HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Ocean Path

4.4 midistance
50 ftelevation gain
1h 30mmoving time
11 ft/miaverage climb

Ocean Path is a 4.4 mi trail with 50 ft of climbing — about 1h 30m of moving time before you stop for anything. Leashed dogs are welcome, and we rate it comfortable from age 4. About 35% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 Leashed dogs OK 🧒 Comfortable from age 4 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 35% shaded

Underfoot & overhead coastal

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Ocean Path charges in hours, not miles.

4.4 mi and 50 ft of climbing work out to 1h 30m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 30mmoving time, no breaks
0.7–1.5 Lwater, cool day → hot
40–90 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

11 ft per mile 7th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Acadia National Park
35% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In July, Acadia National Park runs around 79°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

60°F · Areas Of Fog then Light Rain Likely · wind 7 to 13 mph

NOAA forecast for Acadia National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Avoid Water Contact at Sand Beach Lagoon (Not for Sand Beach)

Bacterial levels have exceeded public health standards at Sand Beach Lagoon and a Public Health Advisory has been posted. The public is advised against swimming at this beach until bacterial levels return to...

Live NPS alert for Acadia National Park
⚠️ Several Trails Close For Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season

Effective March 1, areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Penobscot East Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. The parking lot for the Precipice Trail is also...

Live NPS alert for Acadia National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Acadia National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Ocean Path take?

About 1h 30m of moving time for 4.4 mi and 50 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Ocean Path?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.7–1.5 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Ocean Path?

Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on Ocean Path. Leashes (6 ft max) are required everywhere in Acadia National Park.

Is Ocean Path good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 4. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Ocean Path?

About 35% of the route is shaded, and Acadia National Park peaks around 79°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.