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A pleasant run up to the highest point on Acadia's Schoodic Peninsula, Schoodic Head, and back.


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Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.1

KM

87%

Runnable

422' 129 m

High

30' 9 m

Low

399' 122 m

Up

395' 120 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This run offers both scenic views and enjoyable running through rugged pine forest. This run also allows you to explore as much of the area around Schoodic Head including the Anvil. While it is not long, this trail gives one a real sense of running through the Maine wilderness.

Need to Know

The Schoodic Loop Road (and Blueberry Hill parking area) requires an Acadia National Park Entrance Pass that can be purchased online (must be printed ahead of time!) or at Schoodic Woods or at any other park entrance station.

Description

This loop starts and ends at the Blueberry Hill parking area on the Schoodic Loop Road in Acadia National Park. It begins on the Anvil Trail, just north of the parking area, which leads up both the Anvil and Schoodic Head, 440 feet. With steady, though sometimes steep, inclines through the pine forest, the first leg of this run is exemplary.

Next, this loop goes slightly past the terminus of the Anvil Trail to the overlook at the top of Schoodic Head. Here, is the perfect place to take a rest and enjoy the scenery. Next, take the Ranger Station Trail on a steeper descent from the peak. Though this is a steeper section of the trail, it is still very enjoyable.

Finally, at the end of the Ranger Station Trail, the loop takes a left at Ranger Cabin Road and continues straight on the Alder Trail. This trail meanders for a little over a half a mile through lush meadows and forest. The Alder Trail then leads back onto the Schoodic Loop Road just south of the Blueberry Hill parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Birds, wildflowers, pines, red squirrels

Contacts

Shared By:

Daniel McCloskey

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 6 votes

#3144

Overall
  4.3 from 6 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#29

in Maine

#3,144

Overall
2 Views Last Month
711 Since Jul 7, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Hop across the road from the Anvil Trail to soak up this gorgeous Schoodic Peninsula coastal landscape.
Mar 30, 2017 near Gouldsboro, ME
View from Anvil Trail - a little off the actual trail.
Oct 19, 2019 near Gouldsboro, ME
View from overlook at Schoodic Head
Oct 19, 2019 near Gouldsboro, ME
View of Cadillac Mountain from Anvil Overlook.
Oct 19, 2019 near Gouldsboro, ME
Near the top of the Ranger Station Trail, where it connects with Anvil and East Trail, you can see Cadillac Mountain and Bar Harbor off in the distance.
May 8, 2017 near Gouldsboro, ME
The Ranger Station Trail is rugged but well marked as it climbs up to the intersection with the Anvil Trail.
May 8, 2017 near Gouldsboro, ME

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