Acadia National Park - Norumbega Mountain Loop

The Norumbega Loop Trail features a steep hike up to the summit of Norumbega Mountain, then a gradual descent down to picturesque Lower Hadlock Pond. A hike along the shore of the pond leads to a connector to return to the trailhead.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
3.20 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Advanced
Town
Mount Desert
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

HIGH USE TRAIL:

This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Maine Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail.

The Norumbega Loop begins with a very steep ascent on granite boulders up Goat Trail to reach the summit of Norumbega Mountain at 852 feet. From there the trail descends gradually along a ridge with some views of Somes Sound. On reaching Lower Hadlock Pond, the loop continues left on the Hadlock Pond Trail along the shore of the pond. Portions of this trail are on boardwalk because of boggy areas when the trail is wet. At the north end of Hadlock Pond, in wet weather the hiker may be rewarded with a waterfall as the water flows from Upper Hadlock to Lower Hadlock Pond.

There is a junction just past the pond. At this point, the Norumbega Connector Trail provides views of Upper Hadlock Pond and leads back to the parking area.

Other Information

Dogs must be on a six foot leash. The first ascent is very steep and 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!

Trail Manager

Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:

National Park Service, Acadia National Park

National Park Service, Acadia National Park
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-3338
acadia_information@nps.gov

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Walk single file in the middle of the trail. Wear the right shoes and enjoy the mud – you're in the great outdoors!
Legend
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Trailhead Information

After reaching Mount Desert Island on ME-3, stay to the right to follow ME-102 toward the towns of Somesville and Southwest Harbor. At the stoplight, turn left onto ME-198 towards Northeast Harbor. Follow ME-198/ME-3 for 3.5 miles to pull-off parking area on the right.

Alternatively, from Bar Harbor, follow ME-233 to reach ME-198. Park at the trailhead along the roadway in a parking area just North of Upper Hadlock Pond.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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meggy1
March 27, 2021
The Goat trail is steep but absolutely worth it. Made the summit in 18 minutes. The trail down was nice and ends by the pond. Beautiful hike.
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