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Beehive Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 613 Google reviews · Running trail in Bar Harbor, Maine · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1.4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Beehive Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Steep 1.4-mile trail with iron rungs & granite stairs to a lofty cliff-top offering ocean panoramas.
What runners say about Beehive Trail
“Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Sand Beach, Echo Lake, and the surrounding mountains—absolutely stunning!”
This is such an amazing experience. I'm not even scared of heights, but this had me pretty nervous. But don't let it scare you away reading all the reviews. It is steep, and you're climbing up a cliff face, but if you take your time you'll be fine.
The Beehive Trail is one of Acadia’s most thrilling and iconic hikes — a short but heart-pounding 1.5-mile loop with about 500 ft of elevation gain. Starting near Sand Beach, the trail quickly ascends a steep granite face using a series of iron rungs, handrails, and narrow ledges carved right into the cliffside.
Amazing trail with absolutely incredible views of the park and coastline sprawled out beneath you! Note that this route requires climbing over rocks and up ladders, and at times you have some exposure to extremely steep drop offs. Not for you if you're queasy about heights or a novice hiker!
Challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking views! The Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is not for the faint of heart, but it’s absolutely worth the effort if you’re up for a challenge!
Trail conditions & character
“Incredible hike with absolutely stunning views from the summit—but definitely not for the faint of heart.”
“The hike is a little bit hard to go up because of the steep climbing involved, so it is definitely not recommended for people who are afraid of heights.”
“Access is easy from the Sand Beach parking lot along the Park Loop Road, but spots fill up fast, especially on clear mornings.”
“This is one of the most popular hikes in the park so be prepared to fight for parking alongside Park Loop Road.”
Plan your run at Beehive Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance1.4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 207-288-3338
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Bar Harbor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
