Hiking Beachcroft & Champlain Mountain Trail In Acadia

Beachcroft & Champlain Mountain South Ridge Loop: Stunning Views & Moderate Challenges Await

A beautiful passage from Sieur de Monts and Wild Gardens of Acadia to Sand Beach can be found via Beachcroft & Champlain South Ridge Loop. This interconnected web of trails offers multiple ways to explore Champlain Mountain, but this particular route’s challenge is due to its length of 5.9 miles as well as its steepness. 

If you head out from Sieur de Monts you will encounter the Beachcroft Trailhead and the steepest parts of this hike on your way to the summit of Champlain Mountain. You can actually reach the summit of Champlain Mountain via four different hiking trails on the mountain, plus several other connector trails. The only trail more challenging than this one is the Precipice Trail which is an actual rock climb up iron rungs. The Precipice Trailhead is located after Egg Rock Overlook along the one way section of Park Loop Road. Me, I prefer to get on the Champlain Mountain Trail via Beachcroft Trail.

If you are feeling adventurous you can come back via The Beehive Trail.

Champlain Mountain is a popular destination to explore because you can see so much iconic scenery.  I do not recommend this hike in wet weather. Because of its steepness, the trail is very slippery when wet. Also due to its length I recommend a full day to explore this hike. Here’s everything you should know before taking this one on.

Champlain Mountain Trail Logistics

My rating of this trail is advanced because it is on the longer side and the steep switchbacks with stone steps and steep almost rock climb that lead to the summit of Champlain Mountain. There are many great beginner trails in Acadia, but I wouldn’t say Beachcroft Path to Champlain South Ridge Trail in Acadia is the best starting point for beginners. At a quick glance, this is what you’ll be getting into if you decide to take it on:

Length: 5.9 Miles Round Trip 
Height: 1055 feet tall
Elevation Gain: 1965 feet
Type: Out & Back, Loop, Connector
My Rating: Advanced 
Dog Friendly: No
Would we do it again: Yes

Virtual Trail Tour

If you’re anything like me, you like to know what you’re getting yourself into before you do it. Yes, this includes scouring menus before trying new restaurants and reading reviews of books and movies before I commit the time. What can I say? I like to make sure I’m spending my short time on earth in the best ways possible! Keep reading to get the ins and outs of what to expect on Beachcroft Trail and Champlain Mountain. Acadia National Park also has a great website offering detailed information if you want a second source. 

You will want to take Park Loop Road to the Suier de Monts and Wild Gardens Of Acadia parking lot. I found the best time to do this hike in early morning so that you can get a parking spot. Because you are able to take so many different hikes from this one place the parking lot tends to fill up fast. If you would rather skip the hassle of finding parking you can also take the Island Explorer bus from one of the many bus stops around Mount Desert Island. They have a bus stop at this trail head. 

You’ll start out on the Jesup Path South. Once you reach a body of water called The Tarn, it’s time to turn left towards ME Route 3. The Beachcroft Trail starts across from ME Route 3, leading hikers through switchbacks of granite stairs and stone pathways up the side of Huguenot Head. I also like to go this way as I get the hardest part of the trail out of the way on fresh legs. 

Next Up

After Huguenot Head, the trail will dip down a bit before ascending Champlain Mountain. Deceiving, I know, but don’t worry, this route will save you from some of the elevation gains you might find on other trails up the mountain.

Due to the rock underfoot and some mild scrambling sections, it’s not recommended to do this trail if it’s raining or has recently rained. Again, the rock is very slippery when wet. Once you reach the summit of Champlain Mountain you will find Champlain North Ridge Trail and Champlain South Ridge Trail. We will save the Champlain North Ridge Trail for another time. If you look toward the North Ridge Trail you will find the town of Bar Harbor. To your West you will find Dorr Mountain and behind that Cadillac Mountain. To your south you will find the open Atlantic Ocean, The Beehive which is part of the Beehive Trail loop hike. 

Starting on the South Ridge Trail you will pass The Precipice Trail on your left before making your descent toward The Bowl. The Precipice Trail is a favorite among experienced hikers but does close down during the mating season of the peregrine falcons. Continue on the South Ridge Trail to connect to the Bowl Trail, here you’ll find your way to the sand beach parking lot and Sand Beach via Park Loop Road. 

If you were feeling ambitious you could hit up Gorham Mountain Trail after The Bowl. Or you could hike back once you reach Sand Beach taking The Beehive Trail back to The Bowl. The Beehive is a series of steep sections with iron rungs up the cliff face, narrow ledges and spectacular views. The Beehive loop hike is not for the faint of heart. If you are scared of heights avoid this trail! 

Speaking of Views….

Amazing views are important to me. Breathtaking views definitely