It’s nearly impossible to choose just one hike that counts as the most beautiful. So, we won’t pretend that we’ve done it. But, if this one isn’t in your top ten, we’ll be surprised. With its mix of water views and fall foliage, you’ve got the best of both Maine worlds. And, compared to some Acadia hikes, this one won’t require weeks of training. We absolutely love The Great Head Trail.
The Great Head Trail will give you some of the most spectacular ocean views.
rachaelvoorhees / Flickr But, that’s not all! Because the route wanders along the coastal headlands as well as wooded sections, you’ll get a little bit of everything.
You’ll begin this beautiful hike at the parking lot for Sand Beach.
joevare / Flickr Head to the granite steps and rather than going down them towards the beach, you’ll head right. You’ll have the chance to take a first peak at beautiful Sand Beach and The Beehive, which is a significantly harder hike.
Now your hike is underway!
Lee Coursey / Flickr
The trail makes its way along the coast, providing beautiful views of the water.
VW Beetle / Flickr
This bit of the hike will be along rocky paths, so be careful with your footing and bring a friend if possible.
VW Beetle / Flickr If you plummet to the bottom, you’ll want someone to record your last words. Just kidding. It is very unlikely that you’ll get hurt in any hike that we write about as long as you’re following reasonable precautions and being smart.
In addition to sweeping views, this hike is wonderful for seeing all of the flora and fauna Maine is famous for.
Scott Smithson / Flickr
The highest point of the trail is about 145 feet above sea level, reached via a very gradual increase.
VW Beetle / Flickr
Once you’ve hit the highest point on the trail, take a moment to enjoy what you’ve accomplished.
Troy B. Thompson / Flickr
At this point, the path will head inland through the forest.
Jeff Gunn / Flickr If you want to keep your hike on the shorter side, make a left at the junction you see here. This will take you up a bit of a steep hill, but will soon end back near Sand Beach. Taking this route will make the hike about 1.3 miles.
Alternately, you can opt for a slightly longer hike by going straight.
Jeff Gunn / Flickr The trail will then go back back to the ocean. The next time you hit a split in the path, take a left and you’’ll be headed back to the steps at Sand Beach where you started. This route is about 2 miles.
Along the way, keep an eye out for thunderous sea caves such as this one.
Scott Smithson / Flickr
But always, always be very careful. The waves at the rocky shore can be surprising and dangerous!
Lee Coursey / Flickr
And, as with any hike, don’t forget to look up as well as straight ahead. Some of the most beautiful parts of Maine are high above us. Especially during the fall.
Troy B. Thompson / Flickr
While there are tons of hikes in Acadia, this one is at the top of our list for the many types of scenery along the way.
rjcox / Flickr From gorgeous sandy beach views, to rocky coast to changing fall forest colors. If you’re looking for the perfect and most beautiful fall hike, this just might be it.
Lastly, one of the reasons we love Acadia hikes is the numerous options for people of all ability levels.
Mike Cempa / Flickr If you visit the park with some people who are eager to take on the Great Head Trail, and others who’d rather take it easy send them to the Carriage Roads. Built through donation by Rockefeller, they offer a great way to see Acadia at a leisurely pace.
Looking for another great Acadia hike? Check out one of our favorites – The Ocean Path.
rachaelvoorhees / Flickr
But, that’s not all! Because the route wanders along the coastal headlands as well as wooded sections, you’ll get a little bit of everything.
joevare / Flickr
Head to the granite steps and rather than going down them towards the beach, you’ll head right. You’ll have the chance to take a first peak at beautiful Sand Beach and The Beehive, which is a significantly harder hike.
Lee Coursey / Flickr
VW Beetle / Flickr
If you plummet to the bottom, you’ll want someone to record your last words. Just kidding. It is very unlikely that you’ll get hurt in any hike that we write about as long as you’re following reasonable precautions and being smart.
Scott Smithson / Flickr
Troy B. Thompson / Flickr
Jeff Gunn / Flickr
If you want to keep your hike on the shorter side, make a left at the junction you see here. This will take you up a bit of a steep hill, but will soon end back near Sand Beach. Taking this route will make the hike about 1.3 miles.
The trail will then go back back to the ocean. The next time you hit a split in the path, take a left and you’’ll be headed back to the steps at Sand Beach where you started. This route is about 2 miles.
rjcox / Flickr
From gorgeous sandy beach views, to rocky coast to changing fall forest colors. If you’re looking for the perfect and most beautiful fall hike, this just might be it.
Mike Cempa / Flickr
If you visit the park with some people who are eager to take on the Great Head Trail, and others who’d rather take it easy send them to the Carriage Roads. Built through donation by Rockefeller, they offer a great way to see Acadia at a leisurely pace.
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