The Beehive Path is likely one of the most thrilling hikes in Acadia Nationwide Park.
This path is a tamer, simpler model of the Precipice Path. It options sections of cliff walks and steel rungs, however with much less elevation acquire and fewer publicity, it is a good possibility if you’re not fairly positive for those who can deal with the Precipice Path.
Not solely is that this hike tons of enjoyable however the views from the summit are unimaginable. From right here, you might have panoramic views over the east aspect of Mt. Desert Island.
Right here’s the right way to do it.
Word: You probably have a concern of heights or if you’re mountaineering with younger youngsters, skip this hike. Additionally, don’t hike the Beehive Path within the rain. The granite cliffs and iron rungs get dangerously slippery when it’s moist.
Details Concerning the Hike
Distance: 1.4 miles
Issue: Strenuous
Elevation Achieve: 450 toes
Size of Time: 1 to 2 hours
When to Go: You may hike this path within the spring, summer season, and fall seasons. Throughout the winter months (November via April), snow and ice make this path much more harmful.
Word: Since it is a loop, you may hike this path in both course. Nonetheless, it’s greatest to do that in a counter-clockwise course, to maintain visitors on the path shifting in the identical course. Plus, it’s simpler to climb up the rungs and steep steps than to hike down them.
Elevation profile (with the shortcut)
Please follow the seven rules of Depart No Hint: plan forward, keep on the path, pack out what you carry to the mountaineering path, correctly get rid of waste, depart areas as you discovered them, reduce campfire impacts, be thoughtful of different hikers, and don’t strategy or feed wildlife.
Methods to Hike the Beehive Path
Attending to the Trailhead
Park on the massive Sand Seaside parking zone. There are restrooms right here, in addition to seashore entry and entry to a number of different mountaineering trails.
To get to the trailhead, cross Park Loop Highway. There’s a path that leads from the parking zone to the trailhead. The Beehive Trailhead is marked with a big path signal.
On the Beehive Path
The primary a part of the path is generally flat. It’s a straightforward, fairly stroll via the forest.
It received’t take lengthy till you get to a fork within the path. At this signal (see beneath), take the path to the precise to proceed on the Beehive Path.
That is the place the climbing, and the enjoyable, begins. It’s a comparatively quick, steep ascent to get to the highest of the Beehive. You’ll climb quick staircases, cross a number of slender ledges, and climb the iron rungs that make this hike so thrilling.
The upper you go, the higher the view. And actually, it doesn’t take lengthy till you might be handled to wonderful views of Sand Seaside and Nice Head. As soon as you might be on prime of the mountain, benefit from the spectacular view that you simply labored so arduous for.
Right here is the climb as much as the highest of Beehive in pictures.
View from the highest of the Beehive
The Return Hike
Now, it’s a straightforward, downhill hike again to sea stage. Most of this hike is within the forest, so that you now not get the sweeping views that you simply had earlier within the hike. But it surely’s nonetheless very good, and now that you’re going downhill, this a part of the hike goes by quick.
To get again to the Sand Seaside parking zone, you may both hike out to the Bowl, a small, pretty lake, or lower the hike quick by taking the shortcut via the woods. This hike is 1.4 miles for those who embrace The Bowl and 1.2 miles for those who take the shortcut.
Extra Issues to do from Sand Seaside Parking Lot
From the Sand Seaside parking zone, there are a number of extra issues you are able to do.
Sand Seaside is beautiful so it’s nicely value your time for this very fast and straightforward view of the seashore. It additionally makes a pleasant picnic spot. You may as well hike the flat, straightforward path out to Nice Head for extra coastal views.
Sand Seaside
In case you are on the lookout for one other straightforward hike, contemplate strolling a part of Ocean Path. You may stroll to Thunder Gap (2 miles out-and-back) or proceed all the approach to Otter Level (4 miles out-and-back). For my part, it’s solely value mountaineering so far as Thunder Gap, since you’ll drive all the way down to Otter Level as a part of the scenic drive alongside Park Loop Highway.
Thunder Gap
View alongside the shoreline
Tricks to Have the Finest Expertise
The Sand Seaside parking zone is massive however it might probably fill to capability as early as 10 am throughout peak season (the summer season and fall months, particularly on weekends). Attempt to get right here by 10 am to be sure to get a parking house. Plus, the sooner you begin the hike, the much less crowds you’ll have on the path.
Whether it is moist or raining, or if rain is imminent, don’t hike the Beehive Path. The granite surfaces and the iron rungs will likely be very slippery in moist situations.
Put on a great pair of mountaineering footwear or boots.
Deliver sunblock, water, and snacks.
For peak fall colours, plan to go to Acadia Nationwide Park between October 8 and October 21. Our pictures had been taken on October 11.
Examine path situations earlier than you go.
In case you are new to mountaineering or are interested in what you must carry on a hike, take a look at our Mountain climbing Gear Information. Discover out what we supply in our day packs and what we put on on the paths.
