Hike Bubbles Nubble Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The granite slab sections become genuinely treacherous when wet — the rock turns slick as ice after rain or morning dew. If the forecast shows any moisture, wait for it to dry or wear shoes with aggressive grip. This is not a trail for smooth-soled sneakers.
The scramble sections near both Bubble summits have exposed drop-offs with no railings. Keep close control of kids and dogs near the edges, particularly around Bubble Rock where people crowd together for photos on a narrow ledge.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Bubble Rock parking lot on Park Loop Road rather than walking up from Jordan Pond — it shaves elevation and puts you on the summits faster. The lot fills by 9:30 AM in summer, so arrive early or take the Island Explorer bus (Route 5) and skip the parking headache entirely.
Tackle the loop counterclockwise (North Bubble first). The granite slabs on the north side are easier to climb up than down, and you'll finish on the mellow carriage road descent instead of white-knuckling wet rock at the end of your hike.
The gap between South Bubble and Conners Nubble is where most people turn around — push through it. Conners Nubble gets a fraction of the foot traffic and offers the best unobstructed view toward the ocean and outer islands, especially in late afternoon light.
Photos
NPS
