Acadia National Park - Beehive Loop

The Beehive is an exposed, iron rung climb. It is not recommended for small children, people with a fear of heights or in wet weather. Good traction shoes are advised. Those who are up for this challenging hike are rewarded with outstanding views.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
1.90 miles, Network
Difficulty
Advanced
Town
Bar Harbor
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Not Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

HIGH USE TRAIL:

This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Maine Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail. 

The hike begins on the Bowl Trail, but soon the Beehive Trail goes off to the right. There is a sign warning of the danger of the climb. Parents should climb it first to determine if it is appropriate for their children. The first section of the Beehive Trail has iron rungs to allow climbers to ascend exposed, steep cliff faces and traverse narrow ledges. After reaching the top, hikers are rewarded with outstanding views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and Frenchman Bay. It's a short descent to The Bowl, a small pond nestled behind the Beehive. Descending the Beehive is dangerous and not advised. Return through a deciduous forest to the Loop Road on the Bowl Trail (0.8 miles) or, for a longer, more scenic loop, consider the Gorham Mountain Trail (1.4 miles) and Ocean Path (1 mile) back to Sand Beach.

Other Information

The Beehive is a classic roche moutonnée, a geological feature that has a gradual slope to the north and a steep cliff to the south. As glaciers moved over the Beehive, melt water seeped into cracks on the south side and refroze. The glaciers slowly moved south plucking rock from the cliff side creating over time the rough and craggy south side of the mountain. The Beehive is also referred to as the Little Precipice Path. Both the Beehive and the Precipice Trail were built by Randolph Brunnow and are part of Acadia’s Historic Trail system. Their careful design testifies to the skill of the early trail builders.

Pets are not allowed on this hike due to its steep nature and iron rungs.

Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!

Trail Manager

Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:

National Park Service, Acadia National Park

National Park Service, Acadia National Park
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-3338
acadia_information@nps.gov

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Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Respect natural resources, cultural and historic items, and wildlife by looking rather than touching.
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Trailhead Information

Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to the national park and the beginning of the Park Loop Road. Follow the Park Loop road 2.8 miles before turning left onto the one way section towards Sand Beach. The trail begins on the right just before Sand Beach. Park in the Sand Beach parking lot. During the busy summer months, leave your car at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and take the Island Explorer Bus. The Park Loop Road is closed December 1 to April 15. Climbing this trail during the winter months is very dangerous and not advised.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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dixon52
August 15, 2023
Being that we were in the park so early, we decided to beat the crowds and head over to one of the most popular hikes, The Beehive Trail. It’s known to be a bit of a challenge with it’s iron rungs and steep spots, and it ended up being a ton of fun! I was so proud of our whole crew for tackling it and proud of the kids for taking it seriously enough to understand the risk and how to stay safe. They LOVED it.
If you want to see the pictures, I posted them here: https://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/bar-harbor-maine-part-1/
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