Homans Path
This trail, located near Bar Harbor, features beautiful wildflowers and excellent views.
Plan Around Homans Path
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Homans Path Details
Homans Path is a hidden gem in Acadia National Park, offering a unique and historic route up Dorr Mountain. This unusual trail was once obscured by a massive rockslide, triggered by a series of small earthquakes, which led to its closure for many years. Now reopened, Homans Path provides hikers with a fascinating mix of history, rugged terrain, and stunning vistas. The trail follows an old stone staircase, a testament to Acadia’s early trail-building efforts. Though never fully completed, the staircase offers a striking approach to the ascent, winding its way up the mountainside with carefully placed granite steps. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of Frenchman’s Bay and the Porcupine Islands, making the climb well worth the effort. As the trail progresses, it transitions from the exposed stone steps to a quieter, more secluded dirt path that weaves through a dense forest. This contrast in terrain adds to the trail’s allure, giving hikers a sense of discovery as they leave the open rock behind and immerse themselves in the woodland. Despite its current obscurity, Homans Path has been a part of Acadia National Park since its founding in 1916. However, due to the unfinished nature of its grand staircase, it was removed from official park maps for much of the 20th century. Today, it remains a seldom-traveled route, offering solitude and a sense of adventure for those who seek it out. Whether drawn by history, scenery, or the challenge of the climb, hikers will find Homans Path to be one of Acadia’s most intriguing and rewarding trails.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
1.5 miles
Estimated time
120 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Homans Path
Compare nearby parks around Homans Path when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Homans Path
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Homans Path while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
The Wild Gardens of Acadia
The gardens contain plants typical of the Acadia area, featuring over 300 native species labeled for easy identification.
0.1 mi away
Sieur de Monts Restrooms
This is one of the Park's larger, permanent restrooms.
0.1 mi away
Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center
Learn about Acadia through interesting nature displays that will help you gain a better awareness of the Park.
0.1 mi away
Sieur de Monts
The Island Explorer operates on Mount Desert Island June 23 through October 11, 2021. Fall service begins the last week in August.
0.1 mi away
Emery Path
The path takes hikers up a series of dramatic stone steps to the east face of Dorr Mountain.
