Bubble Rock

Scenic spot · Hancock County

Bubble Rock

Scenic spot · Hancock County

2

Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660

Photos

Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by dcordell11 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by dcordell11 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by sharontlin (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by sharontlin (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by sharontlin (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by sharontlin (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by sharontlin (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by sharontlin (Atlas Obscura User)
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null
Bubble Rock by null

Highlights

Popular hiking destination featuring a large boulder perched on a cliff & views of Jordan Pond.  

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Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660 Get directions

nps.gov

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Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660 Get directions

nps.gov

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"In the middle of Acadia National Park in Mount Desert, Maine, you’ll find Bubble Rock. Named for the precariously balanced titular structure, it was created tens of thousands of years ago by glacial erosion, which slowly created the formation that perches on the edge of a cliff overlooking the South Bubble summit. Geologists have estimated that the rock originated 40 miles to the north near Lucerne. The course-grain on its surface is indicative of its white granite composition, which differs from the surrounding rock of Mount Desert Island, typically a pink granite hue. The trail to reach the rock is moderate, about 0.7 miles one-way, and can crossed through the Bubbles Divide Trail or Bubbles Trail. Parking is available for all hikers further down on Park Loop Road, about a mile south of Bubble Pond and 1.5 miles north of Jordan Pond House. Bubbles Divide Trail heads west from the start, crossing the Jordan Pond Carry Trail and upwards into a wider, more graded trail. The Bubbles Trail joins from North Bubble from the right, eventually merging. The trail includes two notable forks, which lead to North Bubble and South Bubble, the former being the higher summit at 872’/266 m and the latter at 768’/238 m.  While Bubbles Divide Trail descends straight forward, a left turn bears into Bubbles Trail. Another boulder - not Bubble Rock - can be accessed through a short trail on the right, with a ledge overlooking the ridgeline of Sargent Mountain. Further up ahead is an opening from the tree cover into the summit. Finally, a short trail to the left leads downhill to the edge of the cliff and Bubble Rock. South Bubble provides a view of Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, as well as the ocean off of Seal Harbor. Another trail further down also leads down to the Jordan Pond, although the trail is notably more precarious and steep, despite its moderate trail rating." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

17 Wonders of America's National Parks
View Postcard for Bubble Rock
@atlasobscura

"In the middle of Acadia National Park in Mount Desert, Maine, you’ll find Bubble Rock. Named for the precariously balanced titular structure, it was created tens of thousands of years ago by glacial erosion, which slowly created the formation that perches on the edge of a cliff overlooking the South Bubble summit. Geologists have estimated that the rock originated 40 miles to the north near Lucerne. The course-grain on its surface is indicative of its white granite composition, which differs from the surrounding rock of Mount Desert Island, typically a pink granite hue. The trail to reach the rock is moderate, about 0.7 miles one-way, and can crossed through the Bubbles Divide Trail or Bubbles Trail. Parking is available for all hikers further down on Park Loop Road, about a mile south of Bubble Pond and 1.5 miles north of Jordan Pond House. Bubbles Divide Trail heads west from the start, crossing the Jordan Pond Carry Trail and upwards into a wider, more graded trail. The Bubbles Trail joins from North Bubble from the right, eventually merging. The trail includes two notable forks, which lead to North Bubble and South Bubble, the former being the higher summit at 872’/266 m and the latter at 768’/238 m.  While Bubbles Divide Trail descends straight forward, a left turn bears into Bubbles Trail. Another boulder - not Bubble Rock - can be accessed through a short trail on the right, with a ledge overlooking the ridgeline of Sargent Mountain. Further up ahead is an opening from the tree cover into the summit. Finally, a short trail to the left leads downhill to the edge of the cliff and Bubble Rock. South Bubble provides a view of Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, as well as the ocean off of Seal Harbor. Another trail further down also leads down to the Jordan Pond, although the trail is notably more precarious and steep, despite its moderate trail rating." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

The Ultimate Guide to America's National Parks
View Postcard for Bubble Rock

Paul Goodman

Google
This was a pretty strenuous climb for us. It's a steep climb up the mountain but very rewarding at the top. A dog made it most of the way up! The views were breathtaking!!

Michael Cloin

Google
Awesome views! There are multiple options for this climb. Parking at the bubble parking lot (not supported by the Island Explorer bus). The walk has elevation, stairs in places, potentially muddy. Requires some persistence but this is not a bad walk to get to the Bubble Rock and the great views. Another option: start from the Jordan Pond trail. Steep climb, a lock of climbing and elevation. Higher difficulty for sure. Also getting to the top was very difficult. From the parking lot, you could walk onto the height with less stress. Try either but recommend parking at the bubble parking lot if you can. More fun for family.

Ryan Lewandowski

Google
Cool rock hanging on the edge near the top of the south bubble. Can get here from the bubble divide trail or the Jordan pond trail. Manageable climbs to get up to the north and south bubbles. We thought the north bubble had better views. The boulder field going down from the bubble divide to the Jordan pond trail is pretty steep so take your time. Parking can be very painful if you do not arrive early.

Maggie Wagner

Google
Recommend taking an early morning hike (attempt to get to all trail heads before 8:30am when the visitor center opens) combining the south bubble, bubble divide down to Jordan Pond and then heading back up to the parking lot. Excellent views, some challenging portions and a lovely stroll around the lake to finish.

Clara Camilo

Google
Not a difficult hike - I was exhausted since we went to bed late the night before and I wasn’t up to eating breakfast. We walked this trail and it was so beautiful/tranquil. There were some steep areas but it was one foot in front of the other…really enjoyable.

Nichole Oliver

Google
Bubble Rock was incredible despite the fog being too thick to see the view. It's pretty much all inclined on the way up which is nice for the walk back 😂 It was a little strenuous but still fairly easy. If you're like me you just have to take it at your own pace. Had a nice time hanging up at the top for a while with friends.

Sanjay Gupta

Google
If you’re looking for an incredible (but lesser-known) trail, consider hiking to Bubble Rocks. This trail goes to two separate viewpoints called South Bubble and North Bubble that overlook Jordan Pond from up top. In addition to being a wonderful viewpoint, South Bubble also has a famous tourist attraction: Bubble Rock (aka. Balanced Rock). a large boulder that was carried by glaciers (yes! you read it right) and deposited at the seemingly precarious edge of a cliff. it is considered to be the best-known boulder in the entire state of Maine The hike from the Bubbles parking lot to Bubble Rock is a short family-friendly adventure. Bubble Rock and the 768-foot peak of South Bubble can be reached via the Bubbles Divide Trail and Bubbles Trail. The Bubbles trailhead and the parking lot are located on Park Loop Road, just over a mile south of Bubble Pond and about 1.5 miles north of Jordan Pond House. Just beyond the side trail to Bubble Rock, are wonderful views of Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, as well as the ocean off Seal Harbor.

Marcy Kyser

Google
This is a memorable trail. Beautiful with a great view. The hike is very challenging. There is rock scrambling involved, and it is not just trails. Actually, it is mostly rock scrambling, the trails are limited. We brought a teather rope for safety with the 3 year old, and there were definitely places we had to lift him because he couldn't climb. My 6 year old was able to do all the climbing himself. This trail is very solar exposed. Be prepared with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Parking is an issue at this trail, so arrive early.