A Quiet Summit in Acadia
Parkman Mountain sits on the western side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, away from the crowds that cluster around Cadillac Mountain and the Ocean Path. At 941 feet, it is not the highest peak in the park, but its open granite summit delivers wide views over the Cranberry Isles, Somes Sound, and the western mountains of MDI. Most importantly, you are likely to have it largely to yourself.
The mountain connects by trail to Bald Peak (974 feet) and Gilmore Peak (1,036 feet), making it easy to bag multiple summits in a single short outing. The loop over Parkman and Bald Peak is one of the best under-two-mile hikes in the park, combining granite ledge walking, ocean views, and forest trails without the exposure or crowds of the more famous peaks.
The Trail
The standard loop starts from the Parkman Mountain trailhead on Route 198 (near the intersection with Hadlock Brook Trail). The 1.8-mile loop climbs to Parkman’s summit, crosses to Bald Peak, and descends via a connecting trail back to the carriage road and the starting point.
From the trailhead, the path climbs moderately through mixed forest of spruce, birch, and oak. Within the first half mile the trees begin to thin and you hit the first ledge sections, where cairns and blue blazes mark the route over open granite. One short section uses an iron rung bolted into the rock to help with a steep step. It is the only technical moment on the trail and is easily managed by most hikers.
The summit of Parkman is a broad, open granite dome. The views are immediate and expansive: the Cranberry Isles to the south, Norumbega Mountain and the western shore of Somes Sound to the west, and the higher peaks of Acadia (Sargent, Penobscot) rising to the north and east.
From Parkman, a short trail crosses a wooded saddle to Bald Peak, about 10 minutes of easy walking. Bald Peak is slightly higher and offers a different angle on the same views, with more exposure to the north. From Bald Peak you can continue to Gilmore Peak for a third summit, or descend via the south ridge trail to the carriage road and loop back to your car.
For a longer day, continue from Gilmore Peak to Sargent Mountain (1,373 feet), the second-highest peak in Acadia. The trail connects directly and adds about 2 miles round trip. Sargent’s summit is massive and open, with 360-degree views.
When to Go
Spring
Trails dry out by late April. Wildflowers along the carriage roads. Fewer visitors than summer.
Summer
Full services in the park. The open summit can be warm, but ocean breezes help. Even in July, Parkman is quieter than Cadillac or Precipice.
Fall
Peak foliage in early to mid-October. Crisp air and the best visibility of the year. The Cranberry Isles views are exceptional in autumn light.
Winter
The trail is hikeable in winter with microspikes. Route 198 remains open. The summit is exposed to wind and cold.
Practical Notes
The Parkman Mountain trailhead is less well-known than the trailheads for Cadillac, Precipice, or Jordan Pond. Even on busy summer days, parking here is usually available. If the small pulloff is full, additional parking is available at the Norumbega Mountain trailhead a short distance south on Route 198.
An Acadia National Park pass is required. You can purchase one at the park visitor center, at park entrance stations, or online. The pass covers seven days of access for one vehicle.
Dogs are allowed on Parkman Mountain trails and must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Bring water for your dog as there is none available on the trail.
The summit is exposed granite with no shade. Bring sun protection on warm days.
Packing List
Parkman Mountain Loop
- 1 liter of water per person
- Snack for the summit
- Sun protection (exposed summit)
- Light wind layer
- Sturdy shoes with good grip on granite
- Camera
- National park pass
Getting There
The trailhead is on Route 198, on the western side of Mount Desert Island, between Somesville and Northeast Harbor. From Bar Harbor, take Route 233 west to Route 198 south. The trailhead pulloff is on the east side of the road, about 1.5 miles south of Somesville. From Portland, the drive to Mount Desert Island is about 3 hours and 15 minutes. From Bangor, about 75 minutes.
Northeast Harbor, about 10 minutes south, has restaurants, a grocery store, and a gas station.
FAQ
How long does the Parkman Mountain loop take?
The 1.8-mile loop typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, including time on the summit. Adding Gilmore Peak adds about 30 minutes.
Is Parkman Mountain crowded?
Rarely. It is one of the quieter summits in Acadia. Even on busy summer weekends, you are unlikely to see more than a handful of other hikers.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet on all Acadia trails. Bring water for your dog.
Is the trail kid-friendly?
Yes, for most kids comfortable with a moderate uphill hike. The one iron rung section is short and manageable. The open summit is a great reward for young hikers.
Can I connect to other peaks from Parkman?
Yes. Bald Peak and Gilmore Peak are both within easy reach from the Parkman summit trail. From Gilmore, you can continue to Sargent Mountain for a longer day.
For more Acadia hikes, see our guides to Dorr Mountain, Cadillac Mountain, and Gorham Mountain.
