593 m 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
Great Head Trail
Acadia National Park
A scenic coastal hike with expansive views and the ruins of a historic tea house.
Hiking Moderate
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 75 m
- Descent
- 75 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 9 m
- High Point
- 44 m
- Gradient
- 5˚
The Great Head Trail is a scenic coastal hike that visits the remnants of an early 1900s tea house while offering views of Sand Beach and the Beehive along the way. Open year-round, the loop is noted as the "perfect early morning or late afternoon hike" that is far less popular than other trails in Acadia,according to this source. "Even in the summer/busy months, you may find yourself entirely alone the whole time while hiking," the author continues.
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Description
According to the park, this hike averages 2-4 hours for most visitors. Only 1.6-miles long, it is conceivable that it could be completed in less than 1-hour if you are short on time. Leashed and well-behaved pets are also allowed on this hike, though there are others in the park where they are prohibited.
To hike the Great Head Trail, park at the main lot for Sand Beach or at the smaller pull-off on Schooner Head Road (seen here). The Sand Beach parking area has restrooms and drinking water; the smaller lot has neither.
Sources: https://www.theoutbound.com/maine/hiking/hike-the-great-head-trail-in-acadia-np https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hike-coast.htm
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
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
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Summit Hike
- Dog friendly
- Wild flowers
- Water features
- Family friendly
- Forestry or heavy vegetation
Similar routes nearby
1.9 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
2.2 km away
Gorham Mountain Loop
A summit loop over Gorham Mountain known for its expansive oceanside views and rocky shoreline.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 159 m
- Descent
- 159 m
4.2 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
5.8 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
6.2 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
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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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