Hiking Champlain Mountain via Beachcroft Trail in Acadia National Park
Trail: Champlain Mountain via Beachcroft Trail
Location: Acadia National Park
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1058 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Allowed, on-leash
Known as one of the best sunrise hikes in Acadia—Champlain Mountain is a challenging yet rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can choose from several different trails, all of which provide sweeping views of Frenchman bay and surrounding islands. Make sure to wear or pack a wind breaker for this hike—great ocean views go hand-in-hand with generous ocean winds!
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips for visiting Acadia National Park.
Preparation
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/Parking
To get to the trailhead from Route 1, head east on Route 3. Continue for approximately 8 miles until you reach the junction with Route 102. Turn left onto Route 102 N and drive for about 6 miles. Look for signs for Beachcroft Trail and turn right onto the access road. Follow the access road until you see the trailhead parking area on your left.
The trailhead for the Beachcroft trail is located off Route 3, right next to the top of The Tarn. There is a small parking lot. If the lot is full, you can park at Sieur de Monts Nature Center and walk the short Wild Gardens Path/Jesup Path to The Tarn, and then turn left towards the trailhead. If you want an stress-free hike, park your car at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and take the free island explorer shuttle. It will bring you right to the Sieur de Monts Nature Center. I’m a huge advocate for taking local transportation when you’re on vacation, because it really helps you immerse yourself in the experience.
Trails
There are several trail options for hiking Champlain Mountain. This post highlights the experience of hiking the Beachcroft Trail. Click here to view a trail map.
The ascent up the Beachcroft Trail features beautiful granite steps and stone pathways. As you make your way around Huguenot Head, you’ll cross a large boulder field and be rewarded with views of Dorr Mountain and The Tarn. The trail dips a little and then you’ll be faced with a few rock scrambles before summiting. Due to the steepness and rock scrambling, this trail may be difficult in rainy conditions and may not be well-suited for young kids.
The Summit
The summit of Champlain Mountain provides expansive views of Frenchman Bay, the Cranberry Islands, as well as Cadillac Mountain. During August, hikers can enjoy picking blueberries on the summit. Hikers that choose to hike through to Sand Beach will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and pass by The Bowl, a swimmable mountaintop lake.
Insider Tips
Best nearby breakfast: Two Cats Cafe and Sunrise Cafe (delicious bagels and crepes).
Best nearby lunch: Side Street Cafe and Lunch Bar Harbor.
The best time to visit: June through October. Enjoy post-hike swims in the Summer months and amazing foliage in the Fall.
The parking lot fills up quickly, so aim to arrive before 9:00a.m. and have a back-up hike in case the parking lot is full. Or you could take advantage of the free island explorer shuttle.
There is spotty cell phone service in Acadia, so be sure to tell people your hiking plans or bring a satellite communication device with you so you can let people know when you have summited and when you have made it safely back to your car.
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
