The hike descends slightly through the forest passing the Parkman Mountain Trail junction. In about 0.2 miles the junction for the Bald Peak Trail is on the left. The Bald Peak Trail becomes more rugged as it follows a stream and begins to ascend Bald Peak. There are two carriage road crossings. After crossing the second carriage road, the hike becomes significantly steeper and exposed. Blue blazes and stone cairns on the open granite face mark the trail. This section is not recommended in wet weather. There are views of Upper Hadlock Pond and the outlying islands.
Once reaching the summit of Bald Peak, the trail continues down the north side of the mountain into a gully before ascending to its terminus at the junction with the Parkman Mountain Trail. A right at the junction leads to the summit of Parkman Mountain. After reaching the summit, the hike retraces the Parkman Mountain Trail southward, passing the junction for Bald Peak, continuing to descend the rugged granite into the forest. There are two steep ledges to negotiate. One of them has a single rung, and these sections can be difficult when wet. The trail crosses the carriage road three times before ending at the junction where the hike started. A right turn leads back the ME Route 198 and the parking lot.
Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!
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After reaching Mount Desert Island on ME Route 3, stay to the right to follow ME Route 102. At the stop light turn left following ME Route 198 towards Northeast Harbor. (From Bar Harbor, follow ME Route 233 to reach ME Route 198.) Pass the Parkman Mountain parking lot (on the left) and park at the next unmarked, pullout parking area on the right at the base of the hill. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the highway.
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