Penobscot Mountain Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

For visitors looking to embark upon a demanding, mid-length, climb near Jordan Pond, look no further. This loop combines a handful of the popular trails in the area to ascend Penobscot Mountain, which towers above the western shores of Jordan Pond.

To access this run, head toward the Jordan Pond House and use one of the nearby parking areas. The route starts on the west side of Jordan Pond House, so parking on this side is optimal.

From the west side of the house, head out on the Spring Trail as it descends through the trees. Take the first right onto the Eagle/Jordan carriage road, which is a nice, wide path to begin the journey. Stay on the Eagle/Jordan road for around 1.6 miles until the trail intersects the Deer Brook Trail. Near the intersection, you'll see the Deer Brook Bridge. This stone and mortar structure was built in 1925 and is a sight to see and definitely worth taking a moment to explore.

Turn left onto the Deer Brook Trail, heading west to begin the steep climb up the gully between Sargent Mountain and Penobscot Mountain. Within a few hundred yards of the ascent, look for the intersection with the Sargent East Cliffs Trail, heading north, and the Jordan Cliffs Trail, heading south. Continue the climb on the Jordan Cliffs Trail for another three-tenths of a mile or so before turning right for the final leg of the ascent on the Penobscot East Trail.

This is the only significant climb on the route and the views from the top make each step worth the effort. The large slabs of exposed granite bedrock at the summit of Penobscot Mountain make for a great spot to rest and refuel and to snap a few photos.

At the summit, this run continues to the south along the Penobscot Mountain Trail as it descends the spine of the Jordan Ridge. Once the trail begins to head back toward the denser woods, it will head across the Amphitheatre East trail before coming to an intersection with Lower Amphitheatre. Turn left onto Lower Amphitheatre for one hundred yards or so and then turn left, again, this time onto the Asticou & Jordan Pond Path, which meanders through the woods back to the Jordan Pond House for a well-deserved cool drink and popover feast.