Scenic Hikes in Acadia National Park: A Guide to The Iconic Beehive Trail
Name: The Beehive
Location: Acadia National Park
Distance: 1.8 miles, loop trail
Terrain: Granite stairs, iron rungs, rock scrambling, rocky, uneven, cliffs.
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets Allowed: No
Hiking the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is one of the most thrilling and scenic adventures on Mount Desert Island. Known for its iron rungs, steep cliffs, and panoramic views of Sand Beach and Frenchman Bay, this iconic trail offers a perfect mix of challenge and reward. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, the Beehive is a must-do experience that captures the stunning beauty of coastal Maine.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before hiking the Beehive Loop 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 and the best nearby eats.
Prepare for the Beehive
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe hiking conditions (the Beehive Loop is very rocky and is not safe to hike in wet 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 day hike
Directions and parking information for the Beehive
Directions from Route 1
From U.S. Route 1, follow signs for ME-3 East (Bar Harbor/ Mount Desert Island). Continue on ME-3 for about 17 miles until you cross the bridge onto Mount Desert Island. After crossing the bridge, stay on ME-3 (veer left at the intersection) toward Bar Harbor / Acadia National Park. Drive approximately 8 miles, then turn right onto Paradise Hill Road. Follow this road for 3 miles, until it intersects with the Park Loop Road. In 7.2 miles, the trailhead for the Beehive Trail/Bowl Trail will be on your right.
Parking
Parking for the Beehive Loop is located 0.1 miles down the road from the trailhead on the left side of the road. If that small parking lot is full, you can park in the Sand Beach parking lot down below. There are changing rooms and restrooms located directly next to the Sand Beach parking lot. The Bowl Trail trailhead is located across the street from the parking lots.
The Beehive trail descriptions
Beehive Trail (0.8 miles, moderate)
The Beehive Trail begins 0.2-miles into the Bowl Trail, which begins across the road from Sand Beach. This steep trail ascends the steep cliffs of the Beehive—and is full of rock scrambles, granite staircases, iron rungs, and ladders. Not suitable for children or anyone afraid of heights. This is a one-way trail, you must hike back down to the parking lot via the Bowl Trail.
Bowl Trail (0.8 miles, easy)
A gradual trail with lots of boulders that brings hikers around the base of the Beehive and past Kief Pond. It ends at the Bowl—a scenic alpine pond that provides views of Champlain Mountain and Gorham Mountain. Swimming is permitted in the pond.
Bowl Trail > Beehive Trail > Bowl Trail (1.8 miles, moderate)
This is the recommended route for hiking The Beehive. Start by hiking on the Bowl Trail for 0.2 miles, then take a right at the fork to hike the 0.8-mile Beehive Trail all the way to The Bowl. From there, take the 0.8-mile Bowl Trail back to the trailhead.
The Beehive summit
There are two “viewpoints” on the summit of The Beehive. One provides excellent views of Sand Beach, Great Head, the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding mountains. The other viewpoint—where the summit marker is actually located—provides views of Champlain Mountain, Enoch Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Insider tips for hiking the Beehive
The Beehive is a part of Acadia National Park—so a park entrance pass is required. You must purchase and display the pass on your dashboard.
The best time(s) to visit: June to September for warm temperatures, early to mid-October for peak foliage.
To avoid crowds, visit while school is in session (September-early June) or consider getting to the trailhead before 8:00a.m.
Parking for these trails can be a nightmare, so consider taking the FREE island explorer shuttle instead. Their buses are comfortable, on-time, and have 11 different bus routes on Mount Desert Island.
Best nearby eats:
Jordan Pond House: skip the popovers and opt for their sandwiches and salads instead. And tea—you must get tea!
Milk and Honey Kitchen: a delicious cafe in NorthEast Harbor serving great sandwiches and biscuits. Heads up—they are only open on weekdays!
Abel’s Lobster: a restaurant that serves fresh and fried seafood with great views of Somes Sound.
Leave no trace at the Beehive
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
