Hiking at Acadia National Park's Isle Au Haut

For those of you who are lucky enough to travel by boat to Isle au Haut, which is one of Acadia National Park's mountain islands, there is plenty of adventurous hiking to experience. From Isle au Haut, you will find great views along with other views to explore such as the rugged coast as well as the bogs and marshland. These trails vary in terms of difficulty, but most are relatively long and may not be meant for younger children as they may become fatigued quickly. The trails listed below are in order of length from the shortest distance to the longest.

Duck Harbor Mountain Trail- 2.4 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

While this trail may be the shortest in distance, it is certainly a strenuous experience. In fact, many hikers actually consider this trail to be the most strenuous of the trails offered on Isle au Haut. While it may take a bit more effort to tackle this trail, the views that it provides make it well worth it, providing panoramic sights from the very top of Duck Harbor Mountain itself. The trail is steep right from the start, beginning in the forest; it alternates between some flat areas on top of ridges to more difficult switchbacks. The views that this trail provides are amazing. Hikers will be able to view most of Isle au Haut, Vinalhaven Island, as well as a great deal of mainland. Hikers will also be able to view what are known as 'puddings' on this trail, which are unusual rocks that appear as knobs.

Eben's Head Trail- 2.9 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

For hikers who arrive at Duck Harbor Landing, Eben's Head Trail is a great choice as it provides a moderate hike for those who are simply on a day-trip. It is also a great trail for those who would like to stop and have a picnic along the way. The trail does not provide spectacular views, but it does offer open grassy sections and picnic tables. Stopping here also allows hikers to explore the outcropping which is Eben's Head as well as the rocky shoreline.

Western Head Trail- 4.2 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

The great thing about this trail is if you time your hike just right, you can experience low tide and will therefore be able to cross over and explore Western Ear, a tiny isle of rock. Even if you don't get the opportunity to explore Western Ear, you will still be provided with beautiful views from this trail as well as the opportunity for a great walk along the rocky coastline.

Cliff Trail- 4.2 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

This is another option if you want to try and get to Western Ear while the tide is low. Although it is the same distance, hikers consider this the faster trail to take even though there are more cliffs which require more frequent ups and downs as well as a longer hike up an unpaved road in order to reach the head of the trail. This trail does offer spectacular views from the cliffs as well.

Nat Merchant Trail- 5.6 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

This trail does not provide fantastic views, but is an excellent choice for those who plan to spend overnight camping because it provides access to many other longer hikes. Even though the views are not as great, hikers will be able to explore the forest of spruce trees, ferns, and skunk cabbage. This trail is also close to Merchant Brook and will most likely have some water running through it. This is not a highly traveled trail, but the walk through bog-type forest and close access to Merchant Brook make it a great nature hike experience.

Goat Trail- 6.8 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

This is a relatively tough trail with the type of terrain that a mountain goat would be likely to endure. But even though it may take more effort, the reward of beautiful coastline views makes it well worth the struggle. Depending on the day, hikers may also be able to see a mink or weasel along the trail.

Bowditch Trail- 7.4 miles

Access from: Stonington, ME

This is a beautiful trail to travel on in the springtime. It doesn't provide panoramic views, but when in bloom is filled with laurel, star flowers, and rhodora. It becomes a beautiful garden type trail which also has great access to Long Pond Trail. This trail is a moderate climb through the forest up to the highest point on Isle au Haut, the top of Bowditch Mountain. This trail is also not traveled often which is great for those who prefer to have some privacy while hiking.

Reference:

Kong, D. & Ring, D. Hiking Acadia National Park. Falcon Publishing.