Acadia’s Jewel
Jordan Pond sits in a glacially carved valley on Mount Desert Island, inside Acadia National Park. At 187 acres, it is not the biggest body of water on the island, but it may be the most striking. The pond reaches 150 feet deep, carved into bedrock by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet, and the water is so clear you can see the rocky bottom well beyond the shoreline.
The view north across the pond toward The Bubbles is one of the most recognizable scenes in Acadia. These two rounded granite peaks (North Bubble at 872 feet and South Bubble at 766 feet) rise directly from the pond’s north shore, their symmetrical shapes reflected in the still water on calm mornings. It is a scene that has been photographed roughly a million times, and it earns every one.
Jordan Pond sits at 276 feet elevation, modest by mountain lake standards but high enough to stay cool. The water is a public drinking supply for the village of Seal Harbor, which is why swimming, wading, and boating are not permitted. You can walk around it, fish from shore, and eat popovers while looking at it, but the water itself is off-limits for full-body contact.
The Jordan Pond Path
The 3.3-mile loop trail around the pond is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia, and for good reason. It is relatively flat, the scenery is exceptional from every angle, and it takes about 90 minutes at a casual pace.
The west side of the loop follows a series of boardwalks and log bridges over marshy sections. The east side runs along the shore on packed gravel and natural rock. Both sides offer steady views of the water and surrounding hills.
Walk the loop counterclockwise (east side first). You get the best Bubbles views early, the boardwalk sections in the second half, and you finish at Jordan Pond House, where you can reward yourself with lunch on the lawn.
Dogs are allowed on the Jordan Pond Path on a leash no longer than six feet. They are not allowed in the water, and rangers enforce this. Keep dogs on the trail and away from the pond edge.
Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond House has been serving visitors since the 1870s, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the national park system. The original building burned in 1979, and the current structure was rebuilt in a similar style.
The signature item is the popover: a hollow, puffy roll served warm with butter and strawberry jam. Popovers are served with afternoon tea on the restaurant’s lawn, overlooking the pond toward The Bubbles. It is a tourist tradition, and the line can be long on summer afternoons, but the combination of warm bread and that view is worth the wait.
Jordan Pond House is open from mid-May through late October. Lunch and afternoon tea are the most popular sittings. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Skip the lunch rush. Jordan Pond House opens for afternoon tea service, and showing up around 2:30 PM on a weekday in September gets you a table on the lawn without the wait. The light on The Bubbles is better in the afternoon anyway.
Fishing
Jordan Pond holds landlocked salmon and brook trout, sustained by the pond’s cold, deep, oxygen-rich water. Fishing is permitted from shore only, as boats and kayaks are not allowed. Fly fishing from the rocky east shore can be productive, especially in spring and fall when fish move into the shallows.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Acadia has some specific regulations that differ from standard state rules, so check with the park before you fish.
The Bubbles
The Bubbles are two of the most popular short hikes in Acadia. The trail to South Bubble is about 0.7 miles from the Bubble Rock parking area on the Park Loop Road, gaining roughly 350 feet. At the summit, you will find Bubble Rock (also called Balanced Rock), a glacial erratic perched at the edge of the cliff. The boulder sits on the brink in a way that looks precarious but has remained stable for thousands of years.
North Bubble is slightly higher (872 feet) and offers broader views toward Eagle Lake and Cadillac Mountain. A connecting trail links both summits.
When to Go
Spring
Trails may be muddy. Jordan Pond House not yet open. Quiet and uncrowded.
Summer
Full services, Jordan Pond House open, clear views. Parking fills by mid-morning. Use the Island Explorer shuttle.
Fall
Foliage reflected in the pond is spectacular. Thinner crowds after Labor Day. Jordan Pond House open through October.
Winter
Pond freezes. Trail accessible with snowshoes or traction devices. No services. Beautiful in snow.
Getting There
Jordan Pond is on the Park Loop Road inside Acadia National Park, about 15 minutes south of Bar Harbor. The Acadia entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. During peak season (June through October), parking at both the north and south lots fills early. The Island Explorer shuttle bus (Route 5/Jordan Pond) is free and runs frequently from Bar Harbor and other stops.
From Portland, the drive is about three hours via I-95 and Route 3. From Bangor, it is roughly an hour and fifteen minutes.
Jordan Pond Day Trip Essentials
- Acadia park pass ($35 vehicle, 7-day)
- Hiking shoes (boardwalks can be slippery when wet)
- Layers for mountain weather
- Camera (The Bubbles view is mandatory)
- Cash or card for Jordan Pond House
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle
- Leash if bringing your dog
FAQ
Can you swim in Jordan Pond?
No. Jordan Pond serves as a public water supply for Seal Harbor. Swimming, wading, and boating are all prohibited. You can hike around it and fish from shore, but the water is off-limits for body contact.
How long is the Jordan Pond loop trail?
The full loop is 3.3 miles and takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The terrain is mostly flat with boardwalk sections on the west side and packed gravel on the east. Moderate fitness is sufficient.
Are popovers at Jordan Pond House worth the wait?
They are a warm, puffy roll served with butter and jam, eaten on a lawn with one of the best views in Acadia. The food is simple, but the setting is the point. Go on a weekday afternoon in September for shorter lines.
Are dogs allowed at Jordan Pond?
Dogs are allowed on the trail on a six-foot leash. They are not allowed in the water. Rangers enforce both rules.
How do I get to the Bubble Rock trailhead?
The Bubble Rock parking area is on the Park Loop Road, about half a mile north of Jordan Pond House. The trail to South Bubble and Bubble Rock is 0.7 miles each way with about 350 feet of elevation gain.
