Bowl Trail in Acadia National Park

Bowl Trail

A moderately difficult loop trail that leads to a picturesque little pond where hikers can picnic and swim.

Plan Around Bowl Trail

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Bowl Trail Details

The Bowl Trail is named after the Bowl, a small tarn formed and filled by the melting of the glaciers some 12,000 years ago. One of the park's two ponds accessible only by foot, the Bowl's quiet shoreline and surprisingly high elevation reveal unique views of Champlain Mountain and a gentle alternative up the Beehive for hikers who wish to forego the steepness of the Beehive Trail. Open ledges break up the boggy shore and are great resting spots with even better sightings of the herons and turkey vultures that call the pond home. Try the trail in early morning for even better wildlife sightings. Trailhead: Off Park Loop Road across from Sand Beach Parking Area.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

1.5 miles

Estimated time

60 minutes

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Bowl Trail

Compare nearby parks around Bowl Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

6.2 mi away

Acadia

National Park · ME

108.5 mi away

Baxter

National Park · ME

194.5 mi away

Cape Cod

National Park · MA

639.8 mi away

Shenandoah

National Park · VA

709.4 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

969.5 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

Nearby Points of Interest Around Bowl Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bowl Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.1 mi away

Sand Beach Parking Area

This is a medium-sized lot at busy Sand Beach.

0.1 mi away

Beehive Trail

A very steep, exposed, Iron rung trail on ledges of exposed cliffs.

0.1 mi away

Sand Beach

There is a view of the beach, but there is no beach access from this vantage point.

0.1 mi away

Sand Beach Restrooms

This is a larger, permanent restroom located in the main parking lot for Sand Beach.

0.1 mi away

Ocean Path

A family-friendly trail along a dramatic stretch of coastline where you will encounter several famous Park landmarks.