The Beehive Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Bar Harbor, Maine that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October.
Acadia National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. A steep climb to the top of this small mountain with wonderful views out over the Atlantic and surrounding Acadia hills The Beehive Trail is a very popular moderate to difficult out and back or loop trail using iron rungs on ledges of exposed cliffs, and is very steep, offering spectacular views of Sand Beach and the surrounding area at Acadia National Park. Start just north of and across the One way loop road from the Sand Beach parking area, climbing steps and through the forest to some exposed fairly flat rocky areas and a tall cairn of rocks marking your next steps. Be sure to look for the light blue (Carolina Blue) trail markers as the trail can be quickly lost in your enthusiasm to scale the cliffs. Stay on trail as strategically placed iron rungs, bridges and hand and foot holds take the technical part out of the climb. Once at the top you can opt to go down the back side and make it a loop or go down the way you came.
Ample parking at the Sand Beach parking area. Save some time by parking on the upper lot just past the main Sand Beach parking area. Sand Beach is served by the shuttle buses and has good restroom facilities.
Acadia National Park P.O. Box 177 Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177 207-288-3338
Parking: From the Park Loop Road in Acadia park at the Sand Beach Parking area. There is a $20 fee to get into the National Park.
From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. The Trailhead is on the east side of Mount Desert Island. From Hulls Cove Visitor Center take the park road to the one-way loop to park at the Sand Beach Parking area. Trailhead is 100 feet north (just before) of the entrance to the parking area.
March 5, 2021The best! I did this with a few friends who were afraid of heights, (not gonna lie one of them cried) but when we got to the top they both said it was their favorite part of the trip & they were really happy they pushed themselves to do it. 10/10 would recommend
March 2, 2021March 1, 2021I loved this technical hike. I did the hike during the summer. Wonderful views and different from your normal hike. I was too busy concentrating to get be out of breath. Can’t wait to go back to Maine and do it again.
February 19, 2021didnt know I was afraid of heights until I started the trail, however it didnt stop me. Once you reached summit it was worth it. Make sure to stop every few minutes and take a look around, it was beautiful!
February 15, 2021Went up the Beehive yesterday late afternoon. A little icy in parts, be careful especially on the ledges. Got to watch a beautiful sunset. Would not recommend for inexperienced hikers.
February 1, 2021
January 30, 2021
January 25, 2021I climbed the Bee Hive in late January and it wasn't too bad. amazing views and a challenging trail. there seemed to be little to no ice on that side of the mountain unlike some other areas. if you attempt this in the winter then you should bring good gloves, the iron rungs get very cold!
January 17, 2021January 14, 2021Went on this hike on vacation to Acadia, Maine. The trail was steep, short, and it had scrambles but totally worth it.
January 13, 2021Steep, short, and has scrambles but totally worth it.
January 10, 2021Really fun, definatly on the easier side and still very durable with ice if one has micro spikes. Cool views.
January 9, 2021Hiked today 1/9/21, used micro spikes for last scramble. Iron rungs were dry as of 0730 this morning. Pretty neat!
January 9, 2021January 6, 2021Such a cool, short and rewarding hike/climb!
December 31, 2020We climbed this two days ago. We’ve done ladders and scrambling before, but this had some tough parts that left me wishing for another hand hold or two. Fiancé definitely had a panic attack at one point...doubt she’ll ever do this one again lol. Would classify this as a precarious rather than taxing hike. I personally enjoyed it and would recommend though if it ever had ice, I’d avoid.
December 28, 2020Start of the trail was steep along small cliffs and was slightly difficult with the strong winds. I did it with ease, however my girlfriend had minor panic attacks and had to hear words of encouragement to arise to the peak. Slightly slippery and muddy on the backside. Overall great panoramic view of the Atlantic and Sand Beach
December 2, 2020Did this last year. Awesome. A mini me version of Prespice but still highly entertaining
November 26, 2020Did this trail a few years ago but forgot to review. I remember several spots which are not for those who are afraid of heights. The trail can be quite exposed when turning corners of the switchbacks. Overall it's pretty short and moderate, but worth the experience if visiting Acadia. The majority of the trail provides excellent views of the Atlantic and the rigid Maine coastline.
November 25, 2020Short but VERY fun little scramble (as long as you aren't afraid of heights). I made a video on YouTube of the hike, just search Maps With No Roads on YouTube if you want a look at what the trail is like.
