Jesup Path is a 1-mile straightaway through the woods and meadows of Acadia National Park that ends at the Tarn, a roadside pond. Much of its length follows a boardwalk through the marshy forest near the Acadia Nature Center, with various lookout points encouraging visitors to use senses beyond sight to experience nature. It can be accessed from the Park Loop Road, the Acadia Nature Center, the Tarn, and from a variety of connector trails.
Most visitors will encounter the Jesup Path from the Sieur De Monts Nature Center, midway between the Tarn and the Park Loop Road. To save the best for last, begin your walk by turning right at the Sieur De Monts Spring to follow the path to the north. A level boardwalk cuts a perfectly straight path through a boggy white birch forest for nearly half a mile. Along the way, lookout points guide visitors to touch, smell, and listen to the forest around them. A careful observer may spot barred owls, deer, chipmunks, and a wide assortment of native birds.
Beyond the boardwalk the trail continues through the Great Meadow, where visitors may spot even more wildlife. The forest envelopes the trail once again right before reaching the Park Loop Road. It’s possible to continue by crossing the road and turning right, following the Great Meadow Loop to connect to the Hemlock Road. Turn right here to return to the Jesup Path.
Once back at the nature center, continue along the path to reach the Tarn. The path crosses a small stream, then parallels it for roughly a quarter mile. At the top of a small rise the trees give way to an impressive view of the long pond. To change the scenery on your return, cross the stream near the head of the Tarn, following the path on the west side of the stream. Be sure to check out the Sieur De Monts Spring and Nature Center, as well as the Wild Gardens of Acadia on your way back to the car.
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