Trails

The Compass Harbor Trail provides an easy walk through the woods to the shore just outside the village of Bar Harbor. The land is the former estate of George B. Dorr, who was instrumental in the creation of Acadia National Park as well as its first superintendent. Explore the historic site and enjoy a dramatic shoreline with views of Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Island. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Terrain: Forested path, rocky coastline Hike Description Start at the Compass Harbor Trailhead and travel 0.1 miles from the parking area before the first junction. Turn left at the junction and follow as the trail circles around to a dramatic shoreline over looking Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Island. From the shore, the trail continues back into the woods to the remains of the former home and grounds of the Dorr estate, including the cottage's foundation, stone steps leading down to the ocean, remnants of a saltwater pool, and the remains of gardens and apple trees. Go 0.1 past the foundation to loop back to the first junction. Continue 0.1 miles back the trailhead.

The Cadillac Summit Loop, located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, is well known as one of the most scenic paths at Acadia National Park. Starting at the top of Cadillac Mountain, which is accessible via car, this path provides a walk with breathtaking 360-degree views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and Downeast Maine. Note: If you want to drive up the Cadillac Summit Road between late-May and mid-October, you will need to buy a vehicle reservation . These are only sold online in advance and are not available for purchase in person in the park. Learn more at Recreation.gov Cadillac Mountain is an often-crowded location and this trail is heavily trafficked during the summer season. The paved path has some steeper grades and flat sections with overlooks and wayside displays along the way. Additional description: Cadillac Summit Loop . NoteL

The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop consists of two mostly level trails creating a figure-8. Starting at historic Sieur de Monts, this trail provides a walk through a hemlock and birch forest, a section of the Great Meadow wetland and provides breathtaking views of Dorr Mountain. Birdwatching, photography, and dog walking are common activities along this trail. It is used routinely by people with mobility limitations and families with small children. Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Terrain: Compact, flat trail. Wooden boardwalk with benches and pullouts, wide, gravel fire road. The fare-free Island Explorer serves this destination. Buses drop off and pick up at regular intervals throughout the day at designated stop located at the edge of the parking lot. An electronic digital display notes scheduled bus arrival times. Hike Description Start the hike just before the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts. A wooden footbridge provides access to the Jesup Path. Follow the path as it crosses Hemlock Path, and continue straight onto the boardwalk. The boardwalk runs through a boggy, white birch forest. There are interpretive waysides and benches along the way. As the boardwalk ends, the trail crosses Hemlock Path again. Continue through the Great Meadow, finally ending at the Park Loop Road. Cross the Park Loop Road, and turn right onto the Great Meadow Loop. Use caution when crossing the Park Loop Road as there are no crosswalks. At the next trail junction, turn right and cross back over the Park Loop Road onto Hemlock Path. Follow Hemlock Path back into the Great Meadow, past the boardwalk, and through a forest of hemlocks. The path leads back to Sieur de Monts parking lot. . Additional Descriptions: Jesup Path Hemlock Path

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of the Black community in 1800s Beacon Hill. The Black Heritage Trail ® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite . It begins at the Massachusetts 54th Regiment across the street from the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History , covering about 1.4 miles. 2026 Season (May 23 - October 11) Join a ranger for a Black Heritage Trail Tour Wednesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. Registration is required in advance on Eventbrite . If you have a group larger than five people, please e-mail us or call us at 617-429-6760. *In case of weather, rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space." For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App .

Explore, Learn, Protect Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Natchez Trace? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to be a Junior Ranger badge at Natchez Trace Parkway, and this fun activity book is a great place to start. This booklet includes activities like mazes, coloring, drawings, and more to help you learn about the Natchez Trace. Discover all the park has to offer, from ecosystems to wildlife to American Indian culture to the southeast United States. Become a Junior Ranger Download both parts of the book or see below for other ways to get your book. Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 1 Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 2 We have Junior Ranger activity books waiting for you at our four visitors centers on the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can also receive a digital copy by contacting the park ahead of time via email or by calling 1-800-305-7417. To earn a badge with a Junior Ranger book, complete the fun-filled activities and return your completed book to a ranger at a visitor center desk, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and earn your badge! Don't have enough time to finish the book while you are in the park? No problem! Send your book back to the park when you complete it. A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a badge and signed certificate. Mailing Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Attn: Junior Ranger Program 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804

