(Strenuous hiking, 0.9 miles one-way)

Western Mountain on the west side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park is comprised of two major summits, Bernard Mountain to the west and Mansell Mountain to the east. The entire mountain mass is crisscrossed with excellent hiking trails that lead through quiet evergreen forests and offer good views from numerous rocky outlooks.

A hike via the Mansell Mountain Trail is a real treat for hikers seeking the abundant natural beauty and precious solitude that characterizes this area of the park. The trailhead for this hike is located at Gilley Field, six miles west of Southwest Harbor via Seal Cove and Long Pond roads, and the Western Mountain Connector.

The trail ascends gradually through the forest on the south ridge of the mountain to reach the summit ledges in about a mile, where you’ll enjoy views over the deep waters of Long Pond to the ledges and cliffs of Beech Mountain. The pretty village of Southwest Harbor can be seen, and just across The Narrows at the south end of Somes Sound is Northwest Harbor.

To return to your car, retrace your steps on the Mansell Mountain Trail, or tackle the steep eastern side of the mountain via the challenging Perpendicular Trail, which leads down to Long Pond. Follow Cold Brook Trail from there to Gilley Field.

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