A lesser known hike in Southwest Harbor, Acadia, is Flying Mountain. Here you can enjoy a kid-friendly, short, yet very rewarding vertical hike. Combine it with a hidden beach picnic for an excellent day. Not nearly as well known as some other Acadia National Park hikes, this trail is usually less crowded. This hike is best enjoyed as a 1.4 mile loop combing the Flying Mountain Trail with the Valley Cove Trail. Vertical gain is an easy 300 feet.
Start by turning off Route 102 onto Fernald Point Road. It is a small bumpy road, but will bring you to the small parking lot for Flying Mountain.
In the parking lot you will see two trailheads, one on the left is flat and is called the Valley Cove Trail. Don’t take this trail, this is where you will come out at the end of your hike.
Instead head away from the parking lot on the right. You will see a map and trail through the woods. This trail quickly starts to climb up some well maintained dirt and wood stairs. It is easy to follow.
Continue on until you start approaching the summit. There is some fun slightly steeper bouldering at the top. Toddlers would need help here.
At the top you can look south over the ocean. Take some selfies and stop for water and snack. Have the kids look for the summit marker.
Continue on the trail which hugs the rim along the eastern border of the mountain. You will have intermittent views of the inlet below.
Around the back side (facing north) we saw 2 bald eagles! Careful here as the rocks get steep near the edge. Keep children near you at all times during this part of the hike.
Continue down the mountain heading north and west. This trail is well traversed but a little rocky in some places.
Towards the bottom you will start to see the cove and beach peaking out through the trees.
Enjoy picnic or swimming here before heading back up and to the right. On the way out you follow the the Valley Cove trail for about 1/2 mile. This last part is mostly flat and very easy to follow.
Combine this hike with a visit to the local village for some lunch. And add on a few smaller hikes in the area to extend the day. Check back soon for more posts about Acadia- Southwest Harbor.
TIPS:
Takes about 35 min to get there from Bar Harbor, if you take the northern route. However, if you take the long loop (Route 3) around the edge of the park, it takes about 40-60 minutes. The duration depends on traffic and how often you stop.
This trail is NOT handicap accessible. The Valley Cove Trail is much flatter and can still get you to the beach. However, there are a few steps to get down to the beach.
If you do the entire loop with rest stops, plan for about 2 hours. However 2 adults could probably power through in 45 minutes.
There are no restrooms or port a potty’s here, please plan bathroom breaks accordingly for kids.
Did you visit Flying Mountain and love it too? Send me an email with you insights for Acadia!
Kit@astrayfish.com
Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.
Astray Fish 
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