Great Head Trail
A compact coastal loop above Sand Beach with granite headlands and open Atlantic views.
Route overview
Climb from Sand Beach onto Great Head, follow the peninsula loop and descend to the starting area.
Great Head Trail climbs from the Sand Beach area onto a granite peninsula overlooking the Atlantic. The route alternates forest, rocky ledges and cliff-top viewpoints. Short steep sections and exposed coastal rock make it more demanding than the distance suggests.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Distance
- 2.9 km
- Typical duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- approximately 120 m
- Best season
- Spring through autumn; avoid wet, icy or stormy conditions
- Trail type
- Loop
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No trail permit; park entrance fee applies
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Wet granite, cliff edges, roots, congestion and changing coastal weather
Highlights
Sand Beach overlook, granite headland, Atlantic Ocean, coastal forest
Why find a buddy
A short route where a partner adds value around cliff awareness, route direction and slippery granite.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.