Great Head

Great Head is a dramatic granite headland on the coast of Acadia National Park, reached by the Great Head Trail near Sand Beach. The short hike is known for sweeping Atlantic views, rocky cliffs, and a classic Acadia shoreline landscape that feels wild and exposed even though it is close to one of the park’s most visited areas. It is a rewarding stop for travelers who want a scenic walk with big ocean vistas without committing to a long or strenuous backcountry hike.

History

Great Head is part of the coastal landscape protected within Acadia National Park, which was created to preserve the rugged shoreline and mountain scenery of Mount Desert Island. The headland itself has long been known for its exposed granite coast and was incorporated into the park’s trail system as a scenic overlook area rather than as a developed destination.

Expert notes

• Trail conditions can be uneven and rocky, so it is not ideal for sandals or mobility-limited visitors.
• The best light and clearest views are often early in the day or on calmer weather days.
• Stay well back from cliff edges and avoid scrambling on wet granite.