Last updated: April 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Beech Cliff Trail with Island Explorer Bus
Photo courtesy of Maribeth Kambitsch. Used with permission.
This short but strenuous hike climbs the cliffs above Echo Lake with expansive views of the lake directly below, multiple nearby peaks, and the ocean beyond. It includes four sets of iron ladders helping hiking hikers reach the rewarding vistas at the top.
This hike is located on the west side of Acadia National Park and while the parking lot and beach area of Echo Lake can be quite busy on summer days, the trail soon ascends the cliffs and the crowds are left behind. With four iron ladders and steep cliffs at the top of the climb fear of heights may pose a problem for some visitors. For those who wish to avoid the ladders, there is an overlook prior to the ladders that offer some great views. The Beech Cliff loop at the top of the cliffs is a must-do but take care not to get too close to the edge of the cliffs at 480 feet above the lake.
While this hike doesn’t include the summit of Beech Mountain, a trail at the top of the cliffs connects to the Beech Mountain parking area with a hike to its peak. Take the Canada Cliffs Trail down to the Echo Lake Parking area for a relaxing, gradual walk to complete the hike. On a hot day, a dip in Echo Lake is a sure way to finish off the hike.
Note: This hike is not safe young children or people who are not steady on their feet. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
This hike is located on the west side of Acadia National Park and while the parking lot and beach area of Echo Lake can be quite busy on summer days, the trail soon ascends the cliffs and the crowds are left behind. With four iron ladders and steep cliffs at the top of the climb fear of heights may pose a problem for some visitors. For those who wish to avoid the ladders, there is an overlook prior to the ladders that offer some great views. The Beech Cliff loop at the top of the cliffs is a must-do but take care not to get too close to the edge of the cliffs at 480 feet above the lake.
While this hike doesn’t include the summit of Beech Mountain, a trail at the top of the cliffs connects to the Beech Mountain parking area with a hike to its peak. Take the Canada Cliffs Trail down to the Echo Lake Parking area for a relaxing, gradual walk to complete the hike. On a hot day, a dip in Echo Lake is a sure way to finish off the hike.
Note: This hike is not safe young children or people who are not steady on their feet. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
Distance: 1.8 Miles. Elevation Gain: 480 feet. Depending on the speed of travel, rest breaks, and view stops the hike time varies.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Hiking: The hike begins at the north end of the Echo Lake Parking Area; look for the path to the lake. Take the trail to the left which begins easily enough as it cuts into a heavily forested area. It soon climbs steeply with a series of stone stairs. The path crosses a large boulder field, where finding the trail may be difficult, so keep an eye out for the blue blazes marking the way. Soon after, at .25 miles a short spur trail bears to the right with a preview of the splendid views to come. The trail becomes steeper with stone stairs where handrails are a welcome help in the climb. At one point, a low-hanging tree growing straight out of the cliff forces hikers to duck to pass under.
Next comes the fun part, the ladder section of the trail which scales the perpendicular cliffs to come. There are four ladders, the first is about 8 feet tall, the second is about twice as high, and the third and fourth are one right after another. Word of warning, keep at least three points of contact while climbing! The ladders are steep, and the drop is far. Between the ladders, the trail skirts the base of the wonderfully sheer cliffs soon to be climbed. After the last ladder, it is just a short jaunt to the top of the cliffs at .4 miles. Here the views are breathtaking: Echo Lake with its sandy beach hundreds of feet below, the Cranberry Islands, and multiple surrounding peaks.
Turn to the right for the .4 Beech Cliff Loop Trail which leads to a series of granite outcrops offering more outstanding views of Mount Desert Island’s mountainous east side and the northern tip of Somes Sound. Keep in mind that this part of the trail is very exposed so stay well away from the edge. The loop returns to the intersection of the Beech Cliff Loop and the Beech Cliff Trail, please do not go down the Beech Cliff Trail from where you came. Climbing down the ladders while people are trying to come up is dangerous. Go straight past the intersection to take the Canada Cliffs Trail. Follow the trail southward .6 miles to a three-way intersection and turn left to hike the gradual .4-mile descent through the forest back down to the Echo Lake parking lot.
IMPORTANT: This trail is sometimes closed between March 15 and August 15 for peregrine falcon nesting. (Closure signs are posted at the trailhead.) Please respect these closures and check trail status with the National Park Service.
