Lakes

Watch this video timelaspe of hike to an active beaver pond! All back country trail heads are only accessible by boat. Take a boat one mile from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and hike this trail through northern pines, deciduous trees, and across rock ridges to a scenic active beaver pond. Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Distance 1.2 mile (1.9 km) round trip Restroom: Vault toilet is available near the trailhead Download map.

View the Oberholtzer Trail before you hike by watching this video link! Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 1.6 miles(2.6 km) round trip, 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip for the accessible part Download map.

Experience the Sullivan Bay Trail with a timelaspe video!!! This easy hike along an old forest road leads you through both coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail ends at a viewpoint on Sullivan Bay with a picnic table and fire ring. It treats those who are interested in geology with lots of exposed rock, created by volcanic activity over 2 billion years ago. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 1.5 mile(2.4 km) Round trip Download map.

Sitting in between two iconic locations in Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond, is Pemetic Mountain. This spectacular mountain gives those who summit it panoramic views of Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, Cadillac Mountain, and the bold coast of Maine stretching towards the horizon in every direction. Enjoy simple dirt trails and granite ridgeline throughout this hike. Distance: 2.0 miles one-way. 4.0 miles round trip. Terrain: The trail is rocky with uneven footing. Good foot wear is recommended. Rocky granite, short steep sections. Hiking in inclement weather is advised. Hike Description The hike begins at the end of the Jordan Pond North Parking. The trail head is north of the pit toilet. Follow this trail 0.1 miles where it comes upon the Jordan Pond Path. Turn right on Jordan Pond Path and cross the stone walkway. At the end of this walkway there is a stump that has Jordan Pond Path with an arrow carved into it. There is a trail that goes right at this post with no name. Take this trail. Follow this trail 0.1 miles where it will run into the Park Loop Road. Safely cross this road and continue walking what is called the Bubble and Jordan Pond Path. Continue another 0.4 miles on this dirt and granite step path until you reach the trail marker for Pemetic South Ridge. Ascend the south ridge of Pemetic Mountain for 1.3 miles. This trail involves uneven ground, shorter rock scrambles, and granite ridgeline. It will slowly climb out of the forest exposing dramatic vistas in every direction as the trail approaches the summit at 1248 ft. Return back to Jordan Pond the same way to complete this hike.

The Norumbega Mountain Loop features a steep hike up to the summit of Norumbega Mountain, then a gradual descent in the forest before hiking along the western shore of Lower Hadlock Pond. Portions of hike are on boardwalks since the trail goes over boggy areas. Distance: 3.2 miles round trip Terrain: The trail is rocky with uneven footing. Short, steep granite sections throughout. Some boardwalk sections along the pond's edge. Hike Description The Norumbega Loop starts on the northern end of the parking area. Follow signs for the Goat Trail. The Goat Trail quickly ascends a steep section with granite boulders It joins with the Norumbega Mountain Trail along the ridge, and directly to the left of the signposts is the true summit of Norumbega Mountain at 852 ft. The trail descends gradually through a forested area with some views of Somes Sound. At the bottom, it reaches Lower Hadlock Pond and turns left on the Hadlock Pond Trail along the shoreline. The trail has some rooted sections and boardwalks over boggy areas before reaching a small waterfall where water flows from Upper Hadlock to Lower Hadlock Pond. At the junction, take the Norumbega Connector to lead back to the parking area. For a longer hike, add .4 miles by following the Hadlock Ponds Trail around Upper Hadlock Pond and Hadlock Brook Trail back to the highway.

The Jordan Pond Path traverses the shore of Jordan Pond, one of Acadia’s most iconic landscapes. Located in a steep valley carved out by the retreat of glaciers, Jordan Pond is bordered by Penobscot, Pemetic, and two rounded peaks known as the Bubbles. Listen for the calls of common loons, search for signs of beaver activity, and watch the granite cliffs above for nesting peregrine falcons. Distance: 3.3 mile loop Terrain: Forested areas with uneven footing on wooden boardwalks, rocks, and footbridges Jordan Pond is designated public water supply, so wading and swimming are prohibited at all times. Hike Description Note: The western half of the Jordan Pond Path is significantly more difficult than the eastern half, and may be challenging for families with small children, seniors, and people with mobility impairments. The full loop consists of the eastern half, a short walk along the coast at the northern end of the pond, and a trek back to the trailhead along the western half (or said route in reverse). Visitors are encouraged to begin with the eastern half of the loop in case they choose to turn around, and the description below follows this order. See the photo gallery below the description for visual references. At several points along the Jordan Pond Path, it intersects with other trails. Please check the difficulty and elevation profiles of these trails and make sure you are prepared before choosing to hike them. Eastern Half Start at the boat launch for Jordan Pond. Turn right and follow along the east shoreline. The path is defined by even terrain and crushed stone underfoot. Use caution on stepping stones and bridges that allow water to flow from the slope above. About two-thirds of the way along the eastern half of the loop, the Jordan Pond Path intersects with the Bubbles Trail and Jordan Pond Carry. This half of the Bubbles Trail leads to South Bubble and Bubble Rock. Continue along the path to reach the northern end of the pond, which is marked by the Bubbles Divide Trailhead, as well as the Jordan Pond Buoy and two wooden log bridges slightly further along. Western Half Starting from the wooden bridges, continue along the path into the forest. Shortly after the bridge, the path intersects with the Deer Brook Trail, which crosses the Eagle Lake/Jordan Pond carriage road and eventually intersects with trails leading to Sargent Peak and Penobscot Peak. The forest then gives way to an open, rocky area consisting of boulders that broke off from the sheer cliffs above. This area, while mostly level, involves stepping stones, uneven footing, and may require some scrambling. Use caution when climbing the rocks. After the rocks is a raised wooden plank boardwalk through a forested area. Please stay on the path to protect vegetation. At the end of the plank boardwalk, the path follows a short walk through the forest before coming to a small stone bridge. The gravel trail crossing the bridge is the Eagle Lake/Jordan Pond carriage road. Visitors may turn right after the bridge to continue along the carriage road, which intersects with the Jordan Stream Path further down. To finish the Jordan Pond Path, turn left after the bridge into the small stone courtyard. Follow the shoreline to return to the Jordan Pond Path Trailhead.

