(Very Easy hiking, 1-mile loop)

This level walk along the south shore of Jordan Pond showcases some of the finest scenery in Acadia National Park. Families will enjoy discovering the natural history of this area by following the numbered interpretive stations keyed to the information brochure available at the beginning of the walk.

Find the start of the Jordan Pond Nature Trail at the parking lot for the Jordan Pond boat ramp, off the Park Loop Road just north of the Jordan Pond House. At the far end of the lot opposite the restroom, at the top of the road to the boat ramp, bear left into the woods at the sign “Nature Trail.” Just ahead, pick up an information brochure that describes the ten natural history interpretive stations found along the wide footpath.

A few minutes into the hike through the fragrant spruce and balsam woods you’ll come to a trail junction. Bear right and walk out onto the granite walkway over a stream and a fine view up the length of Jordan Pond to the curvaceous profile of North Bubble and South Bubble.

Retrace your steps back to the junction and turn right to walk along the shoreline of the pond. Myriad spur trails lead right to views of The Bubbles that continue to change and seem to get better as you go. It’s a view worth savoring at every step.

Cross the boat ramp road to find a granite bench and interpretive sign explaining how the amazing landscape you are looking at was sculpted by the ancient glaciers. At a fork just ahead, turn left away from the pond and follow the treeline along the edge of a blueberry field up toward Jordan Pond House and the Tea Lawn, where you can enjoy afternoon tea and hot popovers, a classic treat, and full menu of delicious lunch and dinner meals. An information desk, gift shop, snack bar, and restrooms are also available here.

In sight of the building and lawn, Jordan Pond Nature Trail bears left into the woods. Take one last look at the iconic view of Jordan Pond and The Bubbles before you walk the final short stretch back to the parking lot.

Visitor Resources: Hiking and Climbing in Maine | Maine Trail Finder | Bar Island | The Beehive | Ship Harbor Nature Trail | Wonderland Trail | The Bowl Trail | Beehive Trail Hike Beech Mountain | Bubble Rock Trail | Cadillac Mountain | Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail | Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trai | Cadillac Summit Path | Champlain Mountail Beechcroft Trail | Champlain North Ridge Trail | DownEast Lakes Trust Trail | Gorham Montain Trail | Great Head Trail | Jordan Pond Nature Trail | Mansell Mountain Trail | Ocean Path Trail | Pemetic North Ridge Trail | Precipice Trail