1.7 km away
Beehive Trail
The easiest "rung and ladder" trail known for its stunning views and cliffside exposure.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 169 m
- Descent
- 169 m
Gorham Mountain Loop
Acadia National Park
A summit loop over Gorham Mountain known for its expansive oceanside views and rocky shoreline.
Hiking Difficult
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 159 m
- Descent
- 159 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 7 m
- High Point
- 153 m
- Gradient
- 6˚
The Gorham Mountain Loop is a classic day hike with dramatic oceanside views and the option to test your wits on one of Acadia's acclaimed "rung and ladder" trails. It provides an "excellent overview of what Acadia has to offer" and includes a "taste of history... with a plaque dedicated to Waldron Bates," a visionary, advocate, and the reason why many of Acadia's trails exist.
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Description
As mapped, this hike begins at the Gorham Mountain Trailhead, not Sand Beach. You could also park along the rocky shoreline and pick up the loop heading south on Ocean Path. At the trailhead, look for a stump with Gorham Mountain Trail carved into it and begin the loop hiking in a clockwise direction.
Worth noting, "starting in 2021, if you're accessing this trail from Sand Beach, you will need a reservation to use a private vehicle to enter the Sand Beach Entrance Station from mid-June to mid-October."
Difficulty
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Summit Hike
- Dog friendly
- Wild flowers
- Water features
- Family friendly
- Forestry or heavy vegetation
Similar routes nearby
2.2 km away
Great Head Trail
A scenic coastal hike with expansive views and the ruins of a historic tea house.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 75 m
- Descent
- 75 m
3.7 km away
Precipice Trail Loop
Climb up metal ladders in cliffsides and skirt along exposed rock ledges on this death-defying hike!
Extreme Hiking
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 370 m
- Descent
- 370 m
4.8 km away
Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop
A short summit hike atop the highest peak in Acadia National Park.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 614 m
- Ascent
- 23 m
- Descent
- 23 m
5 km away
Jordan Cliffs Loop
A challenging and incredibly scenic day hike with "iron rungs and ladders" along Jordan Cliffs and Penobscot Mountain.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Ascent
- 366 m
- Descent
- 366 m
5.4 km away
Bubbles Nubble Loop
A circuit including North Bubble, South Bubble, and Conners Nubble - with impressive views from each.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Ascent
- 288 m
- Descent
- 288 m
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Guidebooks in this area
25 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
25 of the Most Incredible Day Hikes in the United States
10 routes · Hiking
10 of the Best Day Hikes in the Appalachian Mountains
13 routes · Hiking
Granite Peaks & Foggy Bays—Classic Hikes in Acadia NP
4 routes · Hiking
Top 4 Iron Rung Hikes in Acadia National Park
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
The Most Famous Hike in Every US National Park
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