Beehive Trail

This 1.6 mile round trip trail starts with a moderate grade as you leave the sand beach parking area. After a half a mile you will see a rock pile and you have the option of heading strait for the slower sloping (but less views) trail ahead of you or you can turn to the right and see the steep trail up the Beehive. If you look hard you will be able to make out some of the hikers scrambling along the rocks 350 feet above you and 520 feet above sea level.

After turning right onto this trail you are presented with some switchbacks that then turn into steep steps that then turn into iron rungs to climb. If you are afraid of heights this is not the trail for you. Most of the elevation gain is during this 1/3 mile section of the trail. After reaching the summit you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Follow the trail along the ridge to see views of the rest of Mt. Desert Island. You are required to take the slower sloping trail down so just follow the blaze to the west and the trail loops around the beehive and meets up with the approach trail after about 3/4 of a mile.