South Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park
Discover South Bubble and Bubble Rock
South Bubble Mountain is one of Acadia’s most iconic peaks — not because of its size, but because of the famous Bubble Rock perched on its cliffside. This massive glacial erratic has been balanced here for thousands of years, a dramatic reminder of the power of the glaciers that shaped Mount Desert Island. The climb up South Bubble is short but steep, rewarding hikers with one of the most photographed views in Acadia: Jordan Pond stretching like a fjord below, with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering beyond.
The trail up South Bubble may be brief, but it delivers a big payoff. Along the way you’ll pass through spruce forest, scramble over granite ledges, and finally emerge onto open rock with sweeping panoramas. For families and casual hikers, it’s the perfect “little big hike” — accessible yet exciting, easy to fit into a morning or afternoon. For photographers, it’s a chance to capture one of Acadia’s most dramatic compositions. And for anyone standing beside Bubble Rock, the feeling is unforgettable: a mix of awe, curiosity, and maybe even a little disbelief.
South Bubble Highlights
- South Bubble Mountain — a short but iconic climb in Acadia
- The famous Bubble Rock Acadia National Park viewpoint
- Steep but rewarding hike via the South Bubble Trail Acadia
- Connections to North Bubble Trail Acadia and the Bubbles Trail Acadia
- Sweeping views across Jordan Pond and Bubble Pond Acadia
- Linked routes toward the Bubble Rock Trail Acadia for varied approaches
- Perfect for families, photographers, and first-time Acadia hikers
Why Hike South Bubble Mountain
South Bubble Mountain may not be the tallest peak in Acadia, but it is one of the most memorable. What makes it special is the combination of effort, reward, and drama packed into such a short climb. Rising just over 760 feet, South Bubble offers a hike that most visitors can tackle in under an hour, yet the payoff is equal to trails that take half a day. The summit opens onto sweeping views of Jordan Pond — its long, narrow expanse stretching south toward the Atlantic — while rugged granite cliffs drop steeply away at the mountain’s edge. For many hikers, that cliffside is the real highlight: it’s where you’ll find Bubble Rock, a glacial erratic the size of a small house that has been balanced precariously on the edge for thousands of years.
The experience of hiking South Bubble is more than just reaching a summit. Along the way, the trail passes through stands of spruce and fir, winding upward with a mix of rocky steps and natural ledges. The forest gives way suddenly to open granite, revealing vistas that feel like a reward well before the summit itself. For families with older children, this is a hike that creates excitement without being overwhelming. For photographers, it’s a natural studio where every angle frames a postcard view. And for anyone curious about Acadia’s unique geology, it’s a front-row lesson in the power of glaciers.
Another reason South Bubble stands out is its flexibility. Hikers can ascend directly from the Bubbles Trailhead for a quick out-and-back, or combine the climb with North Bubble, creating a loop that showcases both domes and adds variety to the day. The mountain also connects easily to trails that circle Jordan Pond, making it part of a bigger adventure. Whether you’re fitting in a short hike between other activities or dedicating the morning to exploring both Bubbles, South Bubble rewards every step.
Bubble Facts
- South Bubble rises to about 766 feet above sea level
- Bubble Rock was carried here by glaciers from 40 miles north
- The hike can be completed in under an hour round-trip
- Views include Jordan Pond, the Atlantic, and nearby peaks
- A favorite hike for families, photographers, and geology fans
South Bubble Mountain Trails
There are several ways to reach the top of South Bubble Mountain, each offering its own mix of challenge and reward. The most direct route begins at the Bubbles Trailhead, located just north of Jordan Pond along the Park Loop Road. From here, the South Bubble Trail Acadia heads upward almost immediately, winding through spruce forest before climbing steeply over granite ledges. It’s not a long trail — less than a mile round trip — but its quick elevation gain makes it feel adventurous. The payoff is spectacular: sweeping views of Jordan Pond, the Atlantic Ocean in the distance, and, of course, the famous Bubble Rock.
