The Triad & Day Mountain (Acadia National Park)

The Triad and Day Mountain (Acadia National Park)

Hike Type: Slingshot
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 764 feet
Time: 1 hour, 16 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Acadia Ascents

The Hike

The Traid and Day Mountains were originally going to be part of my grand finale hike around Jordan Pond, but since a theme of this trip has been "coming to my senses," I decided to hike these two seperately so I don't ruin my body the next day. Through the power of Google Maps street view, I saw that there is a pull off on Park Loop Road that leads up to the carriage road that both the Triad Trail and Day Mountain Trail start on, so off I went!

There is a dilapidated trail marker that says "To Carriage Road" right at the pull off, and it leads to a bridge that connects the carriage road around Day mountain and the one around the Triad. I decided to hike the Triad first, so I walked towards carriage road marker #17, and the trailhead was located right behind it. It had rained the night before, so much of this hike was wet and a little slippery. The first section of the hike was through rocky, mossy, open forest, which was covered in slippery leaves and roots, but was a very scenic stretch of woods. The trail then opens up to a steep slabby section that was very slippery - I was not thrilled at this moment. Thankfully, that section is short and there are partial views of the surrounding waters and mountains from the summit area. The return trip could be summed up with "wet roots are the slipperiest substance in recorded human history," but thankfully no injuries or lasting traumas were sustained.

Back at the carriage road, I crossed the bridge, waved to my beloved CRV, and started my hike up the Day Mountain Trail. This trail was relatively easy the entire time through mossy forest. It was actually quite lovely! Before I knew it I was at the summit area, which is a small circle of woods surrounded by a carriage road. I got my summit photo, had a quick snack, and enjoyed the partial views from the carriage road. My return trip had one moment of fear when I heard an alien-like sound from deep in the woods - it ended up being just a horse neigh-ing from the nearby carriage road. I was quickly back at the trailhead, back at the CRV, did a quick change, and planned my route for my last hike of the day - Norumbega Mountain.

Step-By-Step

• Park before Carriage Road bridge between The Triad and Day Mountain.
• Climb short trail to Carriage Road and turn right onto Triad Trail.
• Climb Triad Trail to Triad Summit, return to trailhead.
• Cross bridge, climb Day Mountain Trail to Summit, return to trailhead.
• Return to car.

Trail Descriptions from Maine Mountain Guide

Triad Trail

        "This trail provides a route from Pemetic Mtn. to Day Mtn. via the Triad. The start of Triad Trail is best reached from the Jordan Pond trailhead parking area via a 1.1-mi. hike on Jordan Pond Path and Bubbles & Jordan Ponds Path. From the jct. of Bubbles & Jordan Ponds Path and Pemetic East Cliff trail, Triad Trail rises moderately for 0.4 mi. to cross Hunters Brook Trail before reaching the top of the Triad. From there, the trail descends for 0.6 mi. to end at a carriage road jct. an dthe Triad-Day Mtn. Bridge over Park Loop Rd. The northern end of Day Mtn. Trail is here also."

The Triad

        "The Triad is a compact group of three peaks nestled between Pemetic Mtn. and Day Mtn., just east of Jordan Pond. Hunters Brook Trail and Triad Trail crisscross its slopes"

Day Mountain Trail

        "This trail starts on the north side of ME 3, 1.3 mi. south of the entrance to Blackwoods CG. A parking area is on the south side of the road. A few feet into the woods, a side trail leads right 150 ft. to the Champlain Monument, a tribute to Samuel de Champlain, the French navigator and explorer who visited Mt. Desert Island in 1604 and named it."

        "The trail climbs moderately through the forest for its entire length. Perodically crossing carriage roads (six different times), it offers good views of Hunters Beach and Seal Harbor from ledges at 0.7 mi. The trail reaches the summit at 0.9 mi. Beyond, it descends into the forest and ends at a carriage road and the Triad-Day Mtn. Bridge over ME 3 at 1.4 mi. Here, Triad Trail continues north toward the Triad and Pemetic Mtn. For a nice loop, go either left or right on the carriage road to return to ME 3."

Day Mountain

        "This little mountain at the southern edge of the eastern side of ANP offers sweeping views from many points on its upper slopes. Reach the top via Day Mtn. Trail and a pretty carriage road that winds its way to the summit."

Photo Album