I do not recommend it for anyone afraid of heights, or at all unsteady on their feet. There are several places where the footing is uncertain, there is no rung to hold (surprising - I think they should add some), and you are on a sheer drop-off. Additionally, there were two spots where the "reach" was quite a stretch; one was a climb up onto a high ledge with no helpful step or grab point, and the other was a very long reach for the lowest rung of a ladder. Fortunately, neither of these was right on a drop-off. We managed to get up these two obstacles, but for this reason, Gary said he would not do this trail again. I would do this trail anytime. It was a blast! (Even Gary had fun though he might not admit it.)
Starting at Jordan Pond, the trail starts out on the south end of the pond and climbs slowly up the east side of Penobscot, eventually climbing the cliffs Gary is looking towards.
The trailhead is reached either by a path through the woods or a short walk on the carriage road. This is the West Branch Bridge near the trailhead.
There are immediately views to the south where Otter Creek meets the ocean.
After a slow and steady stroll upwards, views open up over Jordan Pond.
After lots of upward trail, suddenly we are climbing down. I thought perhaps we had missed a turn, but confirmed on the trail map that we were still heading the right direction. Okay, down down down and then back up.
A staircase cut into a narrow log, with handrails (thank goodness) allowing safe passage over a cliff band. Quite unique and fun - this is why Acadia to me is like a "Tom Sawyer's Island" for grownups.
Many sections of rock scrambling through the rock fall which covers a large portion of Penobscot's eastern flank.
Views over Jordan Pond continue, seeing North Bubble, South Bubble, Pemetic, and Cadillac's north ridge in the background.
This is one of several sheer drop-offs just off the trail. But don't worry, the trees will break your fall.
And it's a long way down.
This is one of the more narrow spots on the trail, where the best option is to place your foot in the loose gravel there, right on the edge of a sheer drop-off (the one pictured above).
Another option here is to scramble over the boulder, but if you tumble, you are in for a terrible fall.
This area was not on a ledge, but what tricky footing through these exposed roots.
Gary's bleeding, so he must be having fun!
Climbing along the cliff bands, the trail is well laid-out.
There are several areas where the trail involves a few steps on a very narrow ledge.
Climbing up on this little ledge involved a very difficult step/climb upwards - this spot really needed a well-placed rock or iron run!
The Jordan Cliffs are huge and create a spectacular backdrop as you make your way along the ledges.
That's where we're headed way up there!
A little fall color here and there.
Making our way towards the final push around the edge of the cliffs.
This is another spot where I would recommend an iron rung. It was easy when dry, but it would be slippery when wet - a rung to hold onto could save a life!
More narrow sloping ledges without rungs. Be steady and careful here.
Approaching the last push, this is very narrow.
This might be the most narrow part of the trail; look closely behind/under the little tree and there are some boards to give you a place to step, but it is all right on the edge. The little tree itself was an obstacle - I held onto it for dear life to swing around to the next footstep. Honestly, the rungs area is much easier and less concerning than this spot here. Still, it looks worse than it is; I proceeded carefully and had no problems. I don't think anyone has ever died on this trail....? Stay off this trail when wet.
This looks scary but wasn't at all difficult.
This first few rungs up - very simple.
The last several sets of rungs are easy also. The only challenge was this first rung - it was very difficult to reach the rung on top. Even Gary had trouble - and I'm 6 inches shorter than him!
Gary struggling to reach that first rung, with beautiful Jordan Pond far below.
Now it's all easy rungs up the sloped granite.
Another few rungs to get up that last climb.
Then we reached a trail junction, where we headed directly up to the Penobscot summit. Some rock scrambling remains, but no more rungs.
The final scramble.
He made it!
At the summit of Penobscot once again.
Looking northeast, you can see the north end of Eagle Lake and Frenchman Bay.
Looking south towards Otter Creek and the Cranberry Islands.
For our return trip, we walked the Penobscot Trail down the south ridge with commanding views all around, then turned left to the Spring Trail, completing our loop.
I had done Spring Trail previously, both up and down. At first, I found some sections of this trail intimidating - now I just find it a blast! Had to overcome my fear of the unknown.
Very cool support system navigating the steep cliffs.
Here and there along the trail, it seems they misplaced the helpful handrail, and a slip could be detrimental to your health.
This ledge slopes downward and without the handrail, I imagine many folks would take a tumble.
Don't slip here either. That handrail just looks like a good place to slam your head on the way down.
The final stairway on Spring Trail, putting us back on the carriage road.
Following the carriage road and path around Jordan Pond.
Back where we started, the sun is just about set, and we made it just in time.
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