Hike Flying Mountain Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The granite ledges near the summit are slick when wet — after rain or heavy fog, the exposed rock becomes genuinely treacherous. Wear boots with real tread, not sneakers.
The descent toward Valley Cove involves scrambling over roots and loose rock on a moderately steep grade. Watch your footing, especially with kids — a stumble here lands you on sharp granite, not soft dirt.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Hike the loop clockwise — you get the steep climb out of the way first while your legs are fresh, and the Valley Cove descent is more forgiving on the knees than it would be as an ascent.
The Fernald Cove trailhead has limited parking with maybe a dozen spots. Arrive before 9 AM in summer or you'll be circling like a vulture. There's no overflow lot nearby, so a late start means a long walk from wherever you find a shoulder to park on.
Valley Cove at the bottom of the descent is one of Acadia's most underrated spots for photography — the rocky beach with calm water reflecting the surrounding cliffs looks spectacular in early morning light, and almost nobody lingers here.
Photos
NPS
