THE EARNEST TRAVELER
The Beehive is short — 1.4 miles round trip, 1–3 hours — but it's rated difficult for a reason: it's one of Acadia's famous iron-rung-and-ladder climbs, straight up an exposed granite face.
The Climb
The route gains a 450-foot cliff to a 520-foot summit. Sections require walking across iron bars bolted into the rock and pulling yourself up ladders, with exposed cliff faces, steep drop-offs, and no railings. The views are spectacular; the exposure is real.
Go One Way
The recommended approach is to ascend the Beehive and descend by the gentler Bowl trail — not to down-climb the rungs, which is where most trouble happens.
It is very dangerous when wet, because the granite gets slippery. It is not accessible, and it's unsuitable for anyone uneasy with scrambling, ladders, or heights. Pets are not permitted. If any of that gives you pause, the Bowl and Gorham Mountain routes reach nearby views without the rungs.
Some Acadia cliff trails close seasonally to protect nesting peregrine falcons. For 2026, the NPS closure list names the Precipice, Jordan Cliffs, and Valley Cove — not the Beehive. Always check current NPS conditions before you go.
Grip and sure footing matter most on this one.