The Beehive Trail Hiking Guide: Acadia National Park

Introduction

Would you like to hike The Beehive Trail Hiking Guide: Acadia National Park? This hike is one of Acadia National Park’s most popular and classic. It’s not for those afraid of heights or the weak of their heart. You will use iron rungs and ladders to get up this hike exposed. I like that I have to climb up to the top. I also love the stunning views. If that may not be enough, here are other ideas. This is one of the easiest hikes you can fit into your daily schedule while driving the Park Loop Road.

This hike can be daunting. It was almost fifteen years ago that I first saw the mountain. The trail that led up to the cliff was what I saw as I looked out my window. Although I’m not sure if it was the Beehive or the Precipice Trail, I do recall what I said.

“Who would ever want to climb that?”!”

Now The Beehive is one of my favourite hikes within Acadia National Park. This is the one that I have returned to every time we’ve been there.

Distance: ~1.7 miles roundtrip

Difficulty Moderate (exposed sections with iron rungs).

Dog Friendly: No

Trailhead:  located directly across from the Sand Beach Parking Lot 

Entry Fee: A fee is required to enter Acadia National Park. 

Elevation Gain 500ft 

Time 2-3 Hours

Why is the Beehive trail considers difficult?

What’s the Beehive’s claim to fame? It’s considered one of the most strenuous trails in the park, even though it’s short. Iron rungs are the reason it’s so popular.

Yep, iron rungs.

The Beehive Trail Hiking Guide: Acadia National Park. The Beehive trail climbs the Beehive mountain’s front face. You will need to climb and scramble a lot. Iron rungs have been bolted into rock faces to help you. You are probably hiking on a cliff face.

These iron rungs drew me in immediately after I saw them. It was something I wanted to do. Since my first ascent, I have hiked three more iron-rung trails in the park: The Precipice, The Jordan Cliffs, and The Beech Cliffs. Even if you don’t like climbing up the trail, you will be amazed at the breath-taking views you’ll see from the top. Sand Beach and Frenchman’s Bay are just a few of the many attractions that lie before you.

If you are afraid of climbing up the Beehive’s face, there is an alternative route. This trail is detailed on the map at the end of the article. (You will go up the same way you would normally come back down.

Trust me, and this is something you don’t want to miss.

Beehive Trail Guide

The Beehive Trail Hiking Guide: Acadia National Park. I would get up at a reasonable hour. Every time I have hiked this trail, I try to get there as soon as possible. I arrive at the trailhead between 8, and 8:30 am on average.

Although I try to make it there by 8 pm, I prefer to be on vacation and avoid alarm clocks.

The trailhead is directly across the street from Sand Beach’s parking lot. It’s close to Bar Harbour, my usual base. I can walk out the door and be on the trail within 15 minutes.

The Beehive trail’s first 100 yards are quite difficult. Although the trail looks like a riverbed, it is a hillside path. However, you can’t walk on the ground. You have to hop from one rock to the next. These aren’t huge boulders. Nope. They are smaller.

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I was careful to not slip or twist my ankle within the first five minutes.

The trail winds up the hill after surviving the rocks. It then turns left and climbs up a large granite face covered with brush and small trees.

You won’t miss the first intersection on the trail. The signpost is located in the middle of the trail. It almost looks like a small monument.

You’ll need to turn right at the Beehive trail to continue climbing upwards from the split. Here is where the fun begins.

You’ll climb up the iron rungs and boulders and scramble a lot.

My two favourites are my two favourite “bridges”, an iron gate or a wooden bridge.

It continues to climb and climb. As you climb higher and turn upwards, the brush and tree cover around your body will become less and less until it disappears completely.

This was my first time hiking. I was afraid my sometimes fear of heights would set in. Nope. I wasn’t scared of anything.

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I was instead thrilled.

As I made my way up this trail, I felt like a child on a playground.

Every time I looked down, it wasn’t because I was staring at the ground below me. The view captivated me. I was enchanted by the view from Sand Beach below me.

As I climbed up the rocks and rungs, I couldn’t help but smile.

The hike will end before you know it. It always takes me less to get to the top than I expect. You may feel tired and sweaty (like I am), but you are not exhausted. It’s a bit sad that it’s over so quickly.

Once you have reached the top, it is time to relax and take in the views. I did and took a few photos to show my victory.

