Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush. I did it mid day and they were quite a few people on the trail, I had to wait at times to climb rungs. A. Murray Young Path via Canon Brook and Dorr South Ridge Trail, Ocean Path: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove, Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, Canon Brook, Cadillac South Ridge and Dorr Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop, Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop, Beehive, Gorham Mountain and Ocean Path Loop, Beehive, the Bowl, Gorham Mountain, Ocean Drive Loop, Precipice, Orange, Black Path and Schooner Head Loop, Bowl, Beehive, Chaplain South Ridge and Precipice Trail, Champlain Mountain, Orange and Black Path, and Schooner Head Path to Sand Beach. Continue on the Beehive trail which is 0.6 miles and begin ascending the cliff on granite staircases and rock scrambles. Not too many people on Beehive as of 10/3/20, and we only had to wait a couple of times for people ahead of us. Iron rungs are incorporated into the trail to aide with the climb. Hiked today 1/9/21, used micro spikes for last scramble. Amazing views. Half way up the Beehive there is a section that involves walking across iron bars instead of solid ground. I personally enjoyed it and would recommend though if it ever had ice, I’d avoid. Autographed copies of the book are usually available locally at Sherman’s bookstore in Bar Harbor, or you can buy it online on Amazon or through our online shop . Those who are up for this challenging hike are rewarded with outstanding views. Start heading up! Home » Blog » Maine Life » Downeast & Acadia » Trail Guide for Beehive Loop Hike at Acadia National Park. . Proper footwear is recommended. 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. Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177 1824 Reviews. Look up at the cliffs above you. I would avoid this hike in wet conditions. Follow the Bowl trail 0.2 miles up a creek bed to the trail interesection with the Beehive trail. Trail Safety Tips. Beehive Trail (Strenuous hiking, 0.5 miles one-way) The steep pink cliffs of The Beehive loom impressively over Sand Beach on the east side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, rising to nearly 500 feet above sea level. Much of the trail consists of iron rungs and granite rock faces exposed to wind and weather. Enjoy the great views down to Sand Beach and the Atlantic. There is a crosswalk at the top of the entrance to Sand Beach, the Bowl trailhead is located next to it. Enjoy panoramic vistas in all directions from the summit. Good foot wear is recommended.This trail is very dangerous in inclement weather. Thank you Mother Nature for all the beauty you bestow upon us. Just make sure when you get to the Bowl that you turn around and head back towards the Beehive. You’ll be happy to have completed this trail even if you are hesitant of the heights and labeled difficulty. Most of the exposed surfaces are smooth and the fissures have been gracefully carved by a millennia of rushing Atlantic tides. The most popular hike in Acadia National Park is indeed the Beehive. The Trailhead is on the east side of Mount Desert Island. Short, steep, and sweet, the Beehive Trail is one of the most popular trails in Acadia National Park. Stay on trail as strategically placed iron rungs, bridges and hand and foot holds take the technical part out of the climb. Beware of loose rock and uneven footing. Always do a tick check after visiting the park. They all did well and enjoyed the experience. As the trail climbs a gorgeous view of the Maine coastline starts to appear above the tree line. This is a gradual descent down a dirt trail until it returns to the trail intersection that took the trail up the Beehive. (View the Acadia Map.) Highly recommend hiking Beehive BEFORE Precipice Trail, as Beehive will give you a glimpse into how difficult Precipice is. Add to this the famous Carriage Roads, and the day hiker has a wide selection of enjoyable hiking options.Camping is restricted within the park to Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. Pin. If you enjoy short hikes and can handle walking along slopped granite, consider the Great Head Trail. The first part of this trail ascends a 450-ft cliff with exposed edges. Beehive Trail is very popular, and the trail is very well planned out and maintained. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. Slightly slippery and muddy on the backside. I am blessed and highly favored. The Beehive Loop is not accessible. I thought "Oh my GOD, I am going to fall and die." The Beehive Loop Trail begins on the Bowl Trail but soon reaches an intersection with the Beehive Trail, which turns off to the right. If you have ever visited Sand Beach, you likely noticed it to the northwest, towering over the tree tops. The Beehive Loop Trail is a 2.3 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Bar Harbor, Maine that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The Beehive Trail entrance is located between the park entrance fee station on the Park Loop Road and Sand Beach, on the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island. The park is open year-round, but many hotels, shops, visitor centers, and attractions are closed in the winter. 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