Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

Jordan Pond is one of the most iconic and pristine bodies of water in Acadia National Park. Known for its remarkable clarity, glacier-carved basin, and panoramic mountain views, the pond has become a symbol of Acadia’s natural beauty. Its calm, mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding landscape, especially the North Bubble and South Bubble mountains, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the park. Whether you visit for hiking, history, photography, or quiet contemplation, Jordan Pond offers an experience that captures the very essence of Acadia’s wilderness.

Jordan Pond

Quick Reference: Jordan Pond

Feature	Details
Location	Mount Desert Island (MDI), central Acadia National Park
Origin	Formed by glacial activity ~14,000 years ago during the last Ice Age
Type	Oligotrophic freshwater glacial lake
Length	1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Width	0.5 miles (0.8 km)
Surface Area	187 acres
Maximum Depth	150 feet (46 m)
Elevation	274 feet (84 m) above sea level
Water Clarity	Up to 40+ feet; one of the clearest lakes in Maine
Shoreline Setting	Surrounded by spruce–fir forests, wetlands, and granite mountains
Major Mountains Nearby	North Bubble (872 ft), South Bubble (766 ft), Penobscot Mountain (1,194 ft), Pemetic Mountain (1,248 ft)
Inflow Sources	Mountain runoff, small streams, groundwater seepage
Outflow	Jordan Stream → Little Long Pond → Atlantic Ocean
Fish Species	Landlocked salmon, brook trout, smelt
Wildlife Seen	Loons, mergansers, eagles, beavers, deer, otters
Recreation Allowed	Hiking, walking, photography, kayaking/canoeing (soft-sided only)
Recreation Prohibited	Swimming, motorboats, paddleboards
Main Trail	Jordan Pond Path (3.5-mile loop)
Nearby Trails	Bubble Trails, Penobscot Mountain Trail, Pemetic Mountain Trail
Carriage Roads Access	Yes, several routes run near the pond
Famous Landmark	Jordan Pond House and its lawn with popovers & tea
Best Photo Spots	North end of pond, Jordan Pond Path, lawn at Jordan Pond House
Best Seasons to Visit	Summer for clarity and reflections; fall for foliage
Water Use Status	Public drinking water source for Seal Harbor; heavily protected
Visitor Tips	Stay on trail, keep pets out of water, visit early to avoid crowds

Geography and Formation

Jordan Pond was formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, approximately 15,000 years ago. The retreating glaciers carved out the landscape, leaving behind a deep, clear, and elongated basin, which was later filled with water. The pond is 150 feet deep at its deepest point, making it the deepest lake in Acadia National Park. Spanning over 187 acres, it stretches approximately 3.6 miles around its perimeter, creating an ideal setting for hiking and walking along its shores.

The lake is surrounded by three prominent geographic features: Penobscot Mountain to the west, Pemetic Mountain to the east, and the iconic Bubbles to the north. The North and South Bubbles are twin rounded hills that rise dramatically from the pond's northern shore, offering a striking backdrop for photos and a popular hiking destination for park visitors. The combination of the pond’s reflective waters and the steep mountain ridges creates one of the most photographed views in all of Acadia.

The Iconic View: The Bubbles

One of the most recognizable scenes in all of Acadia is the view of North and South Bubble Mountains rising gently behind Jordan Pond. These twin rounded peaks form a perfect backdrop, especially on calm days when their reflections shimmer on the water’s surface.

The Jordan Pond Path offers numerous photo opportunities of the Bubbles from all angles. Whether you're standing on the wooden footbridges or wandering along the stony shoreline, the view never gets old — especially during the fall, when the surrounding forests blaze with color.

North and South Bubble Mountains: Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond House: A Culinary Tradition

One of the most famous landmarks near Jordan Pond is the Jordan Pond House, a historic restaurant and tea house that has been serving visitors since the late 1800s. Originally established as a small rustic inn, the Jordan Pond House became renowned for its traditional afternoon tea, served with freshly baked popovers and homemade jam, enjoyed on the lawn overlooking the pond.

Today, the Jordan Pond House continues this tradition, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the pond and the Bubbles. The menu has expanded to include a variety of New England-inspired dishes, including locally sourced seafood, but the iconic popovers remain a favorite treat.

The restaurant also serves as a hub for park visitors, with its convenient location near several trailheads and scenic drives. During peak season, the Jordan Pond House can get quite busy, so it’s recommended to make reservations in advance or visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.

Jordan Pond House

Hiking Around Jordan Pond

The Jordan Pond Path is a 3.3-mile loop trail that circles the shoreline of the pond. It’s one of the most popular and accessible trails in Acadia, suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The path is mostly flat, with some sections crossing wooden boardwalks to protect fragile wetland areas.

As you walk the loop, you’ll encounter a blend of forest, bog, and open shoreline, each offering unique vantage points of the pond and surrounding peaks. Many visitors start their walk from the Jordan Pond House, looping around clockwise for the best light on the Bubbles.

For a more adventurous hike, consider climbing one (or both) of the Bubbles via the Bubble Trail. The South Bubble features a short but steep ascent and is home to the famous Bubble Rock, a glacial erratic perched precariously on the edge of a cliff.

Canoeing and Kayaking

While swimming is off-limits, non-motorized boating is permitted on Jordan Pond. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards offer a peaceful way to explore the water and observe wildlife like loons, ducks, and perhaps the occasional otter.

Access to the water is available near the Jordan Pond North Lot via a small launch area. Keep in mind that motorized boats are not allowed, helping to maintain the pond’s tranquil atmosphere and pristine water quality.

Wildlife and Ecology

Jordan Pond’s surrounding ecosystem is rich in both plant and animal life. Along the shore, you may spot beavers, muskrats, or white-tailed deer. In the water, brook trout and landlocked salmon are present, though fishing is restricted and highly regulated to protect the water supply.

The wetlands and forests around the pond support a variety of birds, from warblers to raptors. In summer, the area buzzes with the sound of dragonflies and the calls of loons echoing across the water.

Best Time to Visit

Jordan Pond is breathtaking year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring brings blooming plants and rushing streams that feed the pond. Summer offers ideal hiking weather and vibrant blue skies that reflect in the water. Autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into a mosaic of red, orange, and gold, creating spectacular reflections. Winter, though quieter, coats the landscape in snow and ice, offering dramatic contrasts for photographers.