State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length, Round Trip: 1.8 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1000 feet
Elevation Change: 1000 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Marshall Point Lighthouse, Maine
Trail Information
The young and adventurous will love this challenging and gorgeous trail. The hike along the Precipice Trail follows steep ledges which require climbing vertical ascents on iron rungs and ladders. The trail can be dangerous when wet. It is not recommended for children or dogs. Despite the exhilarating trek of this trail it is quite popular especially during the summer months. That may be in part due to its convenient location off Park Loop Road.
The Precipice Trail is narrow and you must negotiate sloping granite ledges. After hiking through a shallow forest you will have to scramble over stone steps on a boulder field. A short distance away is East Face Trail, an even steeper path. Several other trails offer the same spectacular views of Frenchman’s Bay and will descend to within a mile of the trailhead. Or you can retrace your steps for the same view and same cliffside challenge to reach the trailhead.
The Peregrine Falcon has once again returned to this site to nest. During the nesting season, mid-spring to late summer, the trail is closed. The large trailhead parking lot accommodates bird watchers who enjoy arriving early in the morning to set up their gear to observe the young falcons.
Directions
From Bar Harbor:
Travel south on SR 3 to the Sieur de Monts Entrance. Follow signs to Park Loop Road. Travel 2 miles and you will see signs on the left for Precipice Trailhead.
