Sundew Trail Schoodic

Sundew Trail Schoodic – Highlights

Though modest in length, Sundew Trail offers a surprisingly rich mix of scenery packed into its short loop. The 1.4-mile circuit is mostly flat, making it a comfortable option for families, casual walkers, or anyone who simply wants to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of Acadia. As you follow the path, you’ll move between shaded stretches of spruce–fir forest and open wetlands where wooden boardwalks carry you safely over delicate bog habitats. Along the way, expect carpets of moss, seasonal wildflowers brightening the trail edges, and the sparkling rosettes of sundew plants glistening in the light. Birdsong often fills the air, adding to the sense of calm. Compact yet diverse, Sundew Trail showcases the beauty and variety of the Schoodic landscape in a way that invites unhurried exploration.

A peaceful section of Sundew Trail on Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula, where a wooden boardwalk carries hikers through spruce–fir forest and over bogs dotted with the trail’s tiny carnivorous sundew plants.

Your Sundew Trail is a short, easy loop on Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula that blends shaded spruce–fir forest with raised boardwalks across wetlands. Named for the tiny carnivorous sundew plants that sparkle in the bogs, this trail is perfect for families, birdwatchers, and anyone curious about the park’s quieter side. Just 1.4 miles long, it offers a peaceful walk rich in detail and natural variety. 

Getting to Sundew Trail Schoodic

The Sundew Trail begins just steps from the Schoodic Institute at Rockefeller Hall, making it one of the most accessible trailheads on the peninsula. To reach it, enter Acadia’s Schoodic District via the park entrance near Winter Harbor and follow the Schoodic Loop Road about three miles to the Institute. Signs for parking and trail access are clear and easy to follow.

Trailhead sign and boardwalk entrance for Sundew Trail beside Schoodic Institute.

Parking is available right on the Institute grounds, which makes this a convenient option if you’re short on time or traveling with family. From the lot, the trailhead is immediately visible, marked by a kiosk with information about the loop and the unique wetland ecology you’ll encounter. Because of its location, Sundew Trail is also a natural choice to pair with nearby stops such as Schoodic Head, Schoodic Point, or other short trails like Alder and Anvil.

If you’re planning a full day on the peninsula, consider stopping at the Schoodic Institute visitor center before or after your hike. It’s a hub for education and research, often with exhibits or programs that enrich your understanding of the very ecosystems you’ll see along Sundew Trail. With its easy access, ample parking, and proximity to other highlights, getting to Sundew Trail couldn’t be simpler — it’s one of those trails that invites you to step right out of the car and into Acadia’s quieter world.

What You’ll See

Walking Sundew Trail feels like stepping into a pocket world within Acadia. The loop begins in a shaded spruce–fir forest, where soft needles line the ground and filtered light creates a calm, green glow. As you move deeper, the atmosphere changes — the ground softens, moss thickens, and you soon arrive at stretches of boardwalk that carry you across fragile wetlands. Here, the namesake sundews appear if you look closely: tiny carnivorous plants with sparkling red hairs, glistening like jewels as they wait to catch insects.

Shaded forest section of Sundew Trail, with spruce and fir trees lining the path.

The bogs are alive with detail. In spring and summer, wildflowers and ferns edge the planks, adding splashes of color to the green. In autumn, the wetlands glow with russet and gold, reflecting the seasonal shift in the forest around them. Along the way, you might hear the fluting notes of thrushes or catch sight of warblers, sparrows, or woodpeckers moving through the trees. The boardwalks allow you to watch this ecosystem up close without disturbing it — every step a reminder of how delicate these environments are.

As the loop continues, the forest closes in again, wrapping you in cool shade. Occasional breaks in the canopy open small windows onto the surrounding landscape, while the undergrowth brims with mosses, lichens, and wild blueberries in late summer. By the time you return to the trailhead, you’ll have seen more than a “short loop” suggests — Sundew Trail reveals a side of Schoodic that is subtle, intimate, and quietly spectacular.

Tips for Hiking Sundew Trail

Because of its gentle grade and short distance, Sundew Trail is a welcoming walk for almost anyone, from casual visitors to families with children. But like every trail on the Schoodic Peninsula, it has its own quirks, and preparing for them will make your experience more comfortable and rewarding.

The path alternates between soft forest floor and raised wooden boardwalks. While these planks protect the wetlands, they can turn slick after a shower or even morning dew. A pair of sturdy shoes with good grip is one of the simplest but most important things you can bring. The wetlands also draw insects during warmer months, especially mosquitoes and blackflies, so repellent is highly recommended. Even though the trail is short, a small bottle of water makes a difference on humid summer days when the bogs hold heat and reflect it back.