For hikers who prefer variety, the Bubbles Trail Acadia provides a scenic alternative. This route connects both South and North Bubble, making it easy to summit both peaks in a single loop. The path rolls along granite ridges, with moments of open exposure that reveal new perspectives on the ponds below. Linking both domes adds just enough distance to make the hike feel substantial without becoming strenuous. It’s a perfect option for those who want to see more without committing to a full-day trek.
Another option is to approach from Jordan Pond itself. Trails loop around the pond’s shoreline before linking with the ascent toward South Bubble. This combination creates a fuller experience, pairing the reflective calm of the water with the dramatic climb above it. For many visitors, this is one of the best ways to appreciate how Acadia’s landscape shifts from forest to pond to summit in such a short distance.
No matter which trail you choose, good footwear is essential. Granite ledges can be slick after rain, and roots cross portions of the forested paths. The climb is accessible to most hikers, but it does require some scrambling — a feature that adds excitement for many. Whether you take the direct approach or extend your hike to include North Bubble or the Jordan Pond loop, the trails leading to South Bubble are short, sweet, and memorable.
Trail Tips
- Shortest option: South Bubble Trail Acadia from Bubbles Trailhead
- Link both domes via the Bubbles Trail Acadia loop
- Combine with Jordan Pond Path for a half-day hike
- Expect some scrambling over granite ledges
- Wear sturdy shoes — rock and roots can be slippery
South Bubble and Bubble Rock
If South Bubble Mountain is famous, it’s because of one extraordinary feature: Bubble Rock. This enormous boulder, known as a glacial erratic, sits improbably on the cliffside near the summit. Measuring more than 20 feet across and weighing many tons, it looks as though a light push could send it tumbling into the valley below. In reality, it has been firmly balanced here since the Ice Age, when glaciers carried it roughly 40 miles from its original location and left it perched on the edge of South Bubble.
Standing beside Bubble Rock is one of the most iconic experiences in Acadia. The sight is both dramatic and playful — dramatic because of the dizzying drop just beyond the boulder, and playful because hikers can’t resist posing for photos as if they’re trying to push it over. This combination of awe and fun has made Bubble Rock one of the park’s most photographed landmarks, right alongside Cadillac Mountain’s sunrise and the cliffs of Otter Point.
The trail to Bubble Rock branches directly from the South Bubble Trail Acadia, with a short spur leading hikers right to the base of the boulder. The approach is steep, but the reward is immediate: standing at the edge of the cliff, with Jordan Pond and the surrounding ridges stretching into the distance. For many visitors, this is the highlight of their Acadia trip, a moment where geology, scenery, and human imagination come together.
Despite its precarious appearance, Bubble Rock isn’t going anywhere soon. Park rangers often remind visitors that the boulder has survived thousands of years of storms, earthquakes, and curious hikers. Still, safety is important: the ledge around the rock is exposed, and care should be taken, especially with children.
For anyone who loves photography, the late afternoon light makes Bubble Rock glow against the darker backdrop of forest and pond. Early morning hikes can capture the quiet stillness of Jordan Pond below. No matter the time of day, the combination of South Bubble’s granite cliffs and its famous erratic makes this one of Acadia’s most unforgettable spots.
Rock Solid Facts
- Bubble Rock was carried 40 miles south by glaciers
- It weighs several tons but balances on a narrow ledge
- A spur trail from the South Bubble Trail Acadia leads directly to it
- One of the most photographed landmarks in Acadia
- Appears precarious but has been stable for thousands of years
Views Over Jordan Pond and Bubble Pond Acadia
One of the biggest rewards for climbing South Bubble Mountain is the chance to look down over two of Acadia’s most beautiful bodies of water: Jordan Pond and Bubble Pond Acadia. From the summit ledges, Jordan Pond stretches out below like a long, narrow fjord, framed by evergreen ridges and leading the eye toward the ocean beyond. On a calm day, the pond acts like a mirror, reflecting the slopes of both North and South Bubble in perfect symmetry. It’s one of the most recognizable views in the park, appearing in countless photographs, postcards, and guidebooks.
