Bubbles Divide Trail to Bubble Rock

Bubble Rock is a well-known natural wonder in Acadia National Park.  This large boulder, which was carried by powerful glaciers, is resting precariously on the edge of the summit of South Bubble.  Due to its fairly accessible location, it is a common stop for visitors to the park.

The trail begins at The Bubbles Parking lot along the Park Loop Road.  The lot is small and will fill up quickly, so get there early or consider pairing Bubble Rock with a nearby hike (Jordan Pond Trail, Pemetic Trail, Penobscot Trail) to begin at another location.  This trail is easy to follow with blue-blazes and trail posts along the way.  Though you will be hiking uphill most of the way, the ascent is gradual along the well-maintained path.  If hiking in the summer, keep an eye out for blueberries along the way, which are a frequent site throughout the park.

Once you make it to the summit, enjoy the views of Eagle Lake to the north and Jordan Pond to the south.  And of course, be sure to snap a photo of your fellow hikers trying in vain to push Bubble Rock from its secure location.  You will then return the way you came back down to the parking lot.

A word of caution – if you decide to extend your hike down to Jordan Pond, you will find the trail to be much more challenging as it continues down the mountain on the west side.  Use caution if hiking with children or consider taking a different route to the pond, such as the Jordan Pond Carry Trail, which intersects the Bubbles Divide Trail just 0.1 miles from the parking lot.