As the morning progresses, the number of people climbing the Beehive will increase dramatically. Continue up the trail towards the summit of the Beehive for more stunning views.

Suppose you were unaware (like me) that there are TWO views from the Beehive Trail. The first is at the top of the climb and looks down on Sand Beach. The second is further up the trail and takes you to the Beehive summit.

This view is more north, and I was shocked when I saw it.

It was amazing.

It’s time for you to move on after taking in the beauty of the Beehive’s views. There are a few options available at this point. You can continue following the trail if you’re in a hurry and want to return to the Beehive. Because it is so easy, this route takes you back to the Beehive.

The Beehive Trail Hiking Guide: Acadia National Park. The Beehive’s face should not be climbed. The iron rung trails only lead up the face. It is extremely dangerous to descend while others are ascending. You can see my map at the bottom of this post to find the route back down. The shortcut is highlights in green.

If you have more time, you can make your way to the Bowl, located just northwest of the Beehive. This hike will add approximately a half-mile to your hike, and you can take in Acadia National Park. This small pond is only 10 minutes from the summit. My first hike was a simple one. I remember gazing at the cool water and briefly considering jumping in, but then I heard one of the nearby families say “leeches”. There’s no need to say thank you.

It’s time for Sand Beach to return after a quick stop. There will be several junctions along the trail, but it is easy to follow the markers.

Look up when you get to the second signpost. This spot offers one of the most spectacular views of the Beehive. It will then take you back over the rocky riverbed, and you’ll arrive at the Sand Beach Parking Lot.

On my visits to Bar Harbour and Acadia National Park, I hiked the Beehive multiple times. My favourite memory is the first time. I was sweaty and windy at the top of the trail but felt exhilarated.

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Tips for Hiking the Beehive

Get up early in the morning. Reach the top shortly after 9 am. The number of hikers has been steadily increasing. As I headed towards Sand Beach, I passed many groups heading for the trail an hour later (10 am). People are still waiting to climb the Beehive at 11:30 am.

Do not descend. Please do not. It isn’t very pleasant. It’s almost impossible to pass. You don’t have to go all the way to The Bowl. A connector trail runs right past the summit and will take you back to the beginning quickly. (See my map below). You won’t push anyone off a mountain.

Water. The hike and views are exposed. Even though it is short, you will need to drink water.

Do not go if your fear of heights is a factor. This hike is not for the faint-hearted. Go up the backside if you want to enjoy the view from the top without feeling afraid. Check out the map below.

Get a map. Many trails in the park cross each other. This is the route I took. See my top hiking choices below if you want to make your map.

Beehive Trail Map

Below is the route I took. I hiked up the Beehive’s face before making my way to The Bowl.

In the beehive trail map you can also cut out The Bowl if time is short. You can hike just a bit beyond the Beehive summit to reach a connector trail, which will take you back to the beginning quickly (the connector trail is marked in green).

You can also hike up the backside of the Beehive to reach the summit if you’re afraid of heights.

FAQs about the Beehive

Where can I find the Beehive trailhead? 

The start of the Beehive Trail is located across from Sand Beach’s entrance (on the Park Loop Road). Parking can be difficult. You can find parking in the Sand Beach lot if you arrive early. You will need to park along the road if you don’t like to wake up in the morning.

Don’t you want the responsibility of driving? You don’t have to drive? The Island Explorer is available for free. The Sand Beach parking lot is where bus numbers 3 (Sand Beach & Blackwood’s) and 4 (Loop Road) are. For more information about times and routes, visit the Island Explorer website.

Which trails make up the Beehive Loop? 

The Beehive loop starts on The Bowl trail, just across from the Sand Beach parking lot. After about.2 miles, you’ll reach your first fork. Continue straight to climb the Beehive Trail. You can continue straight to reach The Bowl or the backside of the Beehive summit.

How long is it to hike the Beehive Trail?

I took photos often, including at the top for 30 minutes. It took me less than 3 hours. The loop can be completed in under two hours if you are fit and start early. If you decide to go later in the morning, you will likely have to wait in line to get up.

What is the cost to enter Acadia National Park? 

A pass will require to enter Acadia National Park. A weeklong pass costs $30. Before you go, make sure to check out the fees.

You’ll love the Beehive if you do! 

The park also has the Precipice, 

which is its taller counterpart. The Precipice and the other iron-rung trails are closed during the summer for Peregrine Falcon nesting. If you wish to see these trails, come back in the fall.

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