5 Day Hikes To Check Out In Acadia National Park
Check out these five day hikes in Acadia National Park.
The National Park Service turns 100 years old this August, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a hike in a National Park. If you find yourself in Maine, you can do the same, at Acadia National Park. Lucky you! Acadia is a haven of beautiful New England coastal charm with plenty amazing hikes to offer. Here are five favorites:
Beehive Trail
If you’re looking for an adventure, then this trail is for you — but it is not for the faint of heart. On this steep and strenuous climb, you’ll ascend the cliff faces of the Beehive Mountain using metal rungs. Once you reach the summit, you’ll take in an unmatched view of Sand Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and other features of the park.
If You Go: Bring plenty of water and be prepared for a strenuous hike. This hike involves climbing up iron rungs, so keep that in mind if ladders are not your thing.
Precipice Trail
The Precipice Trail is easily the most well known trail in the Acadia National Park. The trail works its way up the cliffs of Champlain Mountain for nearly 1,000 feet on its way to the summit. This trail is considered the most challenging in the park, so make sure you are in good physical shape and don’t have a fear of heights.
If You Go: Much like the Beehive Trail, this hike is strenuous and requires you to climb iron rungs — so good footwear is a must. This area is closed from mid-March to mid-August due to falcon nesting, so keep that in mind when you plan your trip.
Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
During the summer months, there is a road the takes you right to the top of Cadillac Mountain — but where is the spirit of adventure in that? Instead, opt for the hike: This 8.8-mile round-trip climb will take you to the summit of Acadia’s highest point. If you are really looking for an adventure, get up early enough to witness the first rays of sun in the United States, over the Atlantic.
If You Go: Keep in mind you will be sharing the summit with car passengers in the summer as well, so it may get crowded.
Acadia Mountain Trail
This popular, albeit challenging, hike takes you up a 700-foot climb on a five-mile round-trip adventure with beautiful views of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor. The hike begins on granite steps, and makes it way toward the summit through a pine and spruce forest. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by beautiful views that make the effort all worthwhile.
If You Go: This is another tough hike, so make sure you have plenty of water and snacks to keep you going.
Perpendicular Trail
Hike Perpendicular Trail to reach the summit of the 946-foot Mansell Mountain, located on the west side of Mount Desert Island and the site of fantastic views of Great Long Pond. The trail’s two-mile loop consists of rocky steps, so be sure to don proper footwear and watch your steps as you go.
If You Go: This hike is on the western side of the island, so if you plan on hiking other trails take into account the additional drive time to get to this area.
These are just a few of the seemingly endless options for hiking trails in Acadia National Park; there is a trail for pretty much everyone and every season. Have you been to Acadia before and found a trail you are in love with? Let us know in the comments!
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