Sundew Trail hikers enjoying the forest path and wetlands of Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula.

Layering is another smart habit. In spring and fall, light jackets ward off cool breezes drifting through the trees, while in winter boots with good traction or microspikes are often needed if snow and ice cover the boardwalk. Even in these colder months, Sundew Trail can be a rewarding walk, provided you’re dressed for the conditions.

Most importantly, slow your pace. Sundew Trail’s treasures are not dramatic overlooks but small, easily overlooked details: a sundew sparkling on the bog edge, a thrush calling from the forest, a patch of moss glowing in filtered light. Rushing past them defeats the purpose. If you treat this short loop as an invitation to pause and observe, you’ll find it delivers an experience as memorable as Acadia’s grander landscapes.

Seasonal Notes

Because of its gentle grade and short distance, Sundew Trail is a welcoming walk for almost everyone, from seasoned hikers looking for a gentle warm-up to families with young children. Still, like every trail on the Schoodic Peninsula, it has its quirks, and a little preparation can make your visit more enjoyable. Insects, changing weather, and the subtleties of the bog landscape all shape how you’ll experience the loop. What you carry with you — and the pace you choose — can make the difference between rushing through and truly noticing the trail’s quiet details.

• Spring

Spring brings a fresh energy to Sundew Trail. Snowmelt and spring rains leave the boardwalks damp, so good shoes with traction are a must. Mosquitoes and blackflies arrive early in the wetlands, making repellent a wise companion. This is also the season when warblers, thrushes, and other migrating birds fill the forest with sound, so pausing to listen with binoculars at hand can transform a simple stroll into a birding adventure.

• Winter

Though not maintained in winter, Sundew Trail takes on an entirely different character under snow. Boardwalks may be icy, and the bogs frozen solid, so sturdy boots or microspikes are needed for safe footing. On calm days, the snow muffles sound and creates a quiet, otherworldly beauty. With fewer visitors on the peninsula, the trail can feel like it belongs entirely to you.Year-Round Guidance

Sundew Trail winter boardwalk winding quietly through snow-covered spruce forest.

• Summer

In summer the trail feels lush and alive. The sundew plants glisten at the edge of the boardwalks, their sticky hairs sparkling like jewels in the sunlight. Warm weather makes this the easiest time to walk the trail, but the wetlands can be humid and insect activity is high. Long sleeves, lightweight clothing, or a dab of repellent will help you stay comfortable. Even though the trail is short, a bottle of water is worth bringing, especially on hot days when the bogs reflect heat back up into the air.

• Fall

Autumn is a favorite season on Sundew Trail. The surrounding spruce–fir forest explodes with flashes of red, orange, and gold, while cooler air makes walking more comfortable. A camera is almost essential here, as even a small bog glows with seasonal color. Leaves that blanket the boardwalk can become slippery after rain, so a steady pace is best, but the reward is a peaceful, reflective atmosphere that makes even this short loop feel like an immersive nature escape.

Whatever the season, the key to enjoying Sundew Trail is to slow down. The sundews themselves are small and easy to miss, but once you notice them, the walk becomes one of close observation rather than distance covered. Staying on the boardwalk protects fragile bog plants and soils, while also giving you the best vantage point to see mosses, orchids, and the occasional wild blueberry patch. The loop may be modest, but with patience and awareness, it reveals an entire miniature world at your feet.

Wildlife & Nature - Sundew Trail

The highlight of Sundew Trail is, of course, the sundew itself — one of the few carnivorous plants found in Maine. These small but remarkable plants form low rosettes at the edge of the bogs, each leaf covered in glistening red hairs tipped with sticky droplets. Insects that land on them become trapped, providing the sundew with the nutrients that the poor bog soil cannot supply. Spotting one of these jewel-like plants is often the most memorable part of the walk, especially for children who may never have seen a carnivorous plant in the wild.

Trail sundew plants glistening at the bog edge alongside mosses and orchids.

The bogs here are also home to an array of other vegetation adapted to wet conditions. Leatherleaf shrubs form dense thickets, while orchids and delicate bog mosses add color and texture at different times of year. In late summer, wild blueberries appear along the forest edge, a treat for both wildlife and observant hikers.

The forest surrounding the wetlands provides a contrasting habitat. Red squirrels chatter from the trees, snowshoe hares dart across openings, and birdlife is constant — from the fluting notes of thrushes in spring to the steady presence of sparrows and woodpeckers year-round. Raptors such as hawks or the occasional eagle may be seen circling above the peninsula, adding another dimension to the wildlife experience.

Taken together, Sundew Trail reveals far more life than its short distance might suggest. With patience and a willingness to pause, every step offers a chance to notice something new — whether it’s a tiny carnivorous plant sparkling in the sunlight or a bird flashing through the canopy overhead.

