Beehive Trail
An exhilarating, technical climb with iron rungs and steep scrambles offering breathtaking ocean views. Not for the faint of heart!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer families, shorter lines
Beehive Trail
Best Time
Fewer families, shorter lines
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An exhilarating, technical climb with iron rungs and steep scrambles offering breathtaking ocean views. Not for the faint of heart!
"The views are absolutely worth it—but getting there is no joke. Expect crowds, delays, and a slow-moving line."
🚫 Fear of Heights? Reconsider!
This trail involves significant exposure and steep climbs. If you're afraid of heights, opt for an alternative .
⬆️ Go Right for the Loop
Take the loop counter-clockwise by going right at the split for an uphill climb on the rungs .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iron Rung Ascent
Beehive Trail
Climb sheer rock faces using iron rungs and ladders for a thrilling, technical ascent.
Panoramic Ocean Views
Summit of Beehive Trail
Breathtaking vistas of Sand Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and Great Head await at the top.
The Thrill of the Scramble
Beehive Trail
Navigate narrow ledges and find handholds for a challenging yet rewarding rock scrambling experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Your Fears: Heights & Crowds
Expect significant crowds, especially during peak times, leading to slow-moving lines.Timing is Everything for the Beehive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Fear of Heights? Reconsider!
This trail involves significant exposure and steep climbs. If you're afraid of heights, opt for an alternative.
⬆️ Go Right for the Loop
Take the loop counter-clockwise by going right at the split for an uphill climb on the rungs.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes with excellent grip, especially if the trail is wet.
💧 Wet Trail = Sketchy Climb
The trail can be very slippery and dangerous when wet. Assess conditions before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Fear of Heights? Reconsider!
This trail involves significant exposure and steep climbs. If you're afraid of heights, opt for an alternative.
⬆️ Go Right for the Loop
Take the loop counter-clockwise by going right at the split for an uphill climb on the rungs.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes with excellent grip, especially if the trail is wet.
💧 Wet Trail = Sketchy Climb
The trail can be very slippery and dangerous when wet. Assess conditions before you go.
👨👩👧👦 Not for Young Kids/Dogs
The technical sections with iron rungs are not suitable for young children or dogs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Beehive Trail offers an unforgettable, thrilling adventure with spectacular ocean views, but it's a challenging climb not for the faint of heart. Expect significant crowds and potential delays, especially during peak times. While the technical ascent is exhilarating, it requires a good head for heights and sturdy footwear.
"The views are absolutely worth it—but getting there is no joke. Expect crowds, delays, and a slow-moving line of climbers navigating ladders and steep rock scrambles. It’s a thrill for sure—a fun, technical ascent with heart-pounding moments. Not for the faint of heart, but if you’ve got a head for heights, the payoff is unforgettable."
Tiffany Knight
"Must do activity unless you’re scared of heights. Would recommend going around 4:30-6 ish. Thats when most families are at dinner so the line for the hiking trail isnt as long."
Emily Halvorsen
"Unique hike as there were plenty of rocks to climb. Great views from the top."
Trina Shultz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Beehive Trailhead is located across from the Sand Beach parking lot in Acadia National Park.
Yes, there is a parking lot for Sand Beach, which is adjacent to the Beehive Trailhead. However, this lot fills up very quickly, often before 9 AM during the summer and on weekends.
The free Island Explorer shuttle bus service operates seasonally and stops at popular locations within Acadia National Park, including near Sand Beach. This is a great option to avoid parking hassles.
The most popular way is to park at Sand Beach and walk across the street to the trailhead. You can choose to go up the rungs or take the loop CCW for an uphill climb.
The Beehive Trail is a strenuous hike with significant exposure and requires climbing iron rungs and ladders. It is not considered accessible for individuals with mobility issues, young children, or those with a fear of heights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need an entrance pass to Acadia National Park to access the Beehive Trail. Passes can be purchased online in advance or at park entrance stations. Consider purchasing a weekly or annual pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
The Beehive Trail is open year-round, but it is most safely and enjoyably hiked during daylight hours. Park facilities and services may have seasonal hours.
