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Beehive Trail
Hiking Trail
Hard
1.53 mi
564 ft
The easiest "rung and ladder" trail known for its stunning views and cliffside exposure.
"If you are searching for an adventurous hike with a spectacular view, look no further than the Beehive loop," the park proclaims. This 1.5-mile "rung and ladder" loop is a classic and one of the most-visited hikes in Acadia National Park. For first-time visitors seeking a challenge, it's a great option to become comfortable on Acadia's more difficult trails. On average, most visitors can complete the hike between 1 to 3 hours. It includes "steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces," but rewards expansive views as it climbs a nearly 450' cliff towering over the bay. Counter-clockwise is the preferred direction to hike the loop since descending down the rungs and ladders is ill-advised. The trailhead for the Beehive is adjacent to the Sand Beach parking area. Water and restrooms are available, and beginning in 2021, "if you're accessing this trail from Sand Beach you will need a reservation to use a private vehicle to enter the Sand Beach Entrance Station from mid-June to mid-October." Due to the nature of this route, pets are not allowed on this hike. As rain and inclement weather can make this hike significantly more dangerous, "allowing the rocks to dry provides a safer ascent," the park notes. The morning and afternoon are the best time to complete this hike, while spring, summer, and fall offer the best time of year to visit. [Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
"If you are searching for an adventurous hike with a spectacular view, look no further than the Beehive loop," the park proclaims. This 1.5-mile "rung and ladder" loop is a classic and one of the most-visited hikes in Acadia National Park. For first-time visitors seeking a challenge, it's a great option to become comfortable on Acadia's more difficult trails. On average, most visitors can complete the hike between 1 to 3 hours. It includes "steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces," but rewards expansive views as it climbs a nearly 450' cliff towering over the bay. Counter-clockwise is the preferred direction to hike the loop since descending down the rungs and ladders is ill-advised. The trailhead for the Beehive is adjacent to the Sand Beach parking area. Water and restrooms are available, and beginning in 2021, "if you're accessing this trail from Sand Beach you will need a reservation to use a private vehicle to enter the Sand Beach Entrance Station from mid-June to mid-October." Due to the nature of this route, pets are not allowed on this hike. As rain and inclement weather can make this hike significantly more dangerous, "allowing the rocks to dry provides a safer ascent," the park notes. The morning and afternoon are the best time to complete this hike, while spring, summer, and fall offer the best time of year to visit. [Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beehive to Bowl Loop | 1.57 mi | -466 ft | -0.0% |
| Beehive from Park Loop Road | 0.45 mi | 472 ft | 19.3% |
| Entering the Hive | 0.24 mi | 351 ft | 26.9% |
| Beehive Bowl Descent | 1.22 mi | -453 ft | -6.8% |
| Bowl Trail 2 Road | 0.69 mi | -387 ft | -10.3% |