North and South Bubble

Hiking buddies: Marina and Pheebs

Weather: Mid 50s, sunny

Mountains: North and South Bubble (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 872ft (North) and 768ft (South)
Miles of trail: 2.0

Total miles this year: 33.2

The Bubbles, less formally known as "The Bubble Butt", is one of my favorite quick hikes on the island (next to the Beehive, of course). In just two miles you can reach the top of two peaks and see wonderful views, one of them being my all time favorite. 

Marina and I were supposed to do a 6 miler today, with 4 peaks, but I got a text from her this morning saying she wasn't feeling up for it. Darn breathing problems, who needs to breathe anyway? Not going to lie, I wasn't totally feeling up for it yet, either. 

I headed out for The Bubbles, my go-to hike for something short and moderate, and heard from Marina along the way. She decided to join me!

From the park loop road, after the parking area for Bubble Pond, there will be a parking lot for The Bubbles on the right. From there, the trail heads towards the base of both peaks. They have actually done some re-routing in this area. The trail heads towards North Bubble more before dividing. We decided to shoot up North first. 

Pheebster jumped up the peak like it was nothing to her. I still haven't decided if she truly enjoys the hike, or if she's absolutely terrified and is just trying to get it over with. Ha. North Bubble has a nice view of Jordan Pond, with Pemetic Mountain to the left and Penobscot and Sargent to the right. But, it's not my favorite view. Not yet! 

Once down North, take a right back onto the first trail and continue towards the Bubbles Divide path (less formally known as "The Butt Crack"). The Bubbles Divide trail heads to Jordan Pond, the trail for South Bubble will branch off on the left. A hop, skip, and a jump and you're at the summit! 

Continue on the trail to the right, towards Jordan Pond, for my favorite view on the island...

Perhaps, it's because South Bubble was the only "mountain" I would hike back in the day when I actually hated hiking. It was the only view from above I had ever witnessed. I just love the open face overlooking the pond, with mountainous creations flanking each side as the view opens up to the ocean and beyond. It really is quite wonderful, and you don't have to overwork your body to get a glimpse. That's why it's my favorite. 

Heading back towards the summit, a trail will branch off to the right heading towards Bubble Rock: a glacial erratic on the edge of a cliff. I remember taking a science field trip in high school to Bubble Rock. We took all kinds of measurements and such to determine the density and other cool science stuff. I'm so glad the schools on the island take the opportunities they can to get students out into the park. Why wouldn't you? The park is in our backyard, what a learning tool it could/can be! 

Bubble Rock

Pheebs enjoyed watching the cars zoom along the Park Loop Road below us. I always wonder what's going on in her brain while we're hiking. Does she know we're so high up? She kept looking at those poor cars as if they were ants... Phoebe loves ants. 

Another beautiful day, and an easy hike! It wasn't the 6 miler we originally planned on, but it's important to listen to your body and only do what you know you can handle in the moment. Hiking season is just beginning! Don't push it... yet!