Precipice Trail

Most Difficult Acadia Hiking Trail

The Precipice Trail is one of the most challenging of all the Acadia hiking trails, but it's also one of the most enjoyable.

The Precipice Trail is one of the most popular and most challenging hikes in Acadia. It's also one of the hardest to get to do, as the trail is closed for much of the warm season, while peregrine falcons nest on its slopes.

Trail Description

Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Type of Hike: Loop
Where to Park: Precipice parking area on the Park Loop Road

This is a physically stimulating hike, with steep inclines, iron run ladder climbs and treacherous cliff scrabbling. We didn't know if Kathi would be able to do it, being under 5 feet tall, because our guidebook said some of the reaches between the rungs were 5 feet. Didn't have trouble though, thank goodness!

The trail starts up some big steps in the woods and seems fairly easy at first. But the hard parts comes up pretty fast, as the trail rises over 1000 feet in just a bit over a mile. You'll go back and forth on switchbacks up the face of Champlain Mountain.

As mentioned, iron rungs and ladders help you ascend the steepest portions. It's hard work, but anyone in good shape should be able to do it without too much difficulty. When you get to the top, you'll have spectacular views of Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond... provided the fog hasn't rolled in, as it did to us once.

Insider Tips

• Don't be put off by the warnings in guide books about 5 foot ladders, etc., if you're short. Kathi is less than 5 feet tall and didn't have any real trouble reaching any of the rungs.
• DO make this a loop and come down the long way on the Bear Brook and East Face Trails. It's a pretty alternative... and safer too.

So, as you can see, the Precipice Trail offers tons of thrills and chills... and almost any experienced adult hiker can do it.

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