This Bizarre Attraction In Maine Will Leave You Scratching Your Head In Wonder

Only in Maine has brought you some strange places. From a gigantic wooden fisherman that once held a can of sardines to a candy shop housing the world’s largest chocolate moose, this state has no shortage of oddities. But, while the existence of these attractions might make you wonder who spent the time creating it, some sights in Maine will actually make you question science. One such place in Maine is Bubble Mountain and, more specifically, Bubble Rock.

Photo by James Walsh via Flickr / Graphics by Only in Maine

StormFall / Flickr

Bubble Rock is a large boulder sitting atop the South Bubble of Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park.

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Bob Gaffney / Flickr

This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock. It's actually a "glacial erratic" left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago. By analyzing the type of granite within the rock, geologists have been able to discern that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its precarious perch all the way from Lucerne, Maine — 30 miles (48 km) away!

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Thomas / Flickr

Bubble Rock sits near the summit of the South Bubble, which can be reached two different ways. One is significantly more difficult than the other, so be sure you know what you're getting into before you begin. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with view of Jordan Pond and, sometimes, the Atlantic! Here's how you'll want to tackle the trip!

Lee Coursey / Flickr

After entering the park and driving along the Park Loop Road, turn into the Bubbles Parking Lot, which is a small roadside lot about 2.3 miles south of the turnoff for the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road.

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David Fulmer / Flickr

Next, head to the "Bubbles Divide" Trailhead and begin your hike heading west up the trail. It should be well cared for and the trek will be relatively pain-free. As the trail heads up, it will wind between North Bubble and South Bubble. The North Bubble off-shoot trail will be on the right (towards the north) and soon after that, you'll find the trail for South Bubble (towards the south).

Lee Coursey / Flickr

Follow the South Bubble Trail as it ascends. Be sure to bring water and be sensible about taking on any type of hiking.

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Soon, you'll find yourself at the summit of South Bubble.

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Abbeenormal / Flickr

Continue on for a few more minutes and you'll come to the side trail that will lead you to the famous Bubble Rock. This area is incredible for photos, but be careful! It's very steep and could be dangerous if care is not taken to stay safe. That being said, people do this hike all the time - from young children to older folks. So, don't be TOO worried. Enjoy yourself!

Tony Fernandez / Flickr

In addition to experiencing the strange Bubble Rock, this view of Jordan Pond will be spread out beneath you.

On your way down, you can make things a bit more exciting by taking a different route back. Keep walking along the South Bubble Trail headed towards Jordan Pond. You’ll find that this area of the trail is a bit more wild than the rest. Be prepared for some rock scrambling and areas where you’ll need to lift yourself downwards.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, you’ll find the Jordan Pond Trail running alongside the lake. Note that you’re not allowed to swim here, so don’t plan on a big jump in! Once you’ve reached the trail, you’ll have the option to head left (east) to take the Jordon Pond Carry Trail back to the parking lot. Another option is take the scenic route, which is also a bit longer. For this, head right (west) to walk along a larger area of Jordon Pond. Then, take the Bubbles Divide Trail back.

Let us know your experience at Bubble Mountain over on Facebook!