The Iconic Trail in Maine Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

I've been to Maine many times over my life, visiting in the summers when I can, ever since I was a kid. I keep being drawn back by the stunning natural landscape, the unique towns and cities, the iconic seafood, and, of course, by the beauty of its most famous attraction. What else could I be referring to but Acadia National Park?

One of the most famous national parks in America, Acadia is packed with trails and peaks that will keep even the most eager hiker busy for days. These trails range from simple family-friendly waterfront hikes to the thrilling Precipice Loop, a climbing route best attempted by experts. But maybe the most epic hike of all is the Six Summits, a challenging 5.9-mile loop trail that gives daring hikers the chance to see...you guessed it, six summits in Acadia National Park.

The Six Summits is a challenging hike, best accomplished by those with some endurance. You'll start in some beautiful, peaceful areas, but you'll be ascending six peaks over your journey, with a total elevation gain of 1,738 feet. You'll ascend Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Peak, Sargent Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, and Cedar Swamp Mountain on this trail, hitting the summit on each. While none is the tallest mountain in Acadia, all offer stunning views.

Along the way, you'll find some peaceful clearings that offer a chance for rest and taking in the area's natural beauty. It's stunning all through the year, but the fall foliage in Acadia is especially beautiful and dramatic here.

The views you'll encounter here are well worth the challenging trek, but you should come equipped with good hiking boots, plenty of water, and a lot of stamina! Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash. This can be a good family hike if the kids have some hiking experience. One thing's for sure—you'll never forget the sense of accomplishment after tackling these six mountains in one day.

Reviewers note that although the trail is time-consuming, it's worth every step. It's also recommended by most to hike this trail clockwise, taking a left at the first fork in the trail that you reach.

Have you attempted the Six Summits in Acadia National Park? If not, this is a challenge best conquered with a friend, so tell someone about this article and plan your epic Maine adventure! You can see more pictures of the trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and make sure to check out the official National Park Service website for Acadia National Park to find out about hours and admission.

And once you're done hiking, you're in the perfect place to explore the nearby town of Bar Harbor. The charming waterfront town is home to the popular steakhouse Jack Russell's Steakhouse and Brewery, and the amazing Acadia Hotel - Downtown is one of the best and most affordable places in the area to stay the night.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.