The Beehive Trail

The Beehive Trail is a very popular summit trail in Acadia National Park. This trail climbs up a steep mountain to look out over the ocean. People enjoy this trail because of the steep ascent and the rungs and ladders along the way. The adventure on the hike makes the steepness more exciting, and the views are lovely at the top of The Beehive Trail in Acadia.

This is The Beehive. Can you see the people climbing near the top?

Parking

The biggest problem at The Beehive is parking. The trailhead shares a parking lot with Sand Beach, and it was filled by 8 AM on the day we were there. We got one of the last spaces and when we left around 11 o’clock, people were parked up and down the road, which is legal, for close to a mile. So don’t plan to park easily in this area for most of the day.

From the parking lot, cross the main road to the trailhead. The Beehive Trail is 1.9 miles RT. This section is busy, and they have marked the trail with baby blue paint to keep you on track. After just a quarter of a mile, you come to a massive rock cairn (seriously, it stands about 5 feet tall!) Turn to the right, and the fun part of the trail begins.

Imagine a tiny ant climbing up and around a log, or in this case, a beehive. It clings to the edge as it uses little cracks and crevices to get to the top. That is a little like climbing The Beehive Trail in Acadia. This portion of the trail is not for those who fear heights or have unsure footing. There is some serious rock climbing, and though no gear is required, there are steps, iron ladders, and hand rails to help you pull yourself up. At one point, they have even built small bridges to widen the trail as it swings out over the cliff.

There are other places with grates or bridges.

You get some beautiful views on the way up.

There was a little bit of a line as we climbed up.

You would need to help young kids on this section.

Once you summit The Beehive, make sure to spend some time enjoying the views. You worked hard to get here. The trail continues around the summit and back down. This is not an out and back hike because passing on the narrow areas would be too dangerous.

The summit of The Beehive Trail in Acadia.

Keep following the blue blazes around the summit to stay on the trail.

The Bowl

As you descend down the back side of The Beehive Trail, you will come to a junction. You can take The Beehive Trail straight back down to the parking lot. Dirt In My Shoes (she creates National Park itineraries, and we used her Acadia one) recommended taking a trail to a pond called the Bowl. It doesn’t add any extra distance and it is definitely worth the hike. At the first intersection, stay straight and you will quickly arrive at The Bowl.

Stay straight here instead of heading back to the car on the Beehive Trail.

The Bowl has a small lake, and the trail takes you right to the edge. This was our boys’ favorite part of the trail, because in June, they found dozens of bullfrogs right at the water’s edge. Make sure you take a look if it is the right time of year. This area of Acadia is beautiful. We were so glad we walked over to this section of the trail.

There were frogs in the water and on the logs.

Follow the trail to the left around the edge of the lake and you will get to a boardwalk. Then the trail turns back to the left and drops behind the Beehive. It eventually brings you back to the very large cairn described above. Then follow the trail back down to the parking area.

We liked how green and shady the trail back down is.

The Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is very popular, and it was one of our favorite trails. Plan to arrive early for parking and enjoy the adventurous hike. For other family hikes in Acadia, check out our list here.