great head trail

I lover either hiking across the beach or down the trail through the meadow to get here. A little more strenuous with the ups and downs than the shoreline but great views all around. Some summers we found black flies. When you do they are everywhere, turn around and go back.

This can be a loop trail--most people start and end at the sand beach--or you can combine part of Great Head with Gorham mountain and the shore walk. Either way this is a very attractive hiking area and the fall is a perfect time of year to do it!

Start from Sand Beach which is also worth spending time and enjoy a view packed walk through the woods. Pay attention to the blue trail markers as it is easy to get turned around. Bring you camera, water and snacks. Not for small children - cliff hazards.

This was a fantastic hike along the top of the ocean cliffs. It is a loop trail. When you reach the end and turn back into the forest take a left when you reach the parking lot. Follow the deserted road back to the Sand Beach Parking lot.

It took a little over 1 1/2 hours for us to complete this trail. You need sturdy shoes as there is a bit of scambling up large boulders. This climb is not easy, it is moderate. The views are beautiful. Have your camera strapped well to your body as it will hit the rocks as you are climbing. The views make it all worth while. It is a loop trail. Watch for the left turn on the loop after you pass through the birch forest. It is easy to miss as the sign for the turn faces the other way and the side of the sign facing you directs you to the right to another location. Worth the hike.

We asked the manager at Blackwoods Campground for a good 1.5 to 2 hour hike with great views. He said this one was his favorite short hike in the park, so we got up early in the morning and took his advice.This is a super short hike for the agile hiker, if you take the counterclockwise loop from Sand Beach. There is some scrambling over bedrock but the view from the south end of Great Head is well worth it. For the less agile hiker you can go from the Schooner Head Road parking lot, and the hike will be pretty easy. Even in October the Park is busy and the usual viewpoints and stops on the Loop Road can be crowded during the day. This hike will get you away from the crowds and provide dramatic views, especially in the morning.

A bit of a challenge, as you have to go up some rock faces, so wear proper footwear, but well worth it. Great views and lots of spots to stop on to enjoy the views.

One of the most amazing hikes! There are a few boulders to climb over but overall not a difficult trail but such beautiful views of the ocean, and Sand Beach below as well as the forest. Definitely worth the trip.

This trail encompasses many beautiful views and is not that difficult. It is definitely worth doing while visiting Acadia Park.

We started Great Head Trail from Sand Beach, after a nice swim in the ocean. If you walk all the way to the left of Sand Beach and cross over a small waterway, the trail starts there. This hike is pretty easy; however, there are some rock scrambles along the way. The views of the shoreline and the rock cliffs are incredible. Also, this trail has the best views of the Beehive. We got some really great pictures of Sand Beach with the Beehive in the background. I would recommend this hike to anyone who is in decent shape. One of my favorite hikes in Acadia!

Short but great. Loved the views of the sea cliffs. Got some really fantastic photos up at the top of the steep hill.

This is a fairly easy hike to a point of land that juts out in to the ocean and provides many great vantage points and picture taking opportunities all along the loop. Although it isn't exceptionally well mark it is so well travelled that it would be almost impossible to lose your way. There are many little side paths along the way to explore most leading to open vistas.

This is a beautiful walk along the sea. As recommended by all do it clockwise. The views are great along the way. Enjoy and take pictures. The only confusing part is where to start from. If you start from sand beach then you have to take a small walk from the end of the parking lot to the great head parking lot. I didnt want to get wet early in the hike to go from the beach. There is a great head parking lot which I didnt understand where to get from.

This figure-eight hike offers beautiful views of the rocks and water--something you think you might get sick of, but you never do! It has some parts that are more climbing than hiking, many places to stop and look out at the water, blueberries to pick, and some parts that are easy walking. It was the perfect thing to do before Sand Beach, as it warmed my son up enough to go in that 55-degree water.

Wow, wow, wow!! My husband and I love Maine, and Acadia National Park is our very favorite park. I had done a little research about this trail but we never had hiked before. We sort of started this trail as a "let's start and see what happens..." It ended up being absolutely fabulous! This is the trail that has gotten us hooked on hiking! It was actually so much fun. The views are amazing. Be cautioned, this is classified as a moderate trail. It's not bad at all, part there are two or three sections where you will need to utilize your hands and feet in order to get over some big rocks. Wear good shoes, of course--plenty of water--sunscreen--bug spray--and you're good! The ocean is just breath taking. A great trail and not too long!