Acadia National Park - Canada Cliff Loop

This hike includes a series of iron ladders that lead to the top of Beech Cliff with views of Echo Lake, other mountains, and the ocean.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
1.80 miles, Network
Difficulty
Advanced
Town
Southwest 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 trail becomes rugged and steep with a series of iron ladders that lead to the top of Beech Cliff. The top of Beech Cliff offers views of Echo Lake below and views toward the ocean (see note below). The Canada Cliff Trail leads to the left along the top of the cliff. The hike bears left at each junction and descends through a mixed forest leading back to the entrance of the parking area.

Note: At the top of Beech Cliff, an optional 0.4 mile loop hike is to the right following the Beech Cliff Loop.

Other Information

The Beech Cliff Trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. The CCC had two camps located in Acadia National Park. One was at McFarland Hill, where the park's headquarters is today, and the other was on the southwest side of the island. A good deal of their work involved trails. The crew at McFarland Hill mainly rehabilitated older hiking trails on the east side of the Island built by local village improvement societies. The crew on the southwest side, however, expanded the trail system on newly acquired park land.

Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

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

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect other trail users and be courteous when passing.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

Starting from ME Route 102, continue south through Somesville and past Echo Lake. The Echo Lake Entrance is on the right. The Beech Cliff Trail head is located at the far end of the parking lot.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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summertulip
September 02, 2022
Meggy1 - dogs aren't allowed, so maybe that was your first issue?
meggy1
March 27, 2021
There are 3 sets of ladders on this trail. My 42 pound viszla gave me quite a look when we reached the first set. I held her with one arm and made the assent. Then came the second and third set. We took the Canadian trail back to the parking lot. Nice trail well marked. Good views of Echo lake. Nice hike
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