The Beehive Loop Trail is a 1.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Bar Harbor, Maine that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until November.
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
lake
views
wild flowers
wildlife
scramble
no dogs
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.
Toufeer M.
Awesome trail! Would rank it as moderate to hard
Absolutely beautiful trail with breathtaking views but be aware that the ladders are very difficult to access for hikers less than 5'3" tall!!! I would never recommend the narrow trail face/front side for a child under 12 though the back side would be fine for all children.
short and sweet. not as difficult as described
A couple friends and I hiked this trail due to the outstanding reviews and recommendations. And the hike lived up to all the reviews. It was such a fun hike with outstanding views that kept getting better as we climbed up. Some people said it's not for those who are scared of heights, but speaking from someone who isn't fond of them, it was manageable and wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Thanks for all the recommendations! We loved it!!
Great trail. Not for someone scared of heights. We hiked on rainy day and had to be very careful not to slip. Grab bars provided on rock faces were very helpful for the climb at the top. The rest of the trail was good as well.
This was an awesome hike, with a trail unlike anything I've experience before. We were practically hiking vertically the whole time! Most of the iron rung trails are closed during the late spring and summer due to Peregrine Falcon nesting, but Beehive usually remains open and a must-do hike in Acadia! I'd definitely do it again. I posted a full review with plenty of photos here on my blog post! www.trizzletravels.com/beehive-trail
Fun, short hike. Scary but not long enough!! Pretty views and you will feel accomplished after completing it.