Hike Homans Path

Homans Path is a memorial path at Sieur de Monts. It is a .3 mile steep ascent with impressive examples of intricate rock work. It is one of the routes to reach Schiff Path, and eventually the summit of Dorr Mountain.

It is named to honor Eliza Lothrop Homans for her major donations of land, including the Beehive and Bowl area, to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. It was unmaintained for a time and was removed from park maps in the 1940s. However, in 2003, Homans Path was officially reopened. In 2006, the trail was damaged by an earthquake, and had to be temporarily closed. Once repaired and safe to use again, the trail reopened in 2007.

• Distance: .3 miles one way
• Terrain: Forested area with steep and rocky sections, granite steps, narrow passages

Hike Description

• Start at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center. Cross the small wooden bridge and walk around the left side of Wild Gardens of Acadia.
• Follow the Jesup Path to the intersection with Hemlock Path and Homans Path.
• Turn left onto Homans Path.
• The trail quickly ascends for .3 miles on granite stairs and steep sections through the forest.
• Join up with Emery Path.
  • To reach the summit of Dorr Mountain, follow Emery Path and continue onto Schiff Path for 1.2 miles.
  • To return to Sieur de Monts, retrace your steps back or take Emery Path or Kurt Diederichs Climb. All three trails are quick, steep descent with granite steps. Use caution, especially when the rock is wet and slippery.

Details

Duration

15-30 Minutes

This hike is .3 miles one way. Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. For an average pace, this hike takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. It is not recommended for pets, since the trail is very steep with granite steps.

Activity Fee

No

Although the activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Homans Path

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Sieur de Monts

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and follow the Park Loop Road. Follow signs for start of one-way road towards Sand Beach. Continue for two miles and turn right at signs for Sieur de Monts. This area can also be accessed from Bar Harbor via Maine Route 3.

• By bus: Take the Island Explorer (mid-June to October) to Sieur de Monts. Check bus schedules for times and routes.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Homans Path is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing, steep sections, a narrow passage, and granite stairs throughout.

There is an accessible restroom at Sieur de Monts.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile or a topographic map before hiking.
• Bring a map, water, snacks, compass, and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather.
• Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
• Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
• Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.