About
When you visit Acadia National Park, be sure to include time at Jordan Pond.
The pond's water is so clear you can see down to 46 feet. Reflecting on the surface are granite mountains, North Bubble and South Bubble, known as The Bubbles. All these attributes attract nature lovers and families year after year to this timeless and beautiful region of the park.
These dramatic landscapes were carved by ancient ice sheets, such as the Wisconsin Glacier, which left deep basins that fill with some of the cleanest water in New England.
The first people to inhabit the area were the Wabanaki, who lived along these shores and traveled these waterways for generations.
European settlers arrived, and in the late 1800s, the area had become a lively summer spot. Wealthy families from East Coast cities visited, trading the city's heat for cool breezes and scenic views.
The Gilded Age brought a wave of visitors known as rusticators, who helped build a tradition of warm hospitality, which remains to this day. One location Gilded Age vacationers frequented was the Jordan Pond House. Built in 1847, it welcomed guests over the years with its stunning views, accommodations, and tasty popovers and teas.
As more and more people visited and towns expanded, leading citizens put conservation efforts in place to keep the area safe from overdevelopment. In time, this led to the creation of a national park, ensuring families today and tomorrow may enjoy these natural wonders.
Whether you visit to relax, hike, bike, or canoe, Jordan Pond will enhance your Maine vacation.
Jordan Pond: Fun Facts & Cool Features
As one of the cleanest lakes in America, Jordan Pond is the water source for nearby Seal Harbor, which is why swimming and wading for humans and pets is not allowed. Instead, rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy the placid, peaceful water.
One of the best ways to experience the pond is by exploring the Jordan Pond Path. This 3.3-mile loop around the water is ranked "easy" by AllTrails, making it appealing to families and those not seeking a strenuous endeavor. You'll only climb 59 feet, and wooden boardwalks over wet spots make walking easy, even for families with young children. On the east side, the trail gets rocky and a bit more challenging.
The Bubbles stand out along the northern edge of the pond, making for superb photo ops. If you're up for a challenge, hike the Jordan Pond to South Bubble Summit trail. The 3.1-mile out-and-back starts at the boat ramp and follows the eastern banks of the pond. You'll need to climb iron rungs and scramble over granite boulders, so make sure you're fit and have the appropriate footwear.
The carriage roads are ideal for bicycling, with packed gravel and no cars. Be sure to abide by the riding guidelines, especially regarding sharing the road and safety tips. Also worth cycling is the Loop Road, but you'll be riding amongst cars and pedestrians, so stay alert!
A must-visit is the Jordan Pond House. The 1847 home was renovated in 1982 after a 1979 fire destroyed the original structure. The current building features a restaurant, while most visitors enjoy tea and popovers on the lawn, a waterside tradition since the 1890s.
With so much to see, do, taste, and experience, a trip to Jordan Pond will appeal to all ages and interests. Here, clear water, mountain backdrops, and stories from the past will make your visit memorable.
Local Tips
Ride the free Island Explorer bus to skip parking hassles.
- When dining at the Jordan Pond House, make reservations well in advance of your vacation.
- Enjoying tea and popovers on the lawn doesn't require a reservation.
- Hike the loop trail counter-clockwise to tackle the more challenging, rocky eastern shore while you're fresh.
