Hiking on the “Quiet Side” of Acadia National Park: Beech Cliff Loop Trail
Name: Beech Cliff Loop
Location: Acadia National Park
Distance: 2 miles
Terrain: Dirt path, granite steps, slabs, and slopes
Elevation Gain: 800 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Not Allowed
Located on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island—the Beech Cliff Trail is a short, picturesque hike that provides excellent views of Echo Lake, surrounding mountains, and Somes Sound.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Beech Cliff Trail—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, and my favorite nearby eats.
Preparing to hike Beech Cliff Loop Trail
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine hike
Directions and parking for Beech Cliff Loop Trail
Directions from Bar Harbor
Take Route 233 (Eagle Lake Road) west toward Somesville for about 8 miles. Turn left onto Route 102 and follow it south toward Southwest Harbor. In about 3 miles, just after passing Echo Lake, turn right onto Beech Hill Road. Follow Beech Hill Road to the end and you’ll arrive at the Beech Mountain/Echo Lake parking area.
Directions from Southwest Harbor
Take Route 102 north toward Somesville. Turn left onto Beech Hill Road (just before Echo Lake). Continue to the end to reach the Beech Mountain/Echo Lake parking area.
Parking
There should be plenty of parking, as long as you arrive before 9:00a.m. or after 4:00p.m.
Beech Cliff Loop trail descriptions
Beech Cliff Trail (0.8 miles, moderate)
The trail begins at the North end of the parking lot. Hikers will encounter a steep incline with granite steps, wooden steps, and several ladders. After 0.4 miles, the Beech Cliffs Trail intersects with the Canada Cliffs Trail. Continue to the right to complete the Beech Cliff Loop Trail. To get back to the parking lot, hikers can descend via the Beech Cliff Trail or the Canada Cliffs Trail (taking this trail adds 1.3 miles to the hike).
The summit of Beech Cliff Loop Trail
The summit offers fantastic views of Acadia Mountain, St. Sauveur Mountain, Echo Lake, and Somes Sound.
Insider tips for hiking Beech Cliff Loop Trail
Best nearby eats: Clark Point Cafe (delicious eggs benedict), Beal’s Lobster Pier, and Harbor Table.
The best time to visit: June, July, or August—so you can enjoy a post-hike swim in Echo Lake!
In the Summer and Fall, aim to arrive before 9:00a.m. or have a back-up hike in case the parking lot is full
There is spotty cell phone service in Acadia National Park, so be sure to tell loved ones your hiking plans or bring a satellite communication device with you so you can alert people when you have made it back to your car safely.
Leave no trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
