Know before you go: Acadia (updated November 2026)
- Beehive specifics: The loop is about 1.5 miles. The cliff section uses iron rungs and narrow, exposed ledges and is one-way up only, so you come down the gentler Bowl Trail. Skip it in wet weather, with young kids, or if heights bother you. Dogs aren't allowed. Park at Sand Beach early, since the lot fills fast in summer.
- Park pass: Required May through October everywhere in the park, including Sand Beach, Jordan Pond and Cadillac. U.S. residents pay $35 per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 for the America the Beautiful annual pass. Non-U.S. residents pay an extra $100 per person (16 and older) unless they hold the $250 nonresident annual pass. Entrance stations are cashless, so buy ahead at Recreation.gov.
- Cadillac Summit Road: Driving to the summit needs a separate $6 vehicle reservation from late May to late October (May 20 to Oct 25 in 2026). Hikers and bikers don't need one.
- Skip the parking hunt: The fare-free Island Explorer bus runs from the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton and around the Park Loop Road starting in late May, with full service late June to mid-October. You still need a park pass to ride into the park.
Beginner's Guide to the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park
The Beehive Trail is a must do when you’ve visiting Acadia National Park! It’s one of the most photographed trails in Acadia National Park. The difficulty of this hike is really all relative. In my opinion, it’s one of my favorites – it’s quick and easy and has epic views. It’s basically an adult jungle gym, with rungs and ladders, and lots of climbing. I can tell you though that the first time I did this, I definitely had sweaty palms, and wanted to crawl in a few areas. Many people are terrified of this hike, for good reason. You should use caution when hiking this trail. Make sure your shoes have grips so you’re not sliding, and you don’t hurt yourself or others! Make sure to stop and take lots of photos on this trail. Expect it to be crowded, especially on a beautiful summer day. If you want to avoid the crowds, get there as early as possible. Parking is also an issue, as it’s limited in this area and you may have to park up the Park Loop Road and walk to the trailhead. So – the earlier you can get there the better! Have you hiked the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park? Make sure to post on Instagram and tag @lovemaineadventures so we can share!
Parking for the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park
Parking for the Beehive Trail can be tricky. Ideally, you can get there early and snag a spot at the Sand Beach parking lot or right on the Park Loop Road near the trailhead. A park pass is required for entry, and you’ll have to go through the gatehouse in order to get to the trailhead. If you get there later, you’ll have to park further down the Park Loop road, and walk to the trailhead. I mean, you’re hiking, so what’s an extra mile??
Trail Stats for the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park
MILES: Approximately 1.47 RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 470 feet, elevation 520 feet up top
DOGS: You’ll have to carry them. Also, it’s not ideal for other hikers to have a dog running around, especially if they are trying to overcome their fear of heights. So, use your best judgement here.
Beehive Trail Quick Facts
- Distance: 1.4-mile loop (1.2 miles if you take the Bowl connector on the way down).
- Time: 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how many photo stops you make.
- Height: The summit is 520 feet above the ocean, and the first part climbs a 450-foot cliff face.
- Difficulty: Short but strenuous, with granite stairs, rock scrambles, iron rungs, ladders and steep drop-offs with no railings.
- Dogs: Not allowed on Acadia’s rung and ladder trails.
- Parking: The Sand Beach lot or the right-hand lane of the Park Loop Road. Expect crowds and full lots from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in summer, or take the free Island Explorer bus.
The Route, Step by Step
- From the Sand Beach lot, cross the Park Loop Road at the crosswalk to the Bowl Trailhead.
- Follow the Bowl Trail about 0.2 miles to the Beehive Trail junction.
- Turn onto the Beehive Trail and climb: granite steps first, then the iron rungs, a short stretch of iron bars and ladders up to the ledges.
- Enjoy the summit views over Sand Beach, Great Head and Frenchman Bay.
- Keep going over the top and down the back side to the Bowl, a pretty mountain pond. There are no rungs on this side.
- Take the Bowl Trail back down to the junction and the road.
Is the Beehive Too Scary for Me?
The Beehive is one-way for a reason: don’t plan to climb back down the rungs. Skip it when the rock is wet, since granite gets extremely slippery, and think twice with young kids or if heights make you queasy. You can still get the views without the exposure by hiking the Bowl Trail up the gentle back side, or walking the Great Head Trail across from Sand Beach.
What to Bring
- Shoes with real grip (this is not a flip-flop hike)
- A small pack so both hands are free on the rungs
- Water, a snack and a light layer for the windy summit
- The basics from my Ten Essentials guide, even for a short hike
Make a day of it: pair the Beehive with a picnic at Sand Beach and a walk on the Ocean Path to Thunder Hole.
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Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
Planning an overnight? Here are hotels, cabins and rentals nearby, with live prices.