Next comes the fun part, the ladder section of the trail which scales the perpendicular cliffs to come. There are four ladders, the first is about 8 feet tall, the second is about twice as high, and the third and fourth are one right after another. Word of warning, keep at least three points of contact while climbing! The ladders are steep, and the drop is far. Between the ladders, the trail skirts the base of the wonderfully sheer cliffs soon to be climbed. After the last ladder, it is just a short jaunt to the top of the cliffs at .4 miles. Here the views are breathtaking: Echo Lake with its sandy beach hundreds of feet below, the Cranberry Islands, and multiple surrounding peaks.
Turn to the right for the .4 Beech Cliff Loop Trail which leads to a series of granite outcrops offering more outstanding views of Mount Desert Island’s mountainous east side and the northern tip of Somes Sound. Keep in mind that this part of the trail is very exposed so stay well away from the edge. The loop returns to the intersection of the Beech Cliff Loop and the Beech Cliff Trail, please do not go down the Beech Cliff Trail from where you came. Climbing down the ladders while people are trying to come up is dangerous. Go straight past the intersection to take the Canada Cliffs Trail. Follow the trail southward .6 miles to a three-way intersection and turn left to hike the gradual .4-mile descent through the forest back down to the Echo Lake parking lot.
IMPORTANT: This trail is sometimes closed between March 15 and August 15 for peregrine falcon nesting. (Closure signs are posted at the trailhead.) Please respect these closures and check trail status with the National Park Service.
Pets Allowed
No
Dogs are not permitted on Beech Cliffs Trail.
Activity Fee
No
Yes. A park pass is required for any activity in the park. The pass should be left displayed in personal vehicles. Visitors are not required to carry it with them and will not be asked to show it while on the trail or riding the bus.
Location
Beech Cliff Trail, Beech Cliff Loop, and Canada Cliffs Trail
The Beech Cliff Trail climbs a steep rock face from the southern end of Echo Lake to the top of the cliffs. Continue north along the short and fun Beech Cliff Loop to be treated to even more views from the top of the cliffs. The descent is more gradual and goes down a forested area via the Canada Cliffs Trail back to the beginning of the hike.
Hiking: The hike begins at the north end of the Echo Lake Parking Area; look for the path to the lake. Take the trail to the left which begins easily enough as it cuts into a heavily forested area. It soon climbs steeply with a series of stone stairs. The path crosses a large boulder field, where finding the trail may be difficult, so keep an eye out for the blue blazes marking the way. Soon after, at .25 miles a short spur trail bears to the right with a preview of the splendid views to come. The trail becomes steeper with stone stairs where handrails are a welcome help in the climb. At one point, a low-hanging tree growing straight out of the cliff forces hikers to duck to pass under.
Next comes the fun part, the ladder section of the trail which scales the perpendicular cliffs to come. There are four ladders, the first is about 8 feet tall, the second is about twice as high, and the third and fourth are one right after another. Word of warning, keep at least three points of contact while climbing! The ladders are steep, and the drop is far. Between the ladders, the trail skirts the base of the wonderfully sheer cliffs soon to be climbed. After the last ladder, it is just a short jaunt to the top of the cliffs at .4 miles. Here the views are breathtaking: Echo Lake with its sandy beach hundreds of feet below, the Cranberry Islands, and multiple surrounding peaks.
Turn to the right for the .4 Beech Cliff Loop Trail which leads to a series of granite outcrops offering more outstanding views of Mount Desert Island’s mountainous east side and the northern tip of Somes Sound. Keep in mind that this part of the trail is very exposed so stay well away from the edge. The loop returns to the intersection of the Beech Cliff Loop and the Beech Cliff Trail, please do not go down the Beech Cliff Trail from where you came. Climbing down the ladders while people are trying to come up is dangerous. Go straight past the intersection to take the Canada Cliffs Trail. Follow the trail southward .6 miles to a three-way intersection and turn left to hike the gradual .4-mile descent through the forest back down to the Echo Lake parking lot.
IMPORTANT: This trail is sometimes closed between March 15 and August 15 for peregrine falcon nesting. (Closure signs are posted at the trailhead.) Please respect these closures and check trail status with the National Park Service.
BUS INFORMATION :
Departure:
From the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center : The bus stops are located to the right of the Pavilion at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Visitor Center. Take the #1 Bar Harbor Road Bus and disembark at the Village Green bus stop in Bar Harbor. Transfer to the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and disembark to the Echo Lake bus stop. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Disembark and walk north toward the lake to the trailhead.
