Schooner Head Path

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This dirt sidewalk is one of the first paths that early Mount Desert Island (MDI) residents and tourists constructed and strolled down in the early 20th century, during the pre-national park era. It runs for approximately 2.9 miles along one Acadia's easternmost edges and overlooks Frenchman Bay. The path extends from Sols Cliff in the north to Schooner Head in the south. Its northern end links up with the Compass Harbor Trail near the ruins of George Dorr's Old Farm estate (Dorr is considered "The Father of Acadia", the person most responsible for helping to create the national park), while the southern trailhead is located at the Schooner Head Overlook parking lot, about 0.3 miles east of the Park Loop Road's entrance station at the base of Enoch Mountain. For those who want to hike it from the north, there is also parking close to Dorr's farm. Obviously, you can hike this path in either direction due to its accessibility.

Schooner Head Path is an easy trail that is relatively flat with less than 100 feet of elevation change overall. It has some stunning views as it looks out over many of the area's outlying islands and beyond. The hike begins at either end in a pleasant set of woods. Along the way, you'll walk across the top of some significant, but safe, cliffs and see several ponds to the west at points along the way. Notably, the Orange & Black Path and Murphy Lane both link up with the western side of this trail and can provide access to Champlain Mountain, if you so desire. But it's really nice to hike this path leisurely by itself. Essentially, this trail provides quite a relaxing mood and a sense of the area's history for all those who are patient enough to slow down and enjoy it.