The Bowl Loop via Beehive Trail (Acadia NP)

The Bowl Loop via Beehive Trail (Acadia NP)

Before I visited Acadia NP I read about how scary and tough the Beehive trail is and how some hikers are not able to do it, not because it is tough as much as it is scary, but I said to myself…how scary can it be…it is not a high elevation park! Guess what…It is absolutely scary!

This loop is one of the must-do hikes in Acadia NP as it combines beautiful coastline hiking with forests, cliffs and mountain hiking; and rewards you with stunning views and picturesque lakes. The hike, as most in the US, can be easily done On Your Own, but before venturing into this adventure, you’ve to be armed with a good map, not necessarily a topographic one though (click to request info).

To make this a loop hike, drive on the Park Loop Road and park your car at (click to request info) as you’ll return back to the same spot. This loop combines sections of several trails in an amazing adventure, so let us begin!

In the first part of this loop you’ll hike on the Ocean Path Trail from the parking lot. The trailhead itself is 0.3mi from the parking lot and you’ll walk a bit along the road so be careful. The Ocean Path Trail is a flat rocky trail that hugs the rugged Main coastline. It’ll be a nice introduction to this park as it gives you a glimpse of the views here and an idea about the terrain. Part of the path is shaded in the forests while on some sections you’ll rock scramble along the coast.

After 2.1 miles you’ll reach Sand Beach. At this point, to continue your loop, you’ll have to cross the road again and walk 0.2 miles till you reach The Bowl Trail trailhead. Starting from this point you’ll be hiking up the cliffs and the stunning views will start unveiling themselves to you.

You can take this trail all the way to The Bowl pond, but this isn’t the adventurous way! After only 0.2 miles you’ll find a junction with the Beehive Trail on your right, so follow this trail & be ready for what is coming next:)

For me the Beehive Trail isn’t a hiking trail, it is almost a climbing one! There are even ladders and iron rings installed in some sections to help you to navigate your way up.

From here, my advice to you… “Don’t Look Down” because it is scary! The trail becomes really physically challenging and it’ll take its toll on you, but you’ve to stay strong and take your time because any slip could be fatal.

I’ve to admit, I hiked a lot of trails across the country and some are famous for their difficulty, but the Beehive Trail is a different animal!! It is tough, narrow, high, slippery, and scary; and the views around you will not do you any favors as they’ll continuously distract you. At some sections I couldn’t believe that I’ve to hike that path!! It becomes very narrow and right on the edge with nothing to hold on to!! Yes, it is scary but doable and, believe me, fun. I tried my best to take a picture of myself on this section, but as you can see, I failed because the trail is so narrow and my body is hiding it.

After this hair-rising adventure, the trail will start to widen and in 0.4mi you’ll reach the Beehive rock and be rewarded with amazing views.

 

So time for a well-deserved rest, recharge and take lots of amazing pictures.

After taking your rest continue of the Beehive Trail for 0.2mi till you reach The Bowl pond. This is a very picturesque little pond on the top of the hills and in the middle of the lush green forest…Stunning! 

What tops these stunning views is that you can swim in the pond; however, beware that the water might be very cold; I was there in May and it was freezing, but honestly the adrenaline from the Beehive Trail was still pumping so I had a blast:) Yes, I did feel cold after I was done swimming and you can tell from the next picture as I started layering up:)

When you are ready to continue, take the Bowl South Ridge Trail for 0.2mi after which you’ll connect with the Gorham Mountain Trail. This is a rocky trail (all of the are actually) that will take you to the summit of Gorham mountain at 525ft. It is an easy climb with stunning views in a very peaceful environment.

From here, the rest of the loop will be downhill and start descending via the Gorham Mountain trail for 0.4mi. At this point there is a detour to Cadillac Cliffs Trail. This trail venture away from the Gorham Mountain Trail cutting into the rocks; and then rejoins it after 0.3mi. I highly recommend taking this detour as this trail is an adventure in itself and doesn’t add mileage to the loop. The Cadillac Cliffs Trail will take you through rock tunnels and high cliffs and it is a nice last adrenaline kick before you finish your hike.

 

After rejoining Gorham Mountain trail, it’ll only be 0.2mi till you reach your car…so Congrats, You Made It!!!

This has been one of my most memorable hikes and is a must-do in Acadia NP; and in total it is 5.4mi and should take you around 3-4 hours with stops.