Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Bowl Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (29)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. Acadia National Park
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A short intermediate trail that takes you to one of Acadia’s most picturesque mountain ponds. ”

David Onkst
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

428' 131 m

High

68' 21 m

Low

361' 110 m

Up

7' 2 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

20%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly A relatively easy climb and the reward of dipping your feet in the pond at the end!

Description

This is a fun trail with a great reward at the end - one of Acadia’s most well-known and photographed mountain ponds, not to mention some pretty nice views of the backside of The Beehive. “The Bowl” refers to the pond, which is nestled between several peaks, including Champlain Mountain, Enoch Mountain, Halfway Mountain, and The Beehive.

This hike’s trailhead is located northwest of The Beehive parking lot just off the Park Loop Road. During the summer months, this lot can get crowded, but while most people head down to Sand Beach below, you can hike up to The Bowl and cool your heels there. That’s not to say that the path will be traffic free, but it usually isn’t nearly as congested as the beach.

This path climbs gradually at the beginning. At 0.2 miles, you’ll come across the Beehive Trailhead. Shortly after, you’ll see Kief Pond immediately to the south, before you start turning toward the northwest. Right after Kief Pond, you’ll come across the Gorham Mountain Trail joining your path from the southwest. Continue on for another 0.3 miles (which will be just a little steeper than before), and you’ll reach your destination. After enjoying a picnic or swim at The Bowl, you can simply retracing your steps back to the parking lot, or you might want to extend your day by taking one of the other trails that links to this path, including the Champlain South Ridge Trail to the northwest. Unlike several of the other hikes in the immediate area, most of this path is covered by a forest canopy.

Overall, this trail is a relatively short jaunt up the mountain and it offers you a wonderful little pond at its northern end, while also providing you with access to several other trails along the way.

Flora & Fauna

Birch trees.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park

Shared By:

David Onkst
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 29 votes

#7

in Acadia National Park

#315

Overall
  4.1 from 29 votes
5 Star
21%
4 Star
66%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#7

in Acadia National Park

#10

in Maine

#315

Overall
2 Views Last Month
5,049 Since Sep 2, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
4%
85%
11%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Trail conditions and walking path.
Jul 9, 2020 near Bar Harbor, ME
While plenty steep, the Beehive Trail rewards you with phenomenal views looking down on Sand Beach.
Mar 30, 2017 near Bar Harbor, ME
Sunrise from atop The Beehive.
Jul 2, 2024 near Bar Harbor, ME
Enjoying the stunning view from one of the narrower ledges of the Beehive Trail.
Jan 14, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
View of the Beehive.
Jan 21, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
A view from the summit of the Beehive.
Jan 21, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 66 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 2, 2024
Stewart Carnes
Jun 1, 2024
David Hitchcock
Apr 14, 2024
Jacee Reihing
Took this when trying to find the bubble, cool hike path wasn't marked that good. Ended up at Jordan pond?
Nov 10, 2023
Gabrielle Ann
Oct 26, 2023
Taylor Screws
0.7mi — 0h 22m
Sep 11, 2023
David Hitchcock
Nice hike up, beautiful views of pond.
Aug 15, 2023
KRock43
Jul 6, 2023
Alb Guy

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started