Acadia National Park: The Jesup & Hemlock Path Loop

Many of the iconic hikes at Acadia National Park fall into two categories: (1) Very crowded (like the Jordan Pond Loop and the Ocean Path); or (2) Too difficult for many visitors (like the ladder trails). Sometimes, it can feel like finding a peaceful, uncrowded walk in the park that is appropriate for anyone is difficult.

Difficult, but not impossible. One of those peaceful, uncrowded walks can be found at Sieur de Monts, near Bar Harbor. There, the Jesup Path and Hemlock Path form a gentle, mostly level figure eight walk through birch and hemlock forests, opening into the Great Meadow with views of Dorr Mountain. At just 1.5 miles round trip, this walk is perfect for families and kids looking for a nice, easy hike. Even better? It is mostly accessible for visitors in wheelchairs. Depending on your pace—and how often you stop to rest on the benches or enjoy the scenery—it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the walk.

The Route

Most people who choose to do the Jesup and Hemlock Path Loop begin their walk at Sieur de Monts, which can be accessed by car or the Island Explorer bus. Those who do not mind some walking can also access the trail by foot from nearby Bar Harbor.

The trail itself begins just before the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. There, a wooden footbridge leads onto the Jesup Path. From there, the walk proceeds as follows:

• Cross Hemlock Path and continue straight onto the wide, sturdy boardwalk.

• Wander through a boggy, white birch forest, complete with interpretive signs and benches for resting or birdwatching.

• At the end of the boardwalk, cross Hemlock Path again and continue into the Great Meadow. This stretch ends at the Park Loop Road—use caution when crossing the road.

• Turn right onto the Great Meadow Loop. At the next junction, cross back over the road onto Hemlock Path.

• Follow Hemlock Path through the hemlock forest and across the Great Meadow once more, eventually circling back to Sieur de Monts.

Following a wide gravel fire road and broad boardwalk, the trail is straightforward to navigate and offers plenty of spots to pause—benches are conveniently spaced on the boardwalk portion of the trail. It’s also an excellent location to see the park’s white-tailed deer, who frequent locations all along the entirety of the trail, particularly in morning and evening hours. Birders are particularly rewarded by the Great Meadow and its surrounding wetlands, where songbirds and waterfowl are common. 

For those who want to extend their stay, Sieur de Monts is sometimes known as the “Heart of Acadia.” Here, you can experience both the cultural and natural history of the park. At the Nature Center, exhibits and rangers provide information on the natural wonders of the park. Wild Gardens of Acadia features native plant species laid out along numerous paths. The Sieur de Monts Spring and its historic spring are located here, as well as the original Abbe Museum structure (though this is closed to the public).

Final Thoughts

The Jesup and Hemlock Paths offer a serene walk for almost anyone—whether you’re traveling with young kids, seeking a wheelchair-accessible trail, or simply looking for a quiet place to enjoy the nature that makes Acadia National Park so special, without the crowds of some parts of the park. Combined with the cultural and historical features of Sieur de Monts, this short hike provides an excellent introduction to the “Heart of Acadia.”

---

Check out our book 101 Travel Bits: Acadia National Park for more information on this great national park!