Acadia National Park - Precipice?
 

Good Evening, All -

I perceive the Precipice Trail at ANP to be a bit intimidating according to the descriptions I have read. Am I being scared off?

We are in average shape and are in our mid-30s. Is it really a 1,000 foot climb up a rope??? Perhaps someone who has hiked this trail can shed some light on it?

Much appreciated!
Thanks

I don't know where you've read about a rope? I think it's mostly metal "ladders". Note it might be closed while you're there.

Here is a page I Googled that seems about right:

http://www.acadiamagic.com/precipice-trail.htm

~Liz

Thanks. In fact, I think it may be closed until mid August.

I don't know if its open or closed. But I hiked it probably 10 years ago. I'm not in great shape, and wasn't then. Its not that bad. there are places where there are metal rungs hammered into the ston, and you have to slide along them (hands on one rung, feet on anothers). but there are very few of these places, maybe 2 or 3? I really loved it. its exciting, but short enough to be manageable by those of us in average shape, and carrying a little extra weight.

We went up the Precipice, then walked the ridge, and went down the Beehive. If the precipice is closed, do hike the behive. its quite short, and the views from the top are great.

China Cat is correct. A lot of people warm up on the Beehive first. It is not as bad. We haven't been to Acadia, but it is high on our list. Hopefully we can go there in a year or two.

The Precipice is not that strenuous, but can be intimidating for anyone with height issues. I climbed it with my sons a few years ago and luckily it was a foggy day so I couldn't see the drop off far below to Sand Beach before I got to the top. No ropes to climb, but there are ladders, as another poster mentioned, and places where ropes are secured to the rocks for hand holds. But please be smart - the day I did it I saw people starting down the trail in sandals! Hiking boots aren't a must in Acadia, but a sturdy pair of sneakers is good.

Also, with the free Island Explorer bus you can plan a route that eliminated repeats. Just check the bus routes and snag the bus back to your car.

I climbed the Precipice as a teenager. It's not all that bad. But you are right that it is closed usually until mid-August these days. The peregrine falcons decided it was a good place to nest and so it is closed until the chicks have flown. The Beehive is a nice climb - it also has a few rungs and ladders, but not as many as the Precipice. No ropes on the Precipice and you can climb it without any climbing experience if you are in decent shape.

Thanks all!

We returned from Acadia and did the Beehive up, but the Bowl trail down. I enjoyed the Beehive, although at times, I was white-knuckled on the rungs. If I am in Acadia in late August one day, I will definitely do the Precipice.

Thanks to all for your insights! I just love Bar Harbor and ANP!