Reviewing Hiking Trails of Maine: Jordan Pond & South Bubble

I'll always begin every hiking trail review with the time, date and the weather on that date, as they can have a significant impact on any experience.

My 16-year-old dog and I hiked the Jordan Pond Path in Acadia National Park and up the 500-foot ascension to Bubble Rock on Sunday, June 16th, 2024, beginning at 5pm and ending around 7pm. It was mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 60s. The hike is an easy 3.1 loop along the shoreline of Jordan Pond, and an additional challenging half-mile hike if you choose to incorporate the Bubble Rock path. Here was our experience.

Locating Jordan Pond and South Bubble Path in Maine and Finding Parking

I use the AllTrails app to not only locate trails around me wherever I am, but also to get quick directions to any trail. Why do the work when someone else already has? The app is $35 annually and provides an aggregate of hiking trails wherever you are worldwide. I typed in Jordan Pond Path, clicked on get directions, and Apple Maps did the rest.

Parking was available but also consider the time of day (5pm). The lot was still pretty full considering it was a Sunday and Father's Day. I've heard that the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak times. There are several parking lots, however, and with the path being a loop, there are quite a few access points.

There are bathrooms, and the Jordan House is just off the trail where I have been told I MUST take my wife once she arrives in Maine from California.

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All Hikes in Maine Should Require a Few Basic Items in the Backpack

For this hike, I packed the backpack with two liters of water, bug spray that repels ticks and mosquitos although on this trail I didn't experience any bugs which was surprising considering the pond, the time of year (June), and time of the day. The insect repellent either really worked, or this area may not be known for bugs. I also always carry a collapsable water bowl for Moo, a pocketknife, a flashlight, and my phone for capturing photos and in case of emergency.

This trail is only 3 miles, or 3.5 if you choose to challenge yourself with Bubble Rock, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I put an Apple AirTag on both my car key and my dog, Moo. These are two things I don't want to be looking for in the woods if they happened to get lost. As always, when hiking alone, make sure you tell someone where you are going and when.

What Shoes Should You Wear for Jordan Pond Path & South Bubble in Maine?

I completed this trail in Brooks running shoes, and that would have been fine BUT, I really wish I had boots on for the ascension to Bubble Rock. Although fairly short, it is a CLIMB and lots of rocks. If you stick with just the loop on the shoreline, you would be fine in flipflops. I wouldn't recommend it, but I did see a few risktakers doing it. There is just too much nature poking up from the ground that could unnecessarily break a toe if you get distracted by a bald eagle or chipmunk or something.

How Difficult is Jordan Pond in Maine for Dogs, Children, and Elderly?

Jordan Pond is a wonderful trail for ALL ages, shapes and sizes. I saw an elderly couple taking a comfortable stroll while admiring all the breathtaking views, and I saw a few people jogging to the natural soundtrack of the wind gently shaking the foliage and the water steadily caressing the rocks along the shore. When I say a baby could do this hike, I mean that I did in fact witness a toddler who couldn't have been walking for more than a couple weeks, walking this trail.

There are some challenging points on the trail where the shore is a little rockier and there is half-a-mile or so of raised boardwalk that must be walked on to protect the landscape which could be more difficult for others, but if you can walk, you can do the entire circumference of Jordan Pond.

With that being said, the 500-foot ascension to Bubble Rock is NOT for everyone. In fact, Moo and I had to bail on the last 10 feet because it is impossible to get a dog up the last climb. You will need to be able to walk a steep, rocky incline for about 30 minutes to complete this bonus trail.

How Was Hiking Jordan Pond Path & South Bubble in Maine?

This is going to be a trail that I visit many times, primarily for the views and nature's soundtrack, but also because it has so much to offer. Romantic stroll? Jordan's Pond. Walk the dogs for an hour or two? Jordan's Pond. Workout the legs? Throw on a weighted vest and do Jordan's Pond and hike up to Bubble Rock.

It's beautiful, and when you find a spot to be alone, you can truly get lost in nature. Of course, because of how spectacular and friendly this trail is to all; many want to experience it. You will run into dogs, children, and families, but if you appreciate sharing something so wonderful with others, with breaks of being alone in between, you'll have an amazing experience. Just check out the photos below and email me where I should hike next!