Acadia’s Hidden Beach
While thousands of visitors line up at Sand Beach and Thunder Hole on any given summer day, Hunters Beach sits just a few miles south along the coast, almost completely ignored. It is not on most tourists’ radar, and the small trailhead parking area on the Park Loop Road does not exactly announce itself. That anonymity is the whole appeal.
The trail drops gently through a dark spruce forest, crosses a wooden footbridge over Hunters Brook, and emerges at a crescent-shaped cobblestone beach tucked into a rocky cove. The beach is composed of thousands of smooth, rounded granite cobbles ranging from fist-sized to bowling-ball-sized, each one polished by centuries of wave action. When the surf rolls in, the stones shift and clatter against each other, producing a deep rumbling sound unlike anything you hear on a sand beach.
There is nothing complicated about this hike. It is flat, short, well-marked, and beautiful. The kind of walk you take when you want to remember why you came to Maine.
The Route
The trailhead parking area sits on the Park Loop Road between Seal Harbor and Jordan Pond. It is marked with a small sign that is easy to miss if you are driving fast. The lot holds maybe ten cars.
From the parking area, the trail enters the forest immediately and follows a well-maintained path through dense spruce and fir. The canopy is thick enough to block most sunlight, and the forest floor is soft with needles. After about a quarter mile, you cross Hunters Brook on a sturdy wooden bridge. The brook is small and pretty, flowing through moss-covered rocks on its way to the beach.
At the trail junction near the brook, bear right to reach the beach directly. The left fork loops back through the forest and adds some distance. Most people walk to the beach first, spend time there, and then return via the loop for variety.
The trail opens up as you approach the coast, and suddenly you are standing at the edge of the cobble beach with the Atlantic in front of you and granite headlands framing both sides of the cove.
The Beach
Hunters Beach is roughly 200 yards long, backed by a low bank of storm-tossed driftwood and the edge of the spruce forest. The cobblestones range in color from gray to pink to rusty orange, depending on the type of granite. At low tide, the beach extends farther and you can explore some of the tidal pools at the edges of the cove.
The surf here is usually moderate, rolling in with a satisfying rumble as it moves the stones. During storms or high seas, the wave action is impressive and the sound of the cobbles grinding together is remarkably loud. This is not a swimming beach, the cobbles are hard on bare feet and the water is cold year-round, but it is one of the most atmospheric spots on the island.
The cobblestones are slippery when wet, especially the smaller ones near the waterline. Watch your footing, particularly if you are walking near the surf zone. Ankle-turning terrain.
Beachcombing here is rewarding. The cobbles themselves are beautiful, and you can find pieces of sea glass, shell fragments, and interesting rock patterns. Please leave everything where you find it. This is a national park.
When to Go
Spring
Quiet and cool. The brook runs high with snowmelt. Beach is often deserted.
Summer
Warm enough to linger on the beach. Still far less crowded than Sand Beach. Best in early morning or late afternoon.
Fall
Crisp air, dramatic skies, almost no one around. October storms produce the best cobble-rumbling surf.
Winter
Accessible but cold and windy. Storm watching can be spectacular from the tree line.
Come here during the golden hour before sunset. The western light catches the wet cobblestones and turns them every shade of amber and rose. Bring a thermos of coffee and a camp chair and just sit. This is one of the most peaceful spots in the park, and hardly anyone knows about it.
Combining with Other Trails
Hunters Beach sits between two of Acadia’s best areas. To the north, the Ocean Path, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff corridor draws most of the park’s foot traffic. To the west, Jordan Pond House and the carriage road network offer a completely different experience.
A good half-day plan is to hike Hunters Beach in the morning when it is quietest, then drive the short distance to Jordan Pond for popovers and a loop around the pond. You get solitude and crowds in the same morning, and you appreciate both.
What to Bring
Hunters Beach Trail Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes (trail is easy but cobbles require good soles)
- Camera (the cobblestone patterns are endlessly photogenic)
- Binoculars (seabirds frequent the cove)
- Light jacket or windbreaker (ocean breeze)
- Water bottle
- Snack for the beach
This is an easy walk that does not require serious hiking gear. Sneakers with decent tread are fine. Leave the trekking poles at home.
FAQ
Where is Hunters Beach in Acadia?
Hunters Beach is on the Park Loop Road between Seal Harbor and Jordan Pond on Mount Desert Island. The small trailhead parking area is marked with a sign but easy to miss. Look for it on the ocean side of the road.
Can you swim at Hunters Beach?
Swimming is not recommended. The cobblestones make it difficult to walk into the water, and the water temperature rarely exceeds the low 50s even in August. It is primarily a beachcombing and photography spot.
Is Hunters Beach Trail good for kids?
Yes. The trail is flat, short (1.4 miles round trip), and the cobblestone beach is fascinating for children who enjoy collecting and examining rocks. Just watch footing on the slippery stones near the waterline.
Are dogs allowed on Hunters Beach Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash on the trail and beach. The cobblestones can be rough on sensitive paws, so keep an eye on your dog's comfort.
