Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Sieur de Monts to Jesup Path with Island Explorer Bus
Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia
The Jesup Path and Hemlock Road Loop consists of two mostly level trail consisting of boardwalk and compressed crushed gravel creating a figure-8 for a 1.5-mile round trip hike made possible by the Island Explorer Bus. The loop runs through stands of white birch and hemlock and into the Great Meadow beyond Sieur de Monts. The hike offers benches and pullouts with views of Dorr Mountain interspersed in this walk. Great for families, kids, and wheel-chair accessible. Restrooms available.
This hike provides a tranquil stroll in a wooded area of the park accessible by almost anyone. Accessing the starting point of this trail by the Island Explorer is relatively easy since the Sieur de Monts drop off point is one of the first stops from the Hulls Cove Visitors Center. Additionally, the starting and ending point of this walk use the same bus location, making this hike easy to navigate. Before starting the walk, visitors can explore the heart of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, by checking out the exhibits and talking to a ranger at the Nature Center and viewing the Sieur de Monts Spring, the original Abbe Museum structure, the George B. Dorr Memorial, and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. This is also an excellent spot for birdwatching. Open, grassy fields beside the Nature Center are ideal for young children to run and play.
Sieur de Monts, often referred to as the "Heart of Acadia." Includes Sieur de Monts Spring and spring house, Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Abbe Museum(closed), the tarn, Great Meadow Wetland, and access to multiple historic memorial paths. It is the first major stopping point along the Park Loop Road. At Sieur de Monts you can learn the natural and cultural history of Acadia through interpretive signs and hike trails of various lengths and difficulty and enjoy birdwatching. In the summer months you can speak with park staff at the Nature Center. This area serves as a memorial to George Dorr for his work toward the creation of the park and his direction from 1916–1944 as its first superintendent.
This hike provides a tranquil stroll in a wooded area of the park accessible by almost anyone. Accessing the starting point of this trail by the Island Explorer is relatively easy since the Sieur de Monts drop off point is one of the first stops from the Hulls Cove Visitors Center. Additionally, the starting and ending point of this walk use the same bus location, making this hike easy to navigate. Before starting the walk, visitors can explore the heart of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, by checking out the exhibits and talking to a ranger at the Nature Center and viewing the Sieur de Monts Spring, the original Abbe Museum structure, the George B. Dorr Memorial, and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. This is also an excellent spot for birdwatching. Open, grassy fields beside the Nature Center are ideal for young children to run and play.
Sieur de Monts, often referred to as the "Heart of Acadia." Includes Sieur de Monts Spring and spring house, Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Abbe Museum(closed), the tarn, Great Meadow Wetland, and access to multiple historic memorial paths. It is the first major stopping point along the Park Loop Road. At Sieur de Monts you can learn the natural and cultural history of Acadia through interpretive signs and hike trails of various lengths and difficulty and enjoy birdwatching. In the summer months you can speak with park staff at the Nature Center. This area serves as a memorial to George Dorr for his work toward the creation of the park and his direction from 1916–1944 as its first superintendent.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
This trail has almost no elevation gain along the 1.5-mile walk, although there are gentle rises in elevation making it accessible to almost anyone. The trails consist of boardwalks and fire roads with crushed gravel.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Disembark the bus at Sieur de Monts to begin the hike. Sieur de Monts has restrooms and water. Stop at the Nature Center for help finding the trial if needed. Start the hike next to the Nature Center just beyond the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Cross the wooden footbridge and turn right. Follow the path as it crosses the Hemlock Road Trail and continues straight onto the raised boardwalk.
The boardwalk is approximately 3 feet wide and runs through a wetland area composed of red maple, yellow and white birch, sedges, and ferns. Keep an eye out for the impressive variety of lichen, fungus and mosses adhering to the bark of these trees. Visitors can stop at several of benches along the way to rest and take in the beauty, smell the woodland aromas, and listen to the bird song and chatter. Interpretive waysides provide hikers with engaging facts about the wildlife and ecology in the area.
