Parkman Mountain Including Bald Peak In Acadia National Park
Parkman Mountain And Bald Peak Loop Trail
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: 2.7 Miles
Bald Peak: 974 feet tall
Parkman Mountain: 942 feet tall
Elevation Gain: 741 feet
Type: Loop & Connector
My Rating: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes for an athletic dog
Would we do it again: Absolutely
Parking
Like many of the trails in Acadia National Park, you can hike to Parkman Mountain from a few different directions. I prefer to do the loop trail known as Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain Loop. Parking for this trail is along Route 3 heading North out of the town of Asticou on Sound Drive. The parking lot for this loop trail is shared with parking for Norumbega Mountain.
If the Parkman Mountain parking area is full there’s parking further up the road at the Carriage Road parking lot. If you do park here you can walk south on the Carriage Road to connect to the Parkman Mountain Trail if you want to hike the loop in a clockwise circle. Looking to hike the loop in a counter clockwise circle then continue on the Carriage Road south and pick up the Bald Peak Trail. You will see the trail marker for each option along the carriage trail.
From the parking area you will also see the trail heads for Hadlock Brook Trail, Grandgent Trail, Maple Spring Trail and Giant Slide Trail just too name a few. Parkman Mountain trail is part of a segment of the Six Mountain Summit Hike which consists of Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Peak, Sargent Mountain, Penobscot Mountain and Cedar Swamp Mountain. If you really wanted a challenge you could combine this with both North and South Bubble via Jordan Pond Path.
Trail Descriptions
The trailhead for Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain is on the opposite side of the highway from the parking lot. Please be careful when crossing the road!
Bald Peak
I prefer to take this trail in a counter clockwise direction and head towards Bald Peak first. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this trail starts with a slight descent from the trailhead. After about 0.2 miles you’ll be trekking uphill! The trail is a combination of gradual incline and steep incline with iron rungs. Make sure to take your time in the steep sections so you don’t injure yourself! You’ll notice, as you head uphill, that instead of being surrounded by forest cover like you were near the stream, the hike is much more exposed. As you make your way to Bald Peak, the trail can be a bit tough to keep track of. Pay attention to the blue blazes and stone cairns on the open granite face that mark the way.
At the top of Bald Peak, you’ll see stunning views of Upper Hadlock Pond, Northeast Harbor and the outlying islands. After Bald Peak that you’ll continue to your next destination, Parkman Mountain. Acadia National Park is home to many peaks with great views, but these peaks seem to be among the popular ones.
Parkman Mountain
Go down the northside of the mountain and you’ll come to the Parkman Mountain Trail Junction. From there, take a right turn and continue hiking. After about 0.1 miles and you’ll be greeted with views from the top of Parkman Mountain.
Facing South, if you look to your East you can see the top of Gilmore Peak at 1,037 feet high. You have the option of adding Gilmore Summit to your hike with an additional 0.8 miles round trip.
To complete the loop go back the way you came until you get to the Bald Peak Trail Junction, continue right and then descend into the forest. There are two ledges and one iron rung you’ll have to get through on the way back. They aren’t too difficult unless it’s wet or raining out. Once you’re back where you started, the hike is complete!
You will come across the Carriage Road five times of this hike so be sure to pay attention to the trail signs.
Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain Safety
The Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain hike in Acadia National Park isn’t too technical or difficult, though there are a few obstacles to be aware of. If you have a fear of open ledges or mobility issues that will make going up or down a rung difficult, this might not be the hike for you. Other than those items, use common sense and your usual trail safety tactics. Here are a few friendly reminders:
- The trail has open-face granite areas, do not so this hike if it is raining outside or has just rained.
- Bring sunscreen
- Due to the lack of sun protection from tree cover, factor in that you will get tired quickly and will likely need more water than you realize.
- Dogs can go on this hike but be aware of the iron rung and steep ledges you’ll have to navigate with them.
