Conquer the Beehive Loop: Acadia's Cliffside Challenge

Challenge yourself on the Beehive Loop, where steep climbs and stunning views combine for an unforgettable Acadia adventure.

Last updated: Mar 2024

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Free of charge
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Embark on the Beehive Loop for an exhilarating hike through Acadia's iconic rung and ladder paths, offering breathtaking ocean views. Challenge yourself on the Beehive Loop, where steep climbs and stunning views combine for an unforgettable Acadia adventure. Begin your journey on the Beehive Loop with a trek across the Bowl Trail, leading to a unique hiking experience characterized by steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces. As you ascend the 450ft cliff, prepare for a physical and mental challenge rewarded with panoramic views of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the vast Gulf of Maine. The 1.4-mile journey, taking 1 to 3 hours, culminates at the summit, offering a serene vantage point over Acadia's rugged coastline.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

Outdoorsy

Challenging

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Itinerary

Start at the Bowl Trail across from Sand Beach.
Follow the Bowl Trail for 0.2 miles to the Beehive Trail intersection.
Ascend the Beehive using granite staircases and iron rungs.
Reach the summit for panoramic views, then continue to the Bowl, avoiding descent via the rungs and ladders.

Location

Bar Harbor, ME 04609

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Packing List

Sturdy hiking boots
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
Camera for breathtaking shots

4.9 ● Google reviews

The hike up was one of my fav hikes ever! Great views all around!

Highly recommend this hike! Great views during it and on the top. Some small spots with drop-offs near the trail but not bad overall. The rungs make climbing it easier than steeper trails with lots of scrambling. Overall, a great trail if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge but definitely doable for almost everyone.

Wondeful and adventurous experience!! A very short hike but the ladders, narrow passages and almost vertical climb makes the hike a very interesting one. Not for kids and pets for sure as the warning board says at the bottom. You can cover a loop where you take the adventurous climb while going up and come from the other side where you get to see the bowl/pond and a few more beautiful spots with a very easy trail to come back at the bottom.

Beehive is a great hike with a amazing view of Sand Beach. The ladders along the trail make it easier to hike to the top. We went a day after it rained and it was not very slippery. With hiking boots it was a good hike. We started the Trail on a Thursday at 7:45 am and had no wait time along the trail. Highly recommended to come early.

Short but steep hike. It has metal handles in the rocks, so you don't need any additional equipments to get there. On the way there it has few amazing views. And definitely on the top of mountain you will enjoy the nature. It's one of my favorite hikes.

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