As the boardwalk ends at the .4-mile mark, the trail crosses the Hemlock Road Trail again. For a shorter loop, visitors can return to the Nature Center via the Hemlock Road by turning left at the intersection. To complete the full hike, continue straight through the intersection on the gravel path. The canopy opens for the next .3 miles as the trail stretches through the Great Meadow portion, with splendid views of Dorr Mountain and Kebo Mountain to the west. The 100-acre Great Meadow is the largest freshwater wetland in the park where an abundancy of grasses, sedges and wildflowers thrive. Wetland insects, amphibians, birds and other wildlife delight the senses, particularly during the warmer months. Further down the trail be aware that the trail becomes uneven with exposed roots and rocks.
As there are no crosswalks where the trail crosses Park Loop Road, use caution when crossing. After crossing the road, the trail connects with the Great Meadow Loop. Turn right and continue until the next trail junction. Then, turn right again and cross back over the Park Loop Road onto the Hemlock Road Trail. Follow Hemlock Road for .2 miles back into the Great Meadow. Here, you will find a shaded arbor of lovely grey birch with more views of the surrounding meadow. The path recrosses the Jessup Path, then continue straight through the intersection where Hemlock Road lives up to its name. This .4-mile section of the trail is lined with shade loving evergreen trees that, in turn, provide cooling shade on a hot day. For a return trip to the Nature Center, turn right at the intersection with the Jessup Path again.
Other sites include the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the historic Abbe Museum, and the Nature Center where passport stamp collectors can receive a stamp. Explore a park trails map or talk to a ranger at the Nature Center to find other trails that begin in Sieur de Monts.
Photography-Sieur de Monts is an ideal area for photographing wooded areas, historical structure, birds, and gardens.
Birdwatching-Sieur de Monts is an idyllic spot for birdwatching, especially in the morning hours.
Passport Stamp Collecting- Visitors can collect a passport stamp from Sieur de Monts Nature Center at mile 0.0 at the start of the trek.
Historic Structures-Take time to view the Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, and Sieur de Monts Spring, and the historic Abbe Museum structure.
Talk to a Ranger-Enter the Nature Center and ask your questions or get help with Jr. Ranger activities.
Jr Ranger Activities-Many activities in the Jr. Ranger book can be completed at Sieur de Monts
Restrooms- There are accessible bathrooms across the parking lot from the trailhead.
The boardwalk is approximately 3 feet wide and runs through a wetland area composed of red maple, yellow and white birch, sedges, and ferns. Keep an eye out for the impressive variety of lichen, fungus and mosses adhering to the bark of these trees. Visitors can stop at several of benches along the way to rest and take in the beauty, smell the woodland aromas, and listen to the bird song and chatter. Interpretive waysides provide hikers with engaging facts about the wildlife and ecology in the area.
As the boardwalk ends at the .4-mile mark, the trail crosses the Hemlock Road Trail again. For a shorter loop, visitors can return to the Nature Center via the Hemlock Road by turning left at the intersection. To complete the full hike, continue straight through the intersection on the gravel path. The canopy opens for the next .3 miles as the trail stretches through the Great Meadow portion, with splendid views of Dorr Mountain and Kebo Mountain to the west. The 100-acre Great Meadow is the largest freshwater wetland in the park where an abundancy of grasses, sedges and wildflowers thrive. Wetland insects, amphibians, birds and other wildlife delight the senses, particularly during the warmer months. Further down the trail be aware that the trail becomes uneven with exposed roots and rocks.
As there are no crosswalks where the trail crosses Park Loop Road, use caution when crossing. After crossing the road, the trail connects with the Great Meadow Loop. Turn right and continue until the next trail junction. Then, turn right again and cross back over the Park Loop Road onto the Hemlock Road Trail. Follow Hemlock Road for .2 miles back into the Great Meadow. Here, you will find a shaded arbor of lovely grey birch with more views of the surrounding meadow. The path recrosses the Jessup Path, then continue straight through the intersection where Hemlock Road lives up to its name. This .4-mile section of the trail is lined with shade loving evergreen trees that, in turn, provide cooling shade on a hot day. For a return trip to the Nature Center, turn right at the intersection with the Jessup Path again.
