Spruce-fir forests cover much of Maine and Acadia National Park, but stands of oak, maple, beech that is typical of New England also can be found.
The Jordan Pond Nature Trail and Jordan Pond Path combined is an easy 3.35-mile loop through such forests with fantastic views of the scenic waterbody.
To reach the trailhead, from Bar Harbor take Maine State Route 233 (aka Eagle Lake Road) west. Turn right/north onto Cadillac Entrance Road then left/west onto Paradise Hill Road. The road merges with the Park Loop Road. In 3.7 miles, at the parking area for Jordan Pond, go right/north. There are two parking areas; aim for the northern one at the end of the access road.
From the parking lot’s northwest corner, head in the same direction toward the pond. Another trail crosses your connector; continue straight and in 0.1 miles, you’ll reach the Jordan Pond Nature Trail. Go right/northeast.
Jordan Pond
Nestled between two hills, Jordan Pond stretches for 187 acres. Though the park’s second largest waterbody, at 150 feet it’s the deepest.
Acadia National Park sits in a boundary area between two very different forests – the northern boreal and the eastern deciduous.
Dominating much of the park is the northern boreal forest, which stretches across Canada to the arctic. Spruce and fir are typical of it.
At 0.3 miles, the nature trail ends and becomes the Jordan Pond Path. Cross a small causeway to the pond’s east side.
There, the trail splits. Go left/north. The trail, whose surface is compacted gravel, hugs the pond the entire way.
Spruce, Fir and Birch
White spruce is among the largest of evergreens in the boreal forest. It typically grows between 50-100 feet high but can reach 130 feet. The trunk grow up to about a yard in diameter. If all goes well, it can live between 250-300 years.
Red spruce grows to similar sizes as the white spruce. When young, it can thrive in the shade of older white spruce. It even can longer, sometimes up to 450 years.
The aromatic, rich green balsam fir is much smaller than its spruce cousins, usually topping out at 66 feet. It prospers in moss-covered swamps, dry swamps, slopes with hardwoods like birch, maple and beech, and mountain tops – in short, environments common in Acadia National Park.
White birch, also known as paper birch, flourishes in the boreal forest as well. The tree prefers wet environments so can be seen all around Jordan Pond. The white birch’s chalky trunks are striking against the evergreens and in autumn against its own golden leaves.
Other conifers also can be found in the boreal forest. Among them are white pine, eastern hemlock. and northern white cedar.
The dense canopy allows various types of moss to dominate the forest floor. This serves to soften the forest sounds and creates an utterly enchanting environment.
South Bubble
At 1.2 miles, the trail reaches the base of the South Bubble, a high hill overlooking the pond and topping out at 722 feet. The trail meets the Jordan Pond Carry trail here; continue left/northwest between the pond and the South Bubble.
Glaciers formed the valley holding Jordan Pond. As the ice sheet moved through here some 20,000 years ago, they carved out U-shaped valleys and left behind ridge lines and finger lakes that run north-south.
The trail reaches the pond’s north shore at 1.6 miles. Watch for the beaver lodge in the area. You’ll also cross two streams over wooden bridges. Two other trails junction with the Jordan Pond Path. At each one, continue left and hug the lake.
At 1.7 miles, the trail heads south between the pond’s western shore and the steep Jordan Cliffs. Penobscot Mountain sits atop the cliffs, rising to 1181 feet.
Oak, Maple and Beech
The trail here gets a bit more rugged, as it includes crossing uneven granite.
The eastern deciduous forest is common across New England, and trees from it can be spotted along the trail. Among them are oak, maple and beech.
Around 2.1 miles, the trail reaches Tumbledown Cove on the pond.
Gulls, loons, mergansers and plenty of frogs call the pond home. Lake trout and landlocked salmon can be found in the waters.
Boggy Stretch
At 3.1 miles, the trail reaches the pond’s south side. A bevy of trails, as well as a crossing of Jordan Pond Stream, are located here. Remember to always veer left and stay next to the pond. Stay on wooden planks in the boggy stretches to avoid wet feet or damaging any native plants.
You’ll reach the connector trail to the parking lot at 3.25 miles. Go right/northeast there.
Because of the great scenery and a historic restaurant on the shores, about three in five Acadia visitors come to Jordan Pond, so you’ll want to arrive early. Dogs are allowed on the trail if on a six-foot leash. No swimming or wading or pets are allowed in the pond, as it is a source of public drinking water.
After hiking around then pond, consider stopping at that historic restaurant, the Jordan Pond House, for refreshments, especially its famous popovers and tea.
Learn about other great national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks guidebook.
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