This trail rises quickly on open granite. At the junction of the St. Sauveur Trail and the Acadia Mountain Trail, the hike can be taken for a loop in either direction. Both directions have steep ascents and descents on the East faces. This description takes the St. Sauveur Trail south (right) toward St. Sauveur Mountain. The trail ascends gradually through the forest with an occasional view of Echo Lake to the north. Although the summit of St. Sauveur Mountain does not have a view, an impressive view from the Valley Peak Trail atop the cliff overlooking Valley Cove and Somes Sound is just minutes away. Just past the summit a short connector trail to the left leads to the Valley Peak Trail and the view. Turning north (left) the trail continues to provide nice views before a steep and rugged descent through the forest. If you go straight past the summit on the St. Sauveur trail, you will reach summit of Valley Peak. A return to the loop via the Valley Peak trail adds 0.7 miles. Descending the mountain, there is an open granite section that is not recommended in wet weather. At the next intersection the hike continues straight on the Acadia Mountain Trail. To shorten the loop, a left on the Man o' War Brook fire road will lead back to the Acadia Mountain Trail. A left then leads back to the beginning of the hike.
The trail then rises as a steep climb over stretches of loose rock and ledges as it ascends the eastern side of Acadia Mountain. This section can be challenging for hikers, but it provides stunning views of Somes Sound and the ocean in the distance. Acadia Mountain actually has two peaks. After the second peak, the trail begins to descend through the forest with an occasional view of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail brings you back to the intersection of St. Sauveur Tail and Acadia Mountain Trail completing the loop.
Somes Sound is frequently called a Fjord. Recently it was reclassified as a Fjard because its slopes are not as steep nor the entrance as deep as a Fjord.
British warships used Valley Cove for shelter and to replenish their drinking water supplies at Man O' War Brook Waterfall. The waterfall can be reach from the Acadia Mountain Trail just past the junction with the Valley Peak Trail. There is a marker for the waterfall on the right. Warning, this side trail is not maintained and may be hazardous. Trail access is to the side of the waterfall. The waterfall is seasonal and small.
Due to the difficult terrain of sections of this trail, it may not be suitable for dogs.
Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!
Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:
Coming onto Mount Desert Island by ME Route 3, follow ME Route 102 right toward the towns of Somesville and Southwest Harbor. The parking lot of Acadia Mountain is 7.7 miles on ME Route 102 on the right, across from Echo Lake and just past the entrance to Ikes Point. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the highway. Use care when crossing.
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