Posted in Maine Nature June 09, 2021 by Michelle

Maine’s Bowl Trail Leads To A Magnificent Hidden Oasis

One could argue that all of Maine is a hidden oasis. If they did, they’d certainly be correct. Between the sea and the forest and all the things there are to enjoy between the two, there’s never a lack of beauty here. While much of it can be found in our own backyards, we love a little adventure. Especially when that adventure truly is little. This hike is shorter than you’d expect and it leads to one of the most refreshing secret spots in the state.

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Seeing photos of The Bowl, a beautiful pond in Acadia National Park, might lead you to believe it's hard to reach.

However, this beauty is easily reachable via a 1.3-mile out-and-back hike. The route is fun and the destination is totally worth the journey.

You'll find the trailhead across from the Sand Beach parking lot, just off of Park Loop Road.

The route is well-maintained, though there are some natural rocks. There's also a bit of an incline leading to an elevation gain of about 450 feet. The trail is typically rated somewhere between easy and moderate.

About 0.2 miles along the trail you'll come to a connection with the much more strenuous Beehive Trail. This one is a doozy and includes iron rungs to climb up rocks, so avoid it if you're not an experienced hiker. If you do want to tackle it, you'll head towards the right here. To stick with the Bowl Trail, head left.

You shouldn't have much of a problem staying on the trail as it's well-marked with blazes and signs.

This beauty is great on a chilly day because it offers some fantastic views.

And on a warm day, the cool water is ultra-inviting. It's not uncommon to see people swimming.

The out-and-back nature of the trail means that you can enjoy it and then head back the same way you came to arrive at the trailhead.

The Bowl Trail can be accessed year-round, but not surprisingly those who have done it say it’s best in the spring, summer and fall unless you’re comfortable with winter hiking. You can learn more about it on alltrails.com. And don’t forget to bring the pups! Just make sure they’re on a leash at all times.

While you’re in the area, we’ve got another great idea for some outdoor fun. This hike in Maine will give you an unforgettable experience and it leads to another beautiful body of water.

Address: The Bowl, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA