunny spots. The first half of the hike is fairly flat and wide. There are some rocks that can easily trip you though. The second half, you climb through some boulders on a narrow trail. It can be tricky when you came head-to-head with other hikers as you have to find somewhere to step aside. The next part of the trail is a wooden boardwalk that is quite long and narrow. They built in some areas where you can stop to let others pass but I still saw people stepping off the boardwalk to get around. Jordon Pond is beautiful and serene. The only wildlife we saw were some birds on the lake and a couple of frogs. BTW … you can access several other hikes from this loop such as the Bubbles. Not our favorite hike in the area but we enjoyed it...

I read it was an "easy." Don't be fooled. I'm not complaining, but I want to set clear expectations on what to expect. if entering from the right side (house behind you), it's easy for probably a little more than halfway. It's not wheelchair or walker friendly after a certain point due to gaps on the ground with a stone or two in the middle to help cross over (especially for those of us that are vertically challenged). Once you get more than halfway & cross a bridge, there's a path that the pond splashes against. It is narrow, be prepared to have wet shoes & possibly socks. Then, the rock traversing begins! Don't kid yourself thinking it's done after the first, or even the second break. There's more. The last section of rocks, you'll have to decide whether to climb up and around a boulder to avoid getting wet or sticking to the lower flatter section and basically walk through water. Shortly after this, you'll reach what I call a cat walk. Two planks wide and every so often a third plank to give room for others to pass. This section is pretty long, I's say possible a mile or a little more before reaching solid ground. The exit isn't too far at this point. According to my fitbit, it was about 4.25 miles, and we did it in a leisure 2-hrs (hiking, photographing, and vlogging)....

Jordan Pond is a great beginner’s trail to hike. it is about 3.3 mils all the way around with nice picturesque views of the lake from different vantage points. we started at the east side of the lake where the trail is relatively flat. i recommend doing this first so at any time you feel tired or for whatever reason want to go back, just do so going backwards. the other half of the pond’s trail is very rocky to where toy constantly have to have your eyes focused on where are stepping; that rocky! do not walk while recording yourself and not looking where you’re going because for sure you will get into an accident and hurt yourself. there is stretch towards the end of the west side were it is lined with wooden planks to walk on. these planks are just about 3 ft wide s when encounter people walking the opposite way, try end utilize any turn about closes to either one of you to give the other person passage. this trail is a great family activity; even for young kids! east side is not going to be a problem for kids. at the west side, however, you’ll have to decide for yourself if your kid can handle it. enjoy...