Iron Rungs and Cliff Edges
The Jordan Cliffs Trail is Acadia’s most dramatic cliff-edge hike. The 3.0-mile loop climbs from the Jordan Pond area up through the forest, then traverses the sheer cliff face on Penobscot Mountain’s east shoulder using iron rungs, wooden ladders, and narrow ledges with steep drop-offs. If you have done the Beehive or the Precipice and want something with more sustained exposure, this is the next step.
The Jordan Cliffs Trail is closed from March 15 through August 15 each year for peregrine falcon nesting. The park enforces this closure strictly. Check with the Hulls Cove Visitor Center for current status before planning your hike.
The Trail
The loop starts at the Jordan Pond North Lot. Head west on the Deer Brook Trail, then turn south onto the Jordan Cliffs Trail as it begins climbing through spruce forest. The lower section is a standard Acadia woods trail with roots and rocks.
Then the character changes. The trail narrows and you step onto the cliff face. Iron rungs drilled into the granite provide handholds and footholds where the natural rock does not. Wooden ladders bridge vertical sections. In several places the trail is a narrow ledge with a 200-foot drop to the talus below. The exposure is real and sustained, not a single short section but a continuous traverse along the cliff.
The trail eventually climbs to the ridge and connects with the Penobscot Mountain summit trail. From there, descend via the Spring Trail back to the Jordan Pond area to complete the loop.
This trail is not appropriate for anyone uncomfortable with heights, exposure, or climbing on fixed hardware. Do not attempt it in wet conditions. The iron rungs and rock become extremely slick when wet.
The Views
The cliff traverse itself provides the views, and they are extraordinary. You look straight down the sheer face to the boulders below, and out across Jordan Pond to The Bubbles and Pemetic Mountain. The perspective from the cliff face is unlike any other trail in the park because you are suspended on the wall itself, not standing on a summit looking down.
From the Penobscot Mountain summit at the top of the route, you get the standard wide panorama of the park interior.
When to Go
Spring
Trail is closed for peregrine falcon nesting from March 15 through August 15.
Summer
Typically closed through August 15. After opening, conditions are good. Only hike in dry weather.
Fall
Trail is open, weather is cool, rock is dry, and foliage adds color. September and October are ideal.
Winter
Trail is open but icy conditions make the iron rungs and exposed traverses extremely dangerous. For experienced winter hikers only.
Practical Notes
If the Jordan Cliffs Trail is closed for falcon season, hike Penobscot Mountain via the Spring Trail instead. You get the same summit and views without the cliff traverse, and it is open year-round.
Dogs are not allowed on the Jordan Cliffs Trail due to the iron rungs and ladders. Restrooms are available at Jordan Pond House. The parking lot fills early in summer; use the Island Explorer shuttle if possible.
Packing List
Jordan Cliffs Trail
- Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip
- 1.5 liters of water per person
- Wind layer
- Snacks
- Gloves for gripping cold iron rungs in fall
- Headlamp as a backup
- Park pass or entrance fee
Getting There
Start at the Jordan Pond North Lot on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. From Bar Harbor, the drive is about 15 minutes. From Bangor, allow about 1 hour 10 minutes.
FAQ
Is the Jordan Cliffs Trail scary?
It depends on your comfort with exposure. The trail has narrow ledges with significant drop-offs, iron rungs, and ladders on a cliff face. If you are uncomfortable with heights, this trail is not for you.
How does it compare to the Precipice?
Jordan Cliffs has longer sustained exposure and is generally considered more challenging than the Precipice, though the Precipice has steeper individual rung sections.
When does the trail open?
Typically August 15, after peregrine falcon nesting season ends. Check with the park for the exact opening date each year, as it varies.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed on ladder and rung trails in Acadia.