To the west lies Bubble Pond, smaller but equally striking. Nestled into the granite valleys between Cadillac Mountain and the Bubbles, Bubble Pond has a more secluded feel, often catching early morning mist that drifts across its surface. Though the pond itself is less visited than Jordan Pond, it holds a special charm for hikers who take time to pause at the overlooks on their way up or down South Bubble. From these angles, the pond looks like a hidden jewel tucked deep into the mountains, contrasting the open expanse of Jordan Pond with something more intimate.
Photographers and sightseers often linger at the summit just to soak in these views. Sunrise casts warm light across Jordan Pond, while sunset turns Bubble Pond into a quiet pool of color beneath the ridges. Each season adds its own palette: spring greens reflected in the water, summer’s blue skies, autumn’s fiery foliage, and winter’s stark beauty when the ponds freeze and snow drapes the peaks.
For many visitors, the views of Jordan Pond and Bubble Pond are what elevate the South Bubble hike from a short climb to a true Acadia highlight. They showcase the park’s defining quality: the seamless blending of mountains, forest, and water into one unforgettable landscape.
Pondside Perspectives
- Jordan Pond is one of the most photographed spots in Acadia
- Bubble Pond Acadia is smaller, quieter, and often misty at dawn
- Summit views showcase both ponds in one panorama
- Reflections create postcard-perfect scenes on calm days
- Best lighting comes at sunrise over Jordan and sunset over Bubble
Pairing South Bubble with North Bubble
Hiking South Bubble Mountain is rewarding on its own, but pairing it with North Bubble creates one of the best short loop hikes in Acadia. The two domes sit side by side, separated by a narrow saddle, and together they form the classic “Bubbles” silhouette above Jordan Pond. Linking them gives hikers a chance to enjoy two distinct perspectives of the same landscape while only adding a little extra time and effort.
The trail connections make this combination easy. Starting from the Bubbles Trailhead, hikers can follow the South Bubble Trail Acadia up to Bubble Rock, then continue along the ridgeline to North Bubble. Alternatively, some prefer tackling North Bubble first, as its approach is slightly gentler, before looping back across to South Bubble for the grand finale with its cliffside views. Either direction works, and both routes circle back toward the Bubbles Divide or the Jordan Pond Path, creating natural loops.
What makes the combination so enjoyable is the contrast between the two peaks. North Bubble offers a quieter, more expansive panorama, with wide views toward Eagle Lake, Cadillac Mountain, and the northern ridges of Mount Desert Island. South Bubble, by contrast, delivers drama: Bubble Rock, steep cliffs, and Jordan Pond unfolding below. Together, they showcase the full variety of Acadia’s scenery in just a few miles.
This pairing is especially popular with families and casual hikers, as it feels like two hikes for the price of one. Kids enjoy the novelty of reaching “both Bubbles” in a single outing, while photographers love having access to different lighting and angles throughout the day. More ambitious hikers can also extend the trip by continuing down toward Jordan Pond Path or connecting into longer networks that lead toward Cadillac Mountain.
Whether done as a quick loop or as part of a bigger adventure, combining South Bubble with North Bubble is one of the most efficient ways to experience Acadia’s mountain-and-pond scenery. It’s short, scenic, and packed with variety — everything a great hike should be.
Double Bubble
- North Bubble gives sweeping views toward Eagle Lake
- South Bubble Mountain features Bubble Rock and Jordan Pond
- Easy to connect both peaks via the Bubbles Trail Acadia
- Loop options link back to the Bubbles Divide and Jordan Pond Path
- Two summits in under two hours of hiking
Wildlife and Nature Around South Bubble
Hiking South Bubble Mountain is as much about nature as it is about scenery. The mountain may be small compared to Acadia’s giants, but its ecosystems are diverse, reflecting the park’s blend of forest, granite, and freshwater habitats. On the lower slopes, hikers move through a classic mix of spruce, fir, and birch forest. These woods are home to chickadees, nuthatches, and warblers, whose songs echo through the trees in spring and summer. Red squirrels chatter noisily overhead, and in quieter moments you may spot white-tailed deer moving softly through the undergrowth.
As the trail climbs, the vegetation thins and the landscape shifts to open granite ledges. These sun-warmed slabs are dotted with lowbush blueberries and lichens, hardy plants that cling to the cracks in the rock. In late summer, hikers often pause to snack on wild blueberries, a small but sweet reward along the way. The higher, exposed areas also attract soaring birds like hawks and falcons, which ride the thermals rising off the cliffs.
Bubble Pond and Jordan Pond add another layer of wildlife to the area. Loons are commonly seen gliding across the water, their haunting calls drifting upward to hikers on the summit. Ducks and mergansers patrol the edges, while herons stalk the shallows for fish. If you visit early in the morning or near dusk, you may catch sight of beavers or muskrats swimming quietly along the pond edges. These water habitats, paired with the rocky ridges above, make the Bubbles a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Seasonal changes bring different experiences. Spring delivers a burst of wildflowers and fresh greenery. Summer is rich with birds and insect life, the forest buzzing with activity. Autumn transforms the ridges into a blaze of color, as maples and birches light up the slopes around the ponds. Even winter offers surprises: animal tracks crisscrossing the snow, and hardy chickadees flitting among bare branches.
For many hikers, these glimpses of Acadia’s wildlife and plant life are as memorable as the sweeping views. South Bubble is more than just a mountain with a famous boulder — it’s a living, breathing landscape where forest, rock, and water meet in a remarkably compact space.
Wild Encounters
- Loons and ducks are common on Bubble Pond Acadia and Jordan Pond
- Spruce-fir forest shelters deer, squirrels, and warblers
- Raptors often soar over South Bubble’s granite cliffs
- Blueberries ripen along the exposed ledges in late summer
- Each season reveals a different side of Acadia’s wildlife
Photography at South Bubble Mountain
For photographers, South Bubble Mountain is a dream location. The combination of short access, dramatic geology, and iconic vistas means you don’t need to be a professional to capture world-class shots here. At the top of nearly every must-shoot list is Bubble Rock Acadia National Park, perched on its narrow ledge high above Jordan Pond. The boulder’s precarious position makes it one of the most photogenic natural features in Acadia, and it draws visitors from all over the world eager to frame it against the sweeping backdrop of water and forest.
The best compositions often include Jordan Pond stretching below the rock. On calm days, the water reflects the twin domes of North and South Bubble, creating a perfect symmetry. Early morning offers soft light and still water, while late afternoon brings golden tones and long shadows that emphasize the boulder’s textures. If you’re lucky enough to catch a fiery sunset, the entire scene transforms into a painterly blend of pinks, oranges, and purples.
Beyond Bubble Rock itself, the summit ledges provide panoramic opportunities. Looking south, photographers can capture Jordan Pond framed by the ocean beyond — a shot that has become a signature view of Acadia. To the west, Bubble Pond Acadia offers a quieter, moodier subject, often wrapped in mist or lit by low, dramatic light. Turning north, the ridges of Cadillac Mountain rise in layered shades of blue and green, creating depth in wide-angle landscapes.
Close-up photography is just as rewarding. The granite ledges host wildflowers in spring and blueberries in summer, providing natural foregrounds for macro or landscape shots. Wildlife such as hawks, loons, and red squirrels add motion and life to the stillness of the rocks and ponds. Even in winter, frost and snow draped over Bubble Rock create striking monochrome scenes.
Whether you’re shooting with a phone or a full-frame DSLR, South Bubble offers endless possibilities. The key is patience: wait for the light to change, the wind to calm, or the sun to drop lower in the sky. The result will be images that capture not just the beauty of Acadia, but the sense of wonder that makes South Bubble unforgettable.
Picture Perfect
- Bubble Rock Acadia National Park is one of the park’s top photo spots
- Jordan Pond reflections create iconic symmetry shots
- Golden hour highlights the granite textures of South Bubble
- Bubble Pond Acadia offers moody, misty compositions
- Macro options include wildflowers, blueberries, and lichens
Access and Visitor Tips for South Bubble Mountain
Reaching South Bubble Mountain is straightforward, but a few tips can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Most hikers begin at the Bubbles Trailhead, located along the Park Loop Road just north of Jordan Pond. This lot is small and fills quickly, especially on summer mornings, so arriving early or visiting later in the afternoon can make parking easier. If you’d rather avoid the hassle, the Island Explorer Shuttle offers a stress-free alternative, dropping hikers near the trailhead without the need to search for a spot.
From the trailhead, the South Bubble Trail Acadia climbs steeply but briefly to the summit. Good footwear is essential, as granite ledges can be slippery when wet. The trail includes sections of scrambling, which add excitement but may challenge younger kids or those less steady on their feet. Hiking poles can help on the descent, especially when navigating loose gravel and roots in shaded areas.
Timing matters, too. Morning hikes tend to be quieter, with calmer winds and softer light for photography. Midday is the busiest, and though the views remain stunning, the summit ledges can feel crowded. Late afternoon offers fewer people and golden light over Jordan Pond — a favorite time for many locals.
Weather in Acadia is unpredictable. Even on warm summer days, breezes at the summit can be brisk, so packing a light layer is wise. In spring and fall, trails may be damp with runoff or leaf cover, and in winter, ice can make the route hazardous without traction devices. Always check current conditions before setting out.
For families, South Bubble is a manageable adventure if taken at a steady pace. Keep children close at the summit, especially around Bubble Rock Acadia National Park, where the cliff edges are exposed. Bring water and snacks — the climb is short but energizing — and allow extra time to enjoy the views without feeling rushed.
With a little preparation, the hike up South Bubble becomes one of Acadia’s most enjoyable outings: short, accessible, and endlessly rewarding.
Hiker’s Handbook
- Start from the Bubbles Trailhead on Park Loop Road
- Arrive early — parking fills fast in summer
- Take the South Bubble Trail Acadia for the shortest climb
- Pack layers — summit breezes can be chilly
- Keep children close near Bubble Rock Acadia National Park
Wrapping Up Your Visit
Climbing South Bubble Mountain is proof that in Acadia, big rewards don’t always require long, grueling hikes. In less than an hour, you can stand beside the legendary Bubble Rock Acadia National Park, look out across Jordan Pond, and take in views that rival those from much taller summits. This combination of accessibility, natural drama, and iconic scenery makes South Bubble one of the park’s most popular quick adventures.
What makes the Bubbles even more appealing is how they connect to the broader Acadia experience. Pairing South Bubble with North Bubble gives you a loop that showcases two very different perspectives in one outing. Linking your climb with the Jordan Pond Path adds variety and makes for a half-day excursion that blends water, forest, and granite. Even simply pausing at Bubble Pond Acadia before or after your hike gives a deeper appreciation for the way glaciers carved this remarkable landscape.
Whether you come for photography, family exploration, or a quick hike between larger adventures, South Bubble delivers an experience that feels quintessentially Acadia. And as you step away from the cliffs and ponds, it’s easy to see how this small mountain has earned such an outsized reputation.
Final Footsteps
- A short but iconic hike to South Bubble Mountain
- Stand beside the dramatic Bubble Rock Acadia National Park
- Panoramic views across Jordan Pond and Bubble Pond Acadia
- Easy to combine with North Bubble or Jordan Pond Path
- One of Acadia’s most photographed and family-friendly climbs
Trail’s End
A hike on South Bubble Mountain offers a short climb with outsized rewards — from the thrill of standing beside Bubble Rock to the sweeping views over Jordan Pond and Bubble Pond. It’s one of Acadia’s most unforgettable quick hikes, perfectly blending effort and reward. To keep exploring, step back into the other Mountains in Acadia National Park and discover more peaks with their own unique stories.
← Back to Mountains in Acadia National Park
Beyond the Bubble
Planning your hike up South Bubble Mountain? Official park resources can help with maps, trail conditions, and transportation. These are especially handy if you’re visiting in peak season, when parking fills quickly and shuttle services become the easiest way to reach the trailheads.
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