Hiking Guide: Precipice Trail, Acadia National Park
Looking out at Frenchman Bay from the summit of Precipice Trail
Precipice Trail is often described as Acadia’s most dangerous trail – and for good reason. With its exposed cliff walks and vertical ascents up iron rungs, this trail is more akin to a climb than a hike. It is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced hikers. If you have a fear of heights or are not physically fit, you should find an alternate trail. This trail is also not suitable for children or dogs, and it should never be hiked in the rain, snow, or other inclement weather. People have sustained serious injuries, as well as died, while hiking this trail, so do not underestimate it. Those willing and able to take on Precipice Trail are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and Frenchman Bay during their ascent up Champlain Mountain.
Trail Info
Location: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
Length: 3.36 miles
Type: Loop (can be made into a loop by descending via another trail — read on for more on that)
Elevation gain: 1,425 feet
Foot traffic: Light to heavy, depending on the season and time of day
Time to complete: 4 hours and 11 minutes (3 hours and 2 minutes of move time)
When to hike: The trail is closed during peregrine falcons’ nesting season, which runs from March through August. Due to the nature of the trail (slick granite and metal rungs that can become slippery when wet or icy), you do not want to hike this in the winter, so the best time to hike it would be in the late summer or fall. Be sure to consult the park’s Current Conditions page for the most up-to-date trail information.
Difficulty: Difficult
My rating: 5 out of 5
Hiking the Trail: What to Expect
There is no rest for the weary on this trail. Precipice starts off with a punch and finishes with a bang. Shortly after walking up the stairs leading to the trailhead, you have to make your way across and up a rather rocky path.
At the end of this path, you will find the so-called intimidation or challenge climb, which consists of two far-spaced rungs alongside a boulder. This is a good litmus test for the rest of the trail – if you are able to complete the climb without aid, then you should be able to handle the rest of the trail’s climbs. If, however, you find yourself struggling at this point, then you should consider turning around, because the trail only becomes more strenuous from here on out.
Just when you thought you had left the rocks behind, you come face to face with – you guessed it – more rocks. Only, these rocks are much larger — they’re boulders. In addition to clambering over the boulders, you’ll have to crawl under them at one point. Watch your footing, as there are some decently large gaps between the boulders.
When you finish your over-under journey through the boulder field, you then get your first taste of the metal handrails for which this trail is famous. With the aid of handrails, you will scale a narrow rocky ledge, at the end of which is a wooden bridge that spans the gap between two cliffs.
From the bridge, you then descend down a series of rather narrow and steep stone steps. A handrail runs alongside part of the steps, but for the last bit of the steps, you’re on your own. You will then make your way up more slightly hairy steps before coming to a trail marker. Follow the arrow for the Champlain Summit to continue along the Precipice Trail, or if you have had enough of the trail, you can follow the arrow for the Orange and Black Path to head back to the parking lot via the Park Loop Road.
At this point in the Precipice Trail, the views are quite spectacular, so be sure to take a moment and appreciate the panorama.
Up more stone steps and rocky inclines you go until you reach the start of ladder portion of this trail. From here until the summit, you will be climbing up a nearly vertical rock face via a series of metal rungs, as well as traversing narrow ledges with the aid of hand and footrails. This is the start of the most dangerous part of the trail, so watch your footing and take things slowly. It is also the most unique – and in my opinion, fun – bit of the trail, so enjoy the experience and the beautiful views with which you are rewarded.
Once you finish the ladder section of the trail, you will walk through a slit in the rocks and then up smooth rock before arriving at the summit of Mount Champlain. Take in the breathtaking vista, as well as stop for a rest, before beginning the descent down the mountain. Also, be wary of the red squirrels – one kept trying to go for our food 😆
In terms of the descent, your best option is to take the Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop to the Orange and Black Trail. The Orange and Black Trail will spit you out on the Park Loop Road, and from there, you can walk back to the Precipice Trail parking lot. My husband and I, unfortunately, followed this loop, which had us take the Orange and Black Trail back to the section of the Precipice Trail preceding the ladder bit. I do NOT recommend doing this loop. Remember those steep, narrow stone steps by the bridge? We had to climb up those, which was a bit scary. And remember that challenge climb at the beginning of the trail? Turns out going down that is the real challenge. It was also not much fun having to descend the boulder field. By the time we reached the boulders on the descent, we were both exhausted, and navigating our way across the boulders was absolute misery. So, don’t be like us; take the Orange and Black Trail to the Park Loop Road on your descent.
Tips
Do not attempt the hike in the rain or other inclement weather. The rungs, as well as boulders and granite surfaces, that comprise the trail become extremely slippery when wet.
Get to the trailhead early. We arrived a little before 8:00 AM, and there were already two other cars in the parking lot. By the time we left, the parking lot was at capacity, and people were vulturing for spots.
Wear a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. You’re going to want shoes with traction when walking across the slick rock surfaces.
Bring water and snacks. This is a tiring, strenuous hike, and you’re going to need to refuel along the way.
Wear sunblock. You’re exposed for the vast majority of this hike, so protect your skin.
Keep your pack light. Pack what you need without overpacking. Remember, you’re going to have to haul yourself, including the weight of your pack, up a vertical climb.
Check the park’s current conditions. Before heading out, check the park’s current conditions page to ensure the trail is open.
I hope you found this guide helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below. Happy hiking!
