First off, a confession, I have lived here since college and it was only this year that I hiked around lower Hadlock Pond. I’ve hiked near it. I’ve seen trail heads. But, I’ve never made the trek around the pond.
This is a fail.
Just outside of Northeast Harbor, this trail might not have a ton of elevation gain, but the woods are serene, unless there’s a drought, the brooks babble and there are often a common loon or two on the clean pond that is the town’s water suppy.
You can choose to do a figure-eight trail, which is about 4.1 miles or the much shorter around the pond trip. Either way, it’s lovely, not terribly crowded at all, and has that magical feel of Acadia.
For the longer hike, the park suggests:
“Park at the Norumbega Mountain parking area. This is a parking area on Route 198 that is a pull through parking area on the western side of the highway. Cross Rt. 198 safely and begin walking on the Hadlock Ponds Trail.
“The Hadlock Ponds Trail begins with a dirt path through the woods. Follow this trail 0.5 miles past multiple other trail intersections and two carriage road intersections. Always make sure to continue on the trail directed to by a sign with Hadlock Ponds Trail carved into it.
“Continue another 0.7 miles after the last carriage road intersection to begin following the edge of Upper Hadlock Ponds. Watch out for uneven terrain and roots within the trail. As the trail parallels the pond it does become a narrow bogwalk. Appropriate footwear with good traction is recommended. Bogwalk is very slippery when wet. Caution is advised.
“The trail will intersect with Route 198. Safely cross Route 198 and continue on the Hadlock Ponds Trails for 0.3 miles. The trail winds it way past brooks and many vernal pools in this section. Pay close attention to the blue blazes that mark the trail.
“The Hadlock Ponds trail splits at Lower Hadlock Pond. Take a left to continue around the pond. Follow this trail 1.6 miles to circle Lower Hadlcok Pond in its entirety.
“Once the loop has been completed around Lower Hadlock Pond, return back up the trail first taken after crossing Route 198. In 0.1 miles there will be an intersection with the Norumbega Connector Trail. Take this trail 0.9 miles through spruce woods back to the Norumbega Parking area. This trail has a lot of tree roots. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
“The Hadlock Ponds loop is 4.1 miles round trip. However, there are many ways to shorten this hike if desired.”
JUST AROUND LOWER HADLOCK
If you just want to go around the pond for a shorter hike, pull off Route 198 below the Parkman Mountain area, drive a tiny road that says “HADLOCK.” Park on the side of the road.
You can either begin your circle around the pond counter-clockwise. Follow trail signs. If you begin it clockwise, you’ll start on a wide road (blocked by a gate), veer toward the Gatehouse and then head into the woods.
The terrain varies on this much shorter trek. There are uneven bits, small hills, bog bridges and rocks.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
Trail Map pdf via Town of Mount Desert created by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.