Serene woods, babbling brooks, and crystal clear ponds accompany hikers throughout this walk. Enjoy boardwalks, wooden bridges and some uneven terrain on this figure eight trail that includes both Lower and Upper Hadlock Ponds. Listen for the iconic wail of common loons who can be seen on this hike. Distance: 4.1 miles round trip Terrain and Safety: The trail has places with uneven footing. Bog walks can be narrow and slippery when wet. Good footwear is recommended. Hike Description Park at the Norumbega Mountain parking area. This is a parking area on Route 198 that is a pull through parking area on the western side of the highway. Cross Rt. 198 safely and begin walking on the Hadlock Ponds Trail. The Hadlock Ponds Trail begins with a dirt path through the woods. Follow this trail 0.5 miles past multiple other trail intersections and two carriage road intersections. Always make sure to continue on the trail directed to by a sign with Hadlock Ponds Trail carved into it. Continue another 0.7 miles after the last carriage road intersection to begin following the edge of Upper Hadlock Ponds. Watch out for uneven terrain and roots within the trail. As the trail parallels the pond it does become a narrow bogwalk. Appropriate footwear with good traction is recommended. Bogwalk is very slippery when wet. Caution is advised. The trail will intersect with Route 198. Safely cross Route 198 and continue on the Hadlock Ponds Trails for 0.3 miles. The trail winds it way past brooks and many vernal pools in this section. Pay close attention to the blue blazes that mark the trail. The Hadlock Ponds trail splits at Lower Hadlock Pond. Take a left to continue around the pond. Follow this trail 1.6 miles to circle Lower Hadlcok Pond in its entirety. Once the loop has been completed around Lower Hadlock Pond, return back up the trail first taken after crossing Route 198. In 0.1 miles there will be an intersection with the Norumbega Connector Trail. Take this trail 0.9 miles through spruce woods back to the Norumbega Parking area. This trail has a lot of tree roots. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The Hadlock Ponds loop is 4.1 miles round trip. However, there are many ways to shorten this hike if desired.

This moderate loop hike provides access to Phelps Lake as well as views into Death Canyon and the southern end of the Teton Range. Start the trail from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and follow the trail as it loops Phelps Lake. Those looking to extend the hike can add the Aspen Ridge or Boulder Ridge trails on the way to and from the lake.

North of Jackson, Mississippi the Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is the longest of the five developed trail sections at 26 miles. Eight miles run alongside the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir, and the other sixteen miles go through dense forests, seasonal streams and open pastureland. There is a lot to see on this stretch of trail; many sites are accessible via short side trails (you may have to cross the parkway). The trail parallels the parkway roadbed; use caution at all times, especially at bridge crossings, where you must walk along the Parkway road. Camping is not permitted along this section of trail. All camping must take place in designated campgrounds unless you received a special use permit in advance. See Camping on the Natchez Trace Parkway for additional information. See Maps for additional information. See Alerts & Conditions and Road and Site Status for additional information. Areas on the Yockanookany Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail Northern Terminus Trailhead at Yockanookany (Milepost 130.9): The Yockanookany trailhead is the northern terminus of the Yockanookany Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. This trailhead is open to hikers only. From this trailhead, the southern terminus at West Florida Boundary is about 26 miles away. To access the trailhead from the parking area walk south from the parking area several hundred feet until you see the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail sign on your right. Upper Choctaw Boundary (Milepost 128.4): Hikers can access the Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail from the short self-guided interpretive walk at the location. Cypress Swamp (Milepost 122): The Cypress Swamp Trailhead is located directly across the paved Parkway from the Cypress Swamp site. Hikers may hike south 14.1 miles to the West Florida Boundary, north 8.9 miles to the Yockanookany Trailhead, or any distance they chose on this out and back trail. Highway 43 Trailhead (near Milepost 114.9): This is a the only staging area for horses on this section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. There is ample room for parking trailers, and water is available for horses to drink at this trailhead. Riders can travel north 16 miles to the northern terminus at Yockanookany, or south seven miles to the southern terminus at the West Florida Boundary. To reach the Mississippi Hwy. 43 trailhead, exit the Parkway at Milepost 115; go west on MS Hwy 43 a short distance to Yandell Road; turn left (south) for 100 feet; turn left into the parking area. Southern Terminus Trailhead at the West Florida Boundary (milepost 107.9): The West Florida Boundary Trailhead is the southern terminus of the Yockanookany Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. This parking area and trailhead is for hikers only. Hikers may chose to walk a short loop on the nature trail or continue for 26 miles to the northern terminus of this section at the Yockanookany Trailhead.

Take an easy hike along Lake Creek to the shore of Phelps Lake. The trail begins at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and winds through the surrounding forest and along the banks of Lake Creek. Once at Phelps Lake, the forest opens up to reveal the lake and views into Death Canyon. Follow the Woodland Trail to complete the loop back.