Other sites include the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the historic Abbe Museum, and the Nature Center where passport stamp collectors can receive a stamp. Explore a park trails map or talk to a ranger at the Nature Center to find other trails that begin in Sieur de Monts.
Photography-Sieur de Monts is an ideal area for photographing wooded areas, historical structure, birds, and gardens.
Birdwatching-Sieur de Monts is an idyllic spot for birdwatching, especially in the morning hours.
Passport Stamp Collecting- Visitors can collect a passport stamp from Sieur de Monts Nature Center at mile 0.0 at the start of the trek.
Historic Structures-Take time to view the Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, and Sieur de Monts Spring, and the historic Abbe Museum structure.
Talk to a Ranger-Enter the Nature Center and ask your questions or get help with Jr. Ranger activities.
Jr Ranger Activities-Many activities in the Jr. Ranger book can be completed at Sieur de Monts
Restrooms- There are accessible bathrooms across the parking lot from the trailhead.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on a leash. (6-feet or shorter)
Activity Fee
No
A park pass is required for any activity in the park. The pass should be left displayed in personal vehicles. Visitors are not required to carry it with them and will not be asked to show it while on the trail or riding the bus.
Location
Sieur de Monts to Jesup Path and Hemlock Road Loop
Hiking: Disembark the bus at Sieur de Monts to begin the hike. Sieur de Monts has restrooms and water. Stop at the Nature Center for help finding the trial if needed. Start the hike next to the Nature Center just beyond the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Cross the wooden footbridge and turn right. Follow the path as it crosses the Hemlock Road Trail and continues straight onto the raised boardwalk.
The boardwalk is approximately 3 feet wide and runs through a wetland area composed of red maple, yellow and white birch, sedges, and ferns. Keep an eye out for the impressive variety of lichen, fungus and mosses adhering to the bark of these trees. Visitors can stop at several of benches along the way to rest and take in the beauty, smell the woodland aromas, and listen to the bird song and chatter. Interpretive waysides provide hikers with engaging facts about the wildlife and ecology in the area.
As the boardwalk ends at the .4-mile mark, the trail crosses the Hemlock Road Trail again. For a shorter loop, visitors can return to the Nature Center via the Hemlock Road by turning left at the intersection. To complete the full hike, continue straight through the intersection on the gravel path. The canopy opens for the next .3 miles as the trail stretches through the Great Meadow portion, with splendid views of Dorr Mountain and Kebo Mountain to the west. The 100-acre Great Meadow is the largest freshwater wetland in the park where an abundancy of grasses, sedges and wildflowers thrive. Wetland insects, amphibians, birds and other wildlife delight the senses, particularly during the warmer months. Further down the trail be aware that the trail becomes uneven with exposed roots and rocks.
As there are no crosswalks where the trail crosses Park Loop Road, use caution when crossing. After crossing the road, the trail connects with the Great Meadow Loop. Turn right and continue until the next trail junction. Then, turn right again and cross back over the Park Loop Road onto the Hemlock Road Trail. Follow Hemlock Road for .2 miles back into the Great Meadow. Here, you will find a shaded arbor of lovely grey birch with more views of the surrounding meadow. The path recrosses the Jessup Path, then continue straight through the intersection where Hemlock Road lives up to its name. This .4-mile section of the trail is lined with shade loving evergreen trees that, in turn, provide cooling shade on a hot day. For a return trip to the Nature Center, turn right at the intersection with the Jessup Path again.
Other sites include the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the historic Abbe Museum, and the Nature Center where passport stamp collectors can receive a stamp. Explore a park trails map or talk to a ranger at the Nature Center to find other trails that begin in Sieur de Monts. Several trails start at Sieur de Monts. Hikers can access more trails varying in difficulty providing varied views. By hiking with the use of the Island Explorer Bus, these trails are transformed from out-and-back hikes to a scenic trek across Acadia National Park.
BUS INFORMATION: The Hull’s Cove Visitor Center and Village Green in Bar Harbor are the primary bus hubs on the island. Both have buses that will take you to Sieur de Monts.
