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Gorham Mountain Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (87)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. Acadia National Park
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“A short but challenging tour that passes a number of the must-see gems and views in the park. ”

Zander Göpfert
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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.9

KM

Point to Point

522' 159 m

High

37' 11 m

Low

774' 236 m

Up

781' 238 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

67%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Overview

This loop hike is the perfect way to see two of the park's gems while experiencing a handful of the best trails in the area. The route starts up the Beehive Trail, which is one of the park's iron rung routes that utilizes iron rungs and ladder steps to climb up a granite cliff and boulder field.

This trail should not be attempted if you have any discomfort with heights or physical incapacity.

Description

To access this featured hike, park in the large Beehive Trailhead Parking Area off Park Loop Road, behind Sand Beach. Locate the trailhead for the Bowl Trail northwest of the Beehive Trailhead Parking Area 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. Turn right onto the Beehive Trail. As an alternative to the iron-rung route of the Beehive Trail, hikers can continue up the Bowl Trail as it joins with the Gorham Mountain Trail, which this hike uses to reach its southern terminus.

Continue up the Beehive Trail as it switchbacks up the granite walls using iron rungs, footholds, ladders, and staircases. This exhilarating climb stretches for around two-tenths of a mile, gaining over 300 feet of elevation. At the top, reap the reward of your physical feat by enjoying the surrounding views.

Follow the trail north along the rocks toward The Bowl. There is a bypass Beehive Alternate Trail that cuts across to just above the Gorham Mountain Trail. This cuts off around four-tenths of a mile and a gradual descent to the shores of The Bowl.

From the Beehive Alternate Trail, continue north towards The Bowl. This makes for a wonderful spot to have lunch and take a dip to cool off or at least soak your feet. Continue west until the junction with the Champlain South Ridge Trail and Gorham Mountain Trail. Turn left and head south on the Gorham Mountain Trail.

This trail heads across the saddle toward the summit of Gorham Mountain, another breathtaking point with views abound. Follow the trail along the thin trees and granite boulders toward the Cadillac Cliffs.

Just past the Cadillac Cliffs, the Cadillac Cliffs Path branches off to the left for an alternative, parallel path which stretches for three-tenths of a mile until it re-joins the Gorham Mountain Trail. Continue the descent for another few hundred yards until arriving at the Gorham Mountain Trailhead Parking Area. You can breathe easy now, as all the climbing and descending is complete.

From the parking area, carefully cross the Park Loop Road, joining with the Ocean Path. This path makes for a beautiful cool-down with numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities. After around three-tenths of a mile, look to the right for the staircase down to the Thunder Hole. Bring a camera, as this can be a beautiful vantage point of the granite cliffs and ocean beyond. If there is any swell, this rock feature can be quite the sensation with a deep, rumbling sound and spray erupting into the air.

Finish the last three-quarter-mile stretch of the Ocean Path toward Sand Beach and the Beehive Trailhead Parking Area where you parked your vehicle.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert with improvements by Matthew Schaefer
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 87 votes

#1

in Acadia National Park

#55

Overall
  4.7 from 87 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Acadia National Park

#1

in Maine

#55

Overall
12 Views Last Month
9,083 Since Jun 30, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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51%
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Photos

Near Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park
Aug 25, 2015 near Bar Harbor, ME
Trail conditions and walking path.
Jul 9, 2020 near Bar Harbor, ME
Experience phenomenal views from the Gorham Mountain Trail.
Mar 30, 2017 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
Early dawn/twilight pic at Thunder Hole
Jul 8, 2024 near Bar Harbor, ME
Sunrise from atop The Beehive.
Jul 2, 2024 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 65 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 12, 2024
Christian Graves
3.6mi — 1h 30m
Sep 28, 2024
Chuck Labora
Sep 24, 2024
chris p
Hiked from Blackwood's area, up to Gorham peak, then down to thunder hole and back to blackwoods campground 3.6mi
Sep 9, 2024
Sarah Demars
Aug 29, 2024
Kayla Hutton
3.6mi
Jul 8, 2024
Stewart Carnes
Jun 21, 2024
Chase Lipovac
3.9mi — 2h 51m
Jun 10, 2024
Adriana Tomeu

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