Hiking Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park
Name: Champlain Mountain
Location: Acadia National Park
Distance: Varies (see trail descriptions below)
Terrain: Gravel, granite steps, ledges, boulders, granite stairs and slopes, iron rungs, sheer cliffs, rocky trails (see trail descriptions below).
Elevation gain: 800-1,000 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 trail options, all of which provide unique, 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.
Preparing for Champlain Mountain
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 Champlain Mountain
Beachcroft Trailhead
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. You’ll have to cross the road to access the trailhead.
Precipice Trailhead
To access the precipice trailhead, follow Route 3 until you see signs for the Sieur de Monts entrance for Acadia National Park. Follow the Park Loop Road for 2 miles and then look for signs for the Precipice Trail. The parking lot will be on your left. You will need to cross the road to access the trailhead.
North Ridge Trailhead
Parking for the North Ridge Trail can be found on the North end of the Park Loop Road. Follow Route 3 until you see signs for the Sieur de Monts park entrance for Acadia National Park. Follow the Park Loop Road for a little less than a mile and look for signs for Champlain Mountain/North Ridge Trail. The parking lot should be on the left side of the road.
Island Explorer Shuttle
The free Island Explorer Shuttle is a great way to get around Acadia National Park—but I would only recommend using it as a mode of transportation for hiking Champlain Mountain if you are starting or ending on the Beachcroft Trail, at Sand Beach, or at the Gorham Mountain parking lot. The Island Explorer does not stop at the trailhead for the Champlain North Ridge Trail or the Precipice Trail, therefore I would recommend using your own car if you are planning on hiking those trails.
Champlain Mountain trail descriptions
There are several trail options for hiking Champlain Mountain.
Beachcroft Trail (1.2 miles, moderate) *not suitable for kids or in wet conditions
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.
Precipice Trail (0.9 miles, moderate) *not suitable for kids or in wet conditions
This trail is not for inexperienced hikers, as it rises over 1,000 feet over 0.9 miles. The first 0.4 miles of trail ascends up open ledges that require the use of hand rails. Then, the trail meets up with the Orange and Black Path—keep left to stay on the Precipice Trail. The remaining 0.5 miles of trail moves through the exposed Eastern cliffs of Champlain Mountain—complete with ladders and iron rungs, followed by a short hike up granite slopes to the summit of Champlain Mountain. The Precipice Trail is for ascending only—you may not descend via the Precipice Trail.
Champlain North Ridge Trail (1.0 miles, moderate)
A trail that provides glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean as it gradually makes its way up the north ridge of the mountain. The trail is mostly comprised of granite slabs and pine forest and tends to be a popular descent trail for hikers that hiked up the Precipice Trail.
Champlain South Ridge Trail (1.6 miles, moderate)
The most gradual trail option for summiting Champlain Mountain—the South Ridge Trail connects the Champlain Mountain trails to the Gorham Mountain and Beehive hiking trails. This trail provides great views of surrounding mountains and the ocean. This trail also brings hikers to The Bowl—a swimmable mountaintop lake that is nestled in between Enoch Mountain and Halfway Mountain. The Bowl is a great spot to picnic and cool off after a rewarding hike.
The summit of Champlain Mountain
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 continue their hike to Sand Beach will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and pass by The Bowl, a swimmable mountaintop lake.
Insider tips for hiking Champlain Mountain
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 loved ones your hiking plans or bring a satellite communication device with you so you can alert someone 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