Departure from Hull’s Cove Visitor Center: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus and exit the bus at Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 15 minutes.
Alternatively, depart from the Village Green or Blackwoods Campground: Take the #10 Blackwoods Bus and exit the bus at Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 20 minutes.
Return: The #4 or #5 bus to the Visitors Center from the same spot you were dropped off. Alternatively, pick up the #10 bus back to the Village Green or Blackwoods campground.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Bus Stop (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts: #4 and #10)
Restroom (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts) There are accessible bathrooms across the parking lot from the trailhead.
Water (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts)
Bus Stop (mile 4.1 Sand Beach: #4)
Water (mile 4.1 Sand Beach)
The boardwalk is approximately 3 feet wide and runs through a wetland area composed of red maple, yellow and white birch, sedges, and ferns. Keep an eye out for the impressive variety of lichen, fungus and mosses adhering to the bark of these trees. Visitors can stop at several of benches along the way to rest and take in the beauty, smell the woodland aromas, and listen to the bird song and chatter. Interpretive waysides provide hikers with engaging facts about the wildlife and ecology in the area.
As the boardwalk ends at the .4-mile mark, the trail crosses the Hemlock Road Trail again. For a shorter loop, visitors can return to the Nature Center via the Hemlock Road by turning left at the intersection. To complete the full hike, continue straight through the intersection on the gravel path. The canopy opens for the next .3 miles as the trail stretches through the Great Meadow portion, with splendid views of Dorr Mountain and Kebo Mountain to the west. The 100-acre Great Meadow is the largest freshwater wetland in the park where an abundancy of grasses, sedges and wildflowers thrive. Wetland insects, amphibians, birds and other wildlife delight the senses, particularly during the warmer months. Further down the trail be aware that the trail becomes uneven with exposed roots and rocks.
As there are no crosswalks where the trail crosses Park Loop Road, use caution when crossing. After crossing the road, the trail connects with the Great Meadow Loop. Turn right and continue until the next trail junction. Then, turn right again and cross back over the Park Loop Road onto the Hemlock Road Trail. Follow Hemlock Road for .2 miles back into the Great Meadow. Here, you will find a shaded arbor of lovely grey birch with more views of the surrounding meadow. The path recrosses the Jessup Path, then continue straight through the intersection where Hemlock Road lives up to its name. This .4-mile section of the trail is lined with shade loving evergreen trees that, in turn, provide cooling shade on a hot day. For a return trip to the Nature Center, turn right at the intersection with the Jessup Path again.
Other sites include the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the historic Abbe Museum, and the Nature Center where passport stamp collectors can receive a stamp. Explore a park trails map or talk to a ranger at the Nature Center to find other trails that begin in Sieur de Monts. Several trails start at Sieur de Monts. Hikers can access more trails varying in difficulty providing varied views. By hiking with the use of the Island Explorer Bus, these trails are transformed from out-and-back hikes to a scenic trek across Acadia National Park.
BUS INFORMATION: The Hull’s Cove Visitor Center and Village Green in Bar Harbor are the primary bus hubs on the island. Both have buses that will take you to Sieur de Monts.
Departure from Hull’s Cove Visitor Center: Take the #4 Loop Road Bus and exit the bus at Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 15 minutes.
Alternatively, depart from the Village Green or Blackwoods Campground: Take the #10 Blackwoods Bus and exit the bus at Sieur de Monts. The trip takes approx. 20 minutes.
Return: The #4 or #5 bus to the Visitors Center from the same spot you were dropped off. Alternatively, pick up the #10 bus back to the Village Green or Blackwoods campground.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Bus Stop (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts: #4 and #10)
Restroom (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts) There are accessible bathrooms across the parking lot from the trailhead.
Water (mile 0.0 Sieur de Monts)
Bus Stop (mile 4.1 Sand Beach: #4)
Water (mile 4.1 Sand Beach)
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The Jesup Path boardwalk is a 3-foot-wide wooden boardwalk with benches and pullouts running through a wetland area. The Jesup Path boardwalk is 3 foot wide and accessible. Great for familiesand kids.