If it’s not too hot outside, we suggest exploring Paradise! Take the Paradise Creek trail through Paradise Canyon in the foothills of Sequoia National Park. Gentle Paradise Canyon contrasts sharply with its surrounding terrain. This moderate 1-mile trail winds through a deciduous, oak woodlands and passes waterfalls and pools. Cross the Middle Fork Bridge and then parallel Paradise Creek for the rest of the hike. After one mile, the trail ends. Turn around unless you are prepared for off-trail hiking. Notice: The Buckeye Flat campground is currently closed due to ongoing repairs. The trail is only accessible to pedestrians by parking at Hospital Rock and walking the closed road 0.7 miles to the trailhead. There are currently no restroom facilities available at Buckeye Flat Campground. Beware: Poison oak is common along this trail. Learn how to identify Poison Oak , as it can irritate skin and cause rash and/or blisters. An easy phrase to remember is "Leaves of three, let it be." If you see a small plant or shrub with shiny leaves bundled in "threes", be sure to stay away. Try not to brush your clothes or shoes against this plant, as your clothes can carry the plant oils and cause irritation when you get home.

The hike to Eagle Nest Point goes along a ridge to an overlook amid limber pine and Douglas fir. The overlook provides a great vantage point to view the cayons and ridges in the distance. The unmaintained trail is along an old dirt road and is very uneven in places. The hike is two miles out and back with minimal elevation gain. The trail is overgrown in many places and it may be hard to follow. Speak to a ranger at the visitor center before attempting this hike. Please be cautious hiking at Fossil Butte National Monument. The trail is at an elevation of approximately 7800 ft (2390 m) in a desert; you will get sunburned and dehydrated more easily than at lower elevations. The air is also much thinner than at lower elevations and can put more strain on you. There is no shade at the beginning of the trail and conditions can get very hot. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, and plenty of water. Avoid hiking during thunderstorms. Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited by federal law 36 CFR 2.1.

The hike follows Cundick Ridge to an overlook which provides an excellent view of the valley below. On clear days it is possible to see the Uinta Mountains in the distance. The unmaintained trail is on an old dirt road which is very uneven in places. The hike is two miles out and back with minimal elevation gain. Please be cautious hiking at Fossil Butte National Monument. The trailhead is at an elevation of approximately 7800 ft (2390 m) in a desert; you will get sunburned and dehydrated more easily than at lower elevations. The air is also much thinner than at lower elevations and can put more strain on you. There is little shade on the trail and conditions can get very hot. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, and plenty of water. Avoid hiking during thunderstorms. Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited by federal law 36 CFR 2.1.

Distance: 1.8 mi. (2.9 km) roundtrip Chimney Rock Trail offers spectacular views of Drakes Bay, the Pacific Ocean , and, in spring, wildflowers along this open coastal walk. From January through May, look for gray whales as they migrate past the point. The trail begins at the Chimney Rock Trailhead . A narrow dirt path leads to a viewpoint at the southeast end of the Point Reyes Headlands. For your safety, please stay on the official trail and stay away from the bluff tops. Every now and then, with little to no warning, coastal erosion results in cliff faces collapsing. The narrowest section of the Chimney Rock peninsula located ~0.4 miles (600 meters) along the trail and the southwest corner of the peninsula just beyond are both very prone to coastal erosion. Fissures along the bluff tops and freshly exposed vertical faces of rock are evidence of the instability of this area. Immediately beyond the narrow section, the trail climbs a short distance along a rutted section of soft rock before leveling off. After the climb, there are a number of small social trails to the right. These are not park maintained trails. Stay on the official trail, as some of the bluff tops in this area have been undercut, are unstable, and may fall into the Pacific at anytime. The trail continues down the middle of the peninsula, with views of the water in almost every direction. Listen for elephant seals barking on the beaches below. The trail ends at the southeast end of the peninsula where visitors may enjoy the view while sitting on park benches. On clear days, vistas extend to San Francisco and Montara Mountain above Half Moon Bay. This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's Chimney Rock Area Map (125 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick up a park map or hiking map at a visitor center on your way. Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations . Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety. Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

The La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles, a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see Kolob Arch. With a span of 287 feet and a thickness of 75 feet, Kolob Arch is one of the world's largest natural arches.