Beehive Trail – Acadia

Distance: 1.6 miles Elevation Gain: 520 ft Difficulty: Strenuous Type: Loop Surface: iron rung ladders and open granite Activity: Hiking Best Season: Late Spring–Fall Typical Time: 1.5–2.5 hours Fee: Included with park pass Dogs: No Permit: No

The Beehive Trail is Acadia's most exhilarating short hike — a steep scramble up the exposed east face of the Beehive using iron rungs and handholds bolted into the granite cliff. The route gains 520 feet in less than 0.8 miles, ascending a series of sheer ledges and narrow ledge traverses with dramatic exposure. Iron rungs are provided at the most challenging sections, but the trail requires confident movement on rock and is entirely inappropriate for those with a fear of heights or in wet conditions.

At the summit, a stunning panorama opens over Sand Beach below, Great Head peninsula, the Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay, and the open Atlantic. The descent follows the gentler Bowl Trail, looping past a small glacially formed pond called The Bowl before returning to the trailhead. The contrast between the heart-pumping ascent and the quiet lakeside descent makes this one of the most satisfying short loops in the northeastern United States. The trail is not recommended for dogs due to the iron rung sections. Start early in summer — the trailhead parking fills by 8 AM on clear days.