Top 4 Iron Rung Hikes in Acadia National Park

Test your limits and earn unparalleled views on one of Acadia’s acclaimed iron rung routes.

Brendon Voelker

Images

34857735950_eec9bd7c59_k.jpg
20099425965_c2d492156e_3k.jpg
6199787546_ede1eeafc4_3k.jpg
6199273757_3ca6017f8e_3k.jpg
14920709564_8398c6e9e9_k.jpg
15406182825_b271922151_k.jpg
15219554090_3a40a18a3a_k.jpg
6154095452_7caaf9ac14_k.jpg
15335966547_3acf67eaaa_k.jpg
45605448171_d050da7cde_k.jpg
2966515162_4c667ba906_k.jpg
2892646167_f7fa781500_o.jpg

Description

With more than 150 miles of trail spread across 50,000 acres, Acadia National Park is host to a stunning selection of Maine coastline painted with mountains, lakes, streams, and even wetlands. According to Wikipedia, the park “boasts a glaciated coastal and island landscape, an abundance of habitats, a high level of biodiversity, clean air and water, and a rich cultural heritage,” not to mention the abundance of hiking opportunities.

While there are easier family-friendly hikes in the park, such as Cadillac Mountain or the Wonderland Trail, Acadia is home to a unique selection of “rung and ladder” or “iron rung” trails. These death-defying day hikes traverse steep slopes and exposed granite cliffsides and are not for anyone with a fear of heights or for young children. Pets are also not allowed under any circumstance, though they are permitted in other parts of the park.

One of Acadia’s most iconic and visited hikes is the Beehive Trail. Considered the easiest iron rung route, this hike offers unparalleled cliffside views and is the ideal choice to become comfortable on these unique and physically-demanding trails. “If you are searching for an adventurous hike with a spectacular view, look no further,” the park suggests.

Slightly more difficult, Beech and Canada Cliffs and Jordan Cliffs are two other options to make the list. In contrast to views of islands and coastline, these hikes offer vantages of Echo Lake and Jordan Pond, respectively. Beech and Canada Cliffs is also described as “some of the most interesting and vertical cliff formations in the park,” according to this local guide. It also happens to be one of the lesser-visited iron rung routes you will find.

Rounding out the list, the infamous Precipice Trail is an epic hike above Bar Harbor with commanding views reaching far across the park. It even made it into this guidebook highlighting some of the most incredible day hikes in the US. Many would consider this the most difficult route on the list, thanks to a staggering 1,200’ of climbing packed into the short 2-mile circuit.

Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acadia_National_Park#Recreation
https://www.citrusmilo.com/acadiaguide/

Adventures

Beehive Trail

The easiest "rung and ladder" trail known for its stunning views and cliffside exposure.

Precipice Trail Loop

Climb up metal ladders in cliffsides and skirt along exposed rock ledges on this death-defying hike!

Jordan Cliffs Loop

A challenging and incredibly scenic day hike with "iron rungs and ladders" along Jordan Cliffs and Penobscot Mountain.