You Can Both Swim and Hike at This Beachside Trail in Maine – It’s Summer Perfection

Crushed seashells, cliffs that thunder, water that chills but also refreshes, and a view where certain types of marine animals come to life in a way no other state can quite compete with—any trail that can combine all of these things would surely be daunting. And yet, the Ocean Path Trail in Maine remains a beloved family-friendly hike that has delighted and awed people of all ages for many, many years. 

This trail is part of Acadia National Park, one of the top ten most visited parks in all of the United States. As such, the trail, just like the park as a whole, is popular during warmer months and sometimes will have buses of tourists filing in to gaze at the incredible scenery. Popularity means some little problems like parking issues (although there are many parking areas along the trail, so you shouldn’t be circling for too long) and a semi-crowded trail during peak season, but it also means that there are clean bathrooms, well-maintained and marked roads and trails, and a gift shop. 

This hike is just over four miles long and a smooth (only a few roots and rocks) out-and-back trail that begins at the Sand Beach Parking Lot. Parking is free, but you do need a park entrance pass to enter the national park, use the parking lot, or visit any of the landscapes. The trail itself is considered to be rather easy/moderate, but it is not ADA accessible, nor are the multiple attractions just off the path. 

One of these attractions is the Thunder Hole, a narrow cut into a rock face where water rushes in and forces air out in such a way that creates a loud, thunderous noise. This doesn’t happen all day, or even every day, but is an often enough occurrence for it to be a popular attraction for families. Additionally, visiting an hour or so before high tide is usually the best way to hear the "thunder." Another popular attraction is Otter Cliff, a textured cliffside that has become very popular with rock climbers. 

The most popular attraction is, of course, Sand Beach. It is the largest sand beach in all of Acadia National Park (which covers 64 miles of coastline) and is one of the most popular areas in the park during the summer. But why is it so special? Well, the sand itself is actually tiny particles of shell that have been beaten down and eroded to a point where they appear to be sand, giving the beach a unique feel. It also rests between mountains and is flanked by cliffs, making the view spectacularly memorable wherever you look. Although the sea is noted to be cold even during the warmest summer days, it’s rarely considered, with swimming being one of the most popular activities on the beach. The other favored beach activity is stargazing, which Maine overall is well-regarded for due to its small amount of light pollution.

Beloved for a reason, the Ocean Path Trail truly has it all and can allow travelers to combine two favorite summer activities in one day: hiking and swimming. But, perhaps you think there’s a trail better suited to this in Maine? Use our nomination form and tell us all about it!