Acadia National Park Hike - The Precipice, Maine

A Challenging Climb With Great Views of Mount Desert Island

Oct 13, 2008

There are hundreds of miles of trails in Maine's Acadia National Park, but none are as challenging and rewarding as the Precipice Trail on Champlain Mountain.

Although it measures slightly less than three (3) miles round-trip, the Precipice Trail is so steep and narrow in places that climbers need to rely on iron rungs implanted in the boulders. The rungs in some places are used as much as guard rails as they are ladders to help with the treacherous ascent. The trail, which is part of Champlain Mountain on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, Maine, is home to many Peregrine Falcon nests and is only open to the public for a short period of time.

Points of Interest Near Precipice Trail, Maine

Shortly after leaving the parking area, hikers are given a quick taste of what's to come when they confront a boulder known as "The Eliminator." Anyone experiencing difficulty with this obstacle may want to reconsider because things aren't going to get any easier from there. After passing "The Eliminator," however, there is one more opportunity to make a less-strenuous ascent. About half a mile later, a sign marks the junction with the Champlain Mountain East Face Trail. This spur can be used to make a roundabout approach to the peak, or circle back to the park's Loop Road and eventually back to the parking area. Once past this junction, however, there's only one way to go: up, since the iron ladders are not placed in a way that offers safe descent.

Breathtaking Views of Frenchman Bay Reward Hard Work

From the junction with the East Face Trail, only 0.8 mile remains to the summit. The trail narrows considerably and climbers find themselves among scraggly hardwood saplings which somehow find enough soil to survive in the otherwise solid rock face. In many places, the path opens up to grand views of Frenchman Bay, giving hikers the opportunity to catch their breath before pushing on. Other open ledges offer a glimpse of gawkers in the parking lot below. The remainder of the climb becomes a test of physical strength as well as mental endurance, for one section requires use of a handrail that cannot be seen because it is hammered into the underside of an overhanging abutment.

This challenging stretch of trail, essentially up a sheer cliff face with many switchbacks, can take as little as 20-minutes to traverse, depending upon individual skill and stops for "photo-ops." Once reaching the top of the cliff, the trail levels off for a gradual .25 mile approach to the summit. Hikers find themselves rewarded with 360-degree views of Mount Desert Island; mountains, islands, ocean and all. Most of all, they will find themselves basking in the joy that comes from pushing their physical and mental limits on the climb to this reward.

Completing the Loop of Precipice Trail

Hikers have four options for their descent from the summit of Champlain Mountain, although retracing steps down the Precipice Trail is not recommended. Beachcroft Path departs to the west, leading to the opposite side of the mountain. Following the Bear Brook Trail south will lead to The Beehive, Gorham Mountain, and the famous Sand Beach. This is not recommended, however, unless hikers have a way to be shuttled back to their vehicle at the Precipice trailhead. Instead, hikers should follow the Bear Brook Trail northward until it intersects with the East Face Trail.

For driving directions to Acadia National Park, or more information on other trails, visit: www.acadia.national-park.com

The copyright of the article Acadia National Park Hike - The Precipice, Maine in Hiking & Trails is owned by Joseph Knox. Permission to republish Acadia National Park Hike - The Precipice, Maine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.