The cost is the standard Acadia National Park entrance fee. Fees vary depending on the type of pass (e.g., private vehicle, motorcycle, individual). Check the official Acadia National Park website for current pricing.
While there are no specific tickets for the Beehive Trail itself, you will need an Acadia National Park entrance pass. It's highly recommended to purchase your park pass online in advance, especially during peak season, to save time upon arrival.
The primary restriction is for those with a fear of heights. The trail is also not recommended for young children or dogs due to the technical nature of the climb. Always check park advisories for any temporary closures or alerts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Beehive Trail is a 1.5-mile loop and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how crowded it is.
Yes, the Beehive Trail is rated as difficult due to its steep, technical sections involving iron rungs, ladders, and rock scrambles.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction. Comfortable, athletic clothing is recommended. Layers are always a good idea as weather can change quickly in Acadia.
The views from the summit are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of Sand Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding coastline.
Yes, you can hike the Beehive Loop in reverse or take the Bowl Trail to reach the summit without the exposed iron rungs. This allows you to enjoy the views without the intense climb.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The sections with the iron rungs also make for dramatic action shots. Don't forget to capture the unique landscape of Sand Beach from above.
Exercise extreme caution when taking photos, especially on the exposed sections with rungs and ledges. Prioritize your safety and secure your footing before reaching for your camera or phone.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting. However, consider the crowds; midday can be very busy. Early morning or late afternoon might offer a good balance of light and fewer people.
Drone usage is restricted in many national parks, including Acadia. Always check the official Acadia National Park website for current drone regulations before flying.
You can capture dramatic action shots of people climbing, sweeping landscape vistas, close-ups of the unique rock formations, and the vibrant blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Always assess your child's comfort level with heights and technical terrain before attempting this hike.😨 Visitors with a Fear of Heights
This allows you to enjoy the scenery without the intense adrenaline rush of the direct ascent.🧗♀️ Thrill-Seekers and Experienced Hikers
The technical nature of the scramble, combined with the rewarding summit views, makes it a top pick for adrenaline junkies and experienced hikers looking for something beyond a standard hike. Be prepared for crowds, but the thrill of the climb is well worth it for the right adventurer.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beehive Trail: A Technical Climb
+1 This unique approach offers an adventurous experience that many hikers find more engaging than conventional trails. The trail is short, approximately 1.5 miles round-trip, but the elevation gain of around 450 feet is concentrated into these challenging, vertical segments.It's crucial to understand that this trail is not for everyone. Visitors with a fear of heights should seriously reconsider, as there are sections with significant exposure and narrow ledges.
+1 The risk of falling is real, and serious injuries have occurred. For those who are physically capable and mentally prepared, the climb is an exhilarating test of nerve and strength. Many describe it as a 'challenge of the mind' as much as a physical one. The presence of blueberry bushes along the trail is a pleasant surprise, offering a natural snack if you're lucky enough to visit during the season.When planning your hike, consider the conditions. Hiking the Beehive Trail while it's wet significantly increases the difficulty and danger due to slippery surfaces.
This makes the summit accessible even for those who prefer a less adrenaline-pumping ascent.Crowds and Timing Your Beehive Adventure
+1 This often results in long lines of hikers waiting to ascend the iron rungs and navigate the narrow sections. The slow-moving nature of the climb means that what might be a quick ascent for one person can turn into a much longer endeavor when sharing the trail with many others.To mitigate the impact of crowds, strategic timing is key. Many visitors recommend arriving early in the morning to get ahead of the influx of day-trippers and tour groups.
If you're visiting during a particularly busy period, like a holiday weekend, be prepared for significant delays in finding parking and on the trail itself.
+1 The popularity of the Beehive Trail means it's a must-do for many, so managing your expectations regarding crowds is essential for a positive experience. Checking the weather forecast is also wise, as a beautiful day will only draw more people to this iconic Acadia hike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit