Great Head Trail – Winter hike for Beginners in Acadia National Park

What to Expect

As you start out from Sand Beach, you’ll immediately be surrounded by Maine’s quintessential coastal beauty: cliffs, evergreen forests, and ocean waves crashing against the rugged shoreline. In winter, this scenery is transformed. Snow caps the cliffs, icicles hang off the rocky ledges, and the forest becomes quiet, muffled by snow.

The trail winds through patches of spruce and fir trees, and it opens up periodically to reveal breathtaking views of the ocean. The coast’s jagged granite cliffs are even more dramatic with snow and ice accentuating their rough edges, and on a clear winter day, you might even catch glimpses of nearby islands like Egg Rock.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, too! Seals are occasionally spotted lounging on the rocks below, and bald eagles are often seen soaring over the water. Winter hikes in Acadia offer unique opportunities to view wildlife in quieter settings, with fewer crowds to disturb them.

Tips for Winter Hiking on the Great Head Trail

1. Footwear: Sturdy boots are essential for this trail, as sections can get icy and slippery. Traction devices, like microspikes or crampons, are highly recommended for added grip on icy patches.

2. Clothing: Dress in warm layers, especially given the coastal winds that sweep through in winter. Consider a windproof outer layer, warm gloves, and a hat.

3. Navigation: Snow can sometimes obscure trail markers, especially after a fresh snowfall. Look for the blue trail markers that stand out against the snow, but be prepared with a map or GPS, just in case.

4. Timing: Winter days are short, so plan to hit the trail early in the day to ensure you’re back before dark. The views are particularly beautiful in the morning light or during golden hour when the sun lights up the cliffs.

5. Check Conditions: Weather along the coast can be unpredictable. Check for storm warnings and conditions on the Acadia National Park website before heading out.

Highlights Along the Great Head Trail in Winter

• Sand Beach Covered in Snow: Starting at Sand Beach in winter is a magical experience. The contrast of white snow against the dark, sandy beach is something you don’t get to see often.

• View of Otter Cliffs: As you make your way along the trail, you’ll reach lookout points with sweeping views of the Otter Cliffs across the water. This rocky stretch is especially striking in winter, with the icy Atlantic waves crashing along the shore.

• Granite Outcroppings: Winter snow and ice add a magical sheen to the exposed granite outcroppings along the trail, creating some beautiful photo ops. These rocks can be icy, though, so tread carefully.

• Tide Pooling: While snow covers most of the landscape, lower tides sometimes reveal tide pools near the base of the cliffs. If the conditions are right, you may see hardy little marine creatures like sea urchins and barnacles braving the cold!

Why Great Head Trail is a Must-Do Winter Hike

The Great Head Trail is a short loop that rewards you with some of Acadia’s most scenic ocean views. While Acadia can be crowded in the summer months, winter allows for a more intimate experience with the park. The trail’s coastal beauty takes on an ethereal quality in the colder months, with mist rising from the water and frost covering the granite cliffs.

For those looking to add an extra layer of adventure, consider pairing your hike with a sunrise at Sand Beach before heading up the trail. Watching the sun rise over a snow-covered beach and light up the icy cliffs of Great Head is nothing short of breathtaking.