A thrilling short scramble with iron rungs and ladders up a sheer cliff face, rewarded with some of the best views in Acadia over Sand Beach and the Champlain Mountain ridge.
Don’t let the mileage fool you — the Beehive delivers a full adventure in under two miles. Iron rungs and wooden steps bolted into a near-vertical cliff face make this unlike any other hike on the island. The views of Sand Beach from the exposed summit are signature Acadia.
The Route
Start at the Bowl trailhead off Ocean Drive. The Beehive Trail begins as a gentle path before hitting the cliff face directly. There are fixed iron rungs for the most exposed sections, but balance and confidence on steep terrain is required. Descend via the Bowl Trail for a pleasant loop.
Key landmarks:
- 0.1 mi — Junction; take right fork to Beehive Trail
- 0.5 mi — First iron rung section
- 0.8 mi — Summit (520 ft) — views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and Otter Cliff
- 1.6 mi — Back at trailhead via Bowl Trail
Who It’s For
Confident scramblers and those without vertigo. Not appropriate for young children, dogs, or anyone uncomfortable with exposure. In descent mode (going down the cliff), this trail is dangerous — always go up the Beehive, down the Bowl.
Pro Tips
- Go early (before 9am) to avoid crowds on the rungs
- Wet rock dramatically increases difficulty and danger
- Combine with a swim at Sand Beach afterward