Great Pond, Great Notch, Bernard Mountain, and Cold Brook Trail Loop

Parking for this loop is typically available at the Long Pond Trailhead. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly in Acadia National Park. Consider checking Acadia National Park's official website for current information on parking and potential shuttle services in the Long Pond area.

Yes, this trail is located within Acadia National Park, so an entrance pass is required. You can purchase passes online, at visitor centers, or at various park entrances. Always check the official Acadia National Park website for the most current fee information and regulations.

Acadia National Park is generally dog-friendly, and most trails, including this loop, allow dogs. However, dogs must always be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 meters). Please remember to pack out all pet waste to help keep the park clean and preserve its natural beauty.

The loop is enjoyable in various seasons. It's particularly excellent for warmer weather due to extensive tree cover providing ample shade. Spring offers lush greenery, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear and awareness of snow and ice conditions.

The terrain is quite varied, featuring dirt paths, forest floor, gravel, crushed stone, rock, and ledge. You'll encounter numerous rocks, tree roots, and stone steps. Sections along Long Pond can be smooth with pine needles, but also include rocky stretches, short steep climbs, and even rock slides. The upper forested parts are particularly rooty.

This loop offers a mix of wooded and lakeside scenery. You'll enjoy pleasant walks through dense forests and along the shores of Long Pond, often glimpsing the water through the trees. Notable points include Bernard Mountain, Knight Nubble, and the Great Notch, a pass between Mansell and Bernard Mountains. Keep an eye out for "Duck Rock" on the Long Pond Trail for a more expansive view.

This loop is rated as moderate. While it involves an uphill push to the Great Notch, it's considered less strenuous than some of the more dramatic peak trails nearby. The descent from Great Notch is gradual. Some sections, particularly along Long Pond, are rocky and require careful footing to avoid twisting an ankle.

Yes, it's an excellent choice for hot summer days! Much of the hike is shaded by dense tree cover, providing a welcome respite from the sun. The extensive forest environment and lakeside sections help keep temperatures more comfortable than exposed ridge trails.

Yes, the route utilizes several named trails. You'll hike sections of the Bernard Mountain Trail, Great Notch Trail, Cold Brook Trail, Sluceway Trail, and Long Pond Trail. The Great Notch itself serves as a significant trail junction, connecting to routes leading to Mansell and Bernard Mountains.

Hikers typically complete this 9.9 km (6.1 miles) loop in about 2 hours and 57 minutes. However, this duration can vary based on your pace, how often you stop for breaks or to enjoy the scenery, and trail conditions.

This is a loop hike, offering a continuous journey without retracing your steps. This allows for varied scenery and experiences throughout the entire duration of the trail.