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Hike to The Bowl in Acadia NP

Bar Harbor, Maine

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

1.24 miles

Elevation Gain

350 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sarah Giek

The Bowl is a family-friendly hike to a tucked-away pond near the Beehive Summit. It's a nice way to get away from the crowds along the shore, or it could be the perfect resting spot between The Beehive and Gorham Mountain hikes. 

The Bowl is a small pond nestled in the mountains of Acadia National Park.  Although it is a great way to relax after completing the challenging Beehive Trail, it can also be reached via a less strenuous out-and-back hike that is just under 1.5 miles.

The trailhead is located on Park Loop Road, just across from the Sand Beach parking lot.  After 0.2 miles on the Bowl Trail, you will reach a junction with the Beehive Trail.  If you wish to tackle the steep, iron-rung Beehive Summit first, you can veer right and pick up The Bowl Trail on your descent.  Or, if you’d prefer to avoid the exposed drop-offs and head directly to The Bowl, veer left.  The direct route is mostly uphill and is a little rocky, but overall it is a manageable hike.  The route is well-marked with blue-blazes and trail postings throughout.

Once you arrive at The Bowl, enjoy the scenic views.  Many hikers like to take a swim in the pond, but just beware that you may be sharing the water with leeches as well!

From the Bowl, you may wish to continue on to Gorham Mountain Trail, another popular, moderate hike.  The summit is 0.8 miles from The Bowl and provides excellent views.  A complete loop of The Beehive, The Bowl, and Gorham Mountain back down to Sand Beach is 2.5 miles.  For an even longer adventure, you can combine these hikes with the Ocean Path Trail for a total of 6 miles.

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Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly

Reviews

It was an intermediate hike with some pretty damn confusing signs I took photos. I liked it, there was a bit of diversity and different things to see, changes in elevation were somewhat drastic but the trail was pretty easy to hike overall.

We stopped at The Bowl heading from Gorham Mountain to the Beehive. In fall it was absolutely beautiful. The trail pleasant wraps around the water. I know in summer swimming is allowed here, and dogs are allowed in the water too (one of the few places in the park that this is true). The views are beautiful!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park

Hike the Great Head Trail in Acadia NP

Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail

Relax at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

Thunder Hole

Gorham Mountain Trail