Hike Western Mountain Loop

This loop is Acadia's best-kept secret staircase. You'll start in quiet forest on the west side of Mount Desert Island — far from the Bar Harbor crowds — and quickly encounter the Perpendicular Trail, a jaw-dropping granite stairway hand-cut into the cliff face over a century ago. Hundreds of stone steps climb steeply through a mossy ravine before depositing you on Mansell Mountain's summit, where the views are modest but the sense of accomplishment is not. The route continues across a wooded ridge to Bernard Mountain, then descends through spruce forest back to the trailhead. Don't expect sweeping ocean panoramas here — this hike is about the journey, not the vista. The craftsmanship of those stone steps alone is worth the effort. Hikers who appreciate trail-building artistry and want to escape the Jordan Pond crowds will be in their element.