Acadia National Park is a popular national park in the US with natural beauty, small-town charm, and opportunities for adventure. Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia will awaken your senses whether you take a summer dip in the Atlantic or visit during the breathtaking fall season.
Acadia National Park is the destination for more than two million visitors per year. In the facilities and activities of the park, all visitors will find something that appeals to their interests. The average visitor spends three to four days in the area; however, it would take a full week to participate in all the activities of the park and the surrounding communities.
Throughout history, people have been drawn to Maine’s rugged coastline. In awe of its beauty and diversity, in the early 1900’s, visionaries donated the land that went on to become Acadia National Park. The park is home to various plants and animals and is home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the US. Today, visitors come to Acadia to hike the granite peaks, bike the historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the landscape.
Acadia National Park is positioned on the rugged, rocky coast of Maine’s “lower east” side. Most of the park is on Monte Desierto Island, which is accessible by car. The park is approximately six hours north of Boston.
The park is open year-round, but most of the park loop (including the road to Cadillac Mountain) and many facilities are closed in the winter. The season begins on April 15 when the Visitor Center and the park circuit open to the public (depending on weather conditions). Between May and June, almost all the facilities are open for the season. July and August are the busiest months. Visitor attendance begins to decline in the fall, with the Visitor Center closing on October 31 and the park’s loop trail on December 1 (closings are advanced if weather conditions warrant).
Once you are in the park, the rangers can help you plan your visit. Stop by the Visitor Center or the central park office for assistance.
Located near Bar Harbor, Maine, Beehive Loop Trail is a heavily trafficked loop trail that features a lake. It is rated as difficult. The trail is used for hiking between May and October.
The Beehive trail is one of my favorites and an Acadia classic. Hiking through the Beehive Loop Trail is an option for those driving through Park Loop Road. This park goes straight up the cliffs of the beehive. Granite boulder steps, ladders, iron rungs, and handrails will assist you as you climb up. There are amazing views at the top on a clear day.
This trail is very challenging. It begins near Sand Beach and follows narrow ledges over sheer drops with iron ladders and rails in many parts of the trail. This trail is not for children, inexperienced hikers, or anyone that has fear for heights.
As you start hiking along the bowl trail, a path through the woods leads to an intersection with the Beehive Loop Trail. Turn to the trail to begin your challenging climb from the southern face of the beehive. It leads you directly up the cliff, and you can use the iron rungs and railings to navigate to the peak. You can feel comfortable hiking through this trail knowing there are no basic rock-climbing skills needed.
Do not take the iron rung ladders back down the Beehive Trail.
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