From Bar Harbor Village Green: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and to the Echo Lake bus stop. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Disembark and walk north toward the lake to the trailhead.
From Southwest Harbor/Seawall Campground: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus toward Bar Harbor and disembark at the Echo Lake bus stop. Walk north toward the lake to the trailhead.
Note: The Southwest Harbor bus stop is located on Main Street in downtown Southwest Harbor. The Seawall bus stop is located just outside of the camping check-in area.
Return:
To Southwest Harbor/Seawall Campground: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor bus and disembark at Southwest Harbor or Seawall Campground.
To Bar Harbor:
Take the #7 Southwest Harbor bus and disembark at the Village Green.
To the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center:
Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and disembark at the Village Green. Transfer to the #1 Bar Harbor Road bus and disembark at the visitor Center.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Hiking: The hike begins at the north end of the Echo Lake Parking Area; look for the path to the lake. Take the trail to the left which begins easily enough as it cuts into a heavily forested area. It soon climbs steeply with a series of stone stairs. The path crosses a large boulder field, where finding the trail may be difficult, so keep an eye out for the blue blazes marking the way. Soon after, at .25 miles a short spur trail bears to the right with a preview of the splendid views to come. The trail becomes steeper with stone stairs where handrails are a welcome help in the climb. At one point, a low-hanging tree growing straight out of the cliff forces hikers to duck to pass under.
Next comes the fun part, the ladder section of the trail which scales the perpendicular cliffs to come. There are four ladders, the first is about 8 feet tall, the second is about twice as high, and the third and fourth are one right after another. Word of warning, keep at least three points of contact while climbing! The ladders are steep, and the drop is far. Between the ladders, the trail skirts the base of the wonderfully sheer cliffs soon to be climbed. After the last ladder, it is just a short jaunt to the top of the cliffs at .4 miles. Here the views are breathtaking: Echo Lake with its sandy beach hundreds of feet below, the Cranberry Islands, and multiple surrounding peaks.
Turn to the right for the .4 Beech Cliff Loop Trail which leads to a series of granite outcrops offering more outstanding views of Mount Desert Island’s mountainous east side and the northern tip of Somes Sound. Keep in mind that this part of the trail is very exposed so stay well away from the edge. The loop returns to the intersection of the Beech Cliff Loop and the Beech Cliff Trail, please do not go down the Beech Cliff Trail from where you came. Climbing down the ladders while people are trying to come up is dangerous. Go straight past the intersection to take the Canada Cliffs Trail. Follow the trail southward .6 miles to a three-way intersection and turn left to hike the gradual .4-mile descent through the forest back down to the Echo Lake parking lot.
IMPORTANT: This trail is sometimes closed between March 15 and August 15 for peregrine falcon nesting. (Closure signs are posted at the trailhead.) Please respect these closures and check trail status with the National Park Service.
BUS INFORMATION :
Departure:
From the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center : The bus stops are located to the right of the Pavilion at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Visitor Center. Take the #1 Bar Harbor Road Bus and disembark at the Village Green bus stop in Bar Harbor. Transfer to the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and disembark to the Echo Lake bus stop. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Disembark and walk north toward the lake to the trailhead.
From Bar Harbor Village Green: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and to the Echo Lake bus stop. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Disembark and walk north toward the lake to the trailhead.
From Southwest Harbor/Seawall Campground: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus toward Bar Harbor and disembark at the Echo Lake bus stop. Walk north toward the lake to the trailhead.
Note: The Southwest Harbor bus stop is located on Main Street in downtown Southwest Harbor. The Seawall bus stop is located just outside of the camping check-in area.
Return:
To Southwest Harbor/Seawall Campground: Take the #7 Southwest Harbor bus and disembark at Southwest Harbor or Seawall Campground.
To Bar Harbor:
Take the #7 Southwest Harbor bus and disembark at the Village Green.
To the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center:
Take the #7 Southwest Harbor Bus and disembark at the Village Green. Transfer to the #1 Bar Harbor Road bus and disembark at the visitor Center.
Note: Island Explorer bus operations start mid-June and continue till mid-October. Schedules are subject to change. Refer to the website for latest information. www.exploreacadia.com
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The Beech Cliff Trail is not accessible. It includes stone stairs, exposed roots and rocks, and four iron ladders. It has an elevation gain of 480 feet in the first .4 mile.