Bubble Rock

Bubble Rock is a famous glacial erratic perched near the summit of South Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park, offering one of the park’s most recognizable short hikes and a classic view over the surrounding lakes and coastline. The boulder itself is the draw as much as the scenery: a huge granite rock left in an improbable spot by ancient glaciers, making it a memorable stop for visitors who want a quick but rewarding mountain walk. The trail is steep in places, but the payoff is a broad, open summit area and a close look at one of Acadia’s best-known natural curiosities.

History

Bubble Rock is a glacial erratic, meaning it was carried and deposited by moving ice during the last Ice Age rather than formed where it now sits. In Acadia, it became a well-known landmark because of its dramatic placement near the edge of South Bubble Mountain, where it has long attracted hikers and photographers as a striking example of glacial geology.

Expert notes

• Expect limited shade and windy conditions near the summit.
• Keep a safe distance from the edge and do not climb on the boulder.
• Parking and trail access can be busy in peak season, so arrive early if possible.