Accessibility

Sundew Trail is among the most approachable trails on the Schoodic Peninsula. At just 1.4 miles and with very little elevation gain, it offers an easy loop suitable for a wide range of visitors. Families with children, casual walkers, and even those with limited hiking experience can enjoy this path without much difficulty.

The terrain alternates between packed earth and wooden boardwalks that carry you safely across delicate wetlands. These planks make the bog habitat accessible without damaging it, though they can be slick after rain, morning dew, or in colder months when frost lingers. In dry weather, the trail surface is generally stable, with only mild unevenness in the forested stretches.

Sundew Trail boardwalk leading through dense spruce forest on Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula.

Because of its modest length and gentle grade, most visitors will find Sundew Trail a comfortable and rewarding outing. It’s also a convenient option for anyone short on time, since the trailhead is directly beside the Schoodic Institute. Many people combine this walk with other nearby loops such as Alder or Anvil Trail, creating a balanced day of both easy and moderate hiking on the peninsula.

While Sundew Trail is not ADA fully accessible, its layout makes it one of the best introductions to Schoodic’s landscape for those seeking a short, family-friendly hike that still delivers variety and quiet beauty.

Nearby Trails & Connections

Sundew Trail sits in the heart of the Schoodic Institute area, making it a natural hub for connecting with several other short walks. Its central location allows visitors to choose between easy loops, moderate climbs, and longer connections — all within a few minutes of one another. Pairing Sundew with nearby trails is one of the best ways to experience the range of habitats and views that the Schoodic Peninsula offers.

• Alder Trail

Just across from Sundew, the Alder Trail forms a gentle loop through forest and wetland habitats. Like Sundew, it is easy and family-friendly, but it offers a slightly different perspective, with alder thickets and bog plants lining the path. It’s a perfect complement if you want to extend your walk without much extra effort.

• Anvil Trail

For those looking to climb, the Anvil Trail provides a short but steady ascent to a summit ledge shaped like an anvil. The payoff is sweeping views over Frenchman Bay and the Schoodic coastline. It’s steeper than Sundew, but still manageable within an hour.

Sundew Trail drone view showing its location among forests, wetlands, and coastline on Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula.

• East Trail

The East Trail connects directly with Schoodic Head, the highest point on the peninsula. It passes through mixed forest before reaching broad summit ledges that offer panoramas stretching across to Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain. It’s a rewarding step up from the shorter loops.

• Schoodic Head

Accessible via the East Trail or other nearby connectors, Schoodic Head is a must for anyone seeking wide vistas. From its summit, you can look across Frenchman Bay, out to the open Atlantic, and back toward the Schoodic forests and wetlands. It’s the high point of the peninsula both literally and figuratively.

• Lower Harbor Trail

A quieter option near the Institute, the Lower Harbor Trail winds toward the shoreline. Here you’ll find tidal views, seabirds, and a chance to enjoy the mix of forest and coast that defines Acadia. It’s less traveled than the inland loops, making it a peaceful extension to a Sundew hike.

Together, these trails create a network that suits every type of visitor. Sundew Trail can be enjoyed on its own as a short, peaceful loop — or as a gateway to bigger climbs, coastal strolls, and summit views within the same small corner of Schoodic.

Wrapping Up

What lingers after walking Sundew Trail isn’t the mileage or the effort, but the feeling that stays with you long after you’ve stepped off the boardwalk. This gentle loop is less about covering ground and more about slowing down — about letting the quiet of the forest and the subtleties of the bog settle in. The soft hush beneath the spruce and fir canopy, the sparkle of sundews catching light like tiny jewels, and the steady rhythm of footsteps on the wooden planks all combine to create a calm that’s hard to find in Acadia’s busier corners.

Sundew Trail boardwalk lined with vibrant red, orange, and gold foliage in autumn.

It’s a modest trail, yet it encourages you to notice details you might otherwise overlook. The delicate curl of moss, the sudden flit of a thrush through the understory, the play of sunlight on water pooling beside the boardwalk — each small moment builds into an experience that feels larger than the trail itself.

By the time you return to the Schoodic Institute, what remains isn’t just the memory of a short loop, but a deeper sense of connection to place. Sundew Trail demonstrates that Acadia’s greatest gifts aren’t always its tallest peaks or grandest views. Sometimes they’re found in quiet corners, where patience turns simplicity into wonder. As part of a day exploring the Schoodic Peninsula, this little trail reminds you that some of the park’s most lasting rewards come not from seeking the dramatic, but from slowing down enough to let the subtle beauty reveal itself.

Sundew Trail winter hiking path lined with spruce trees and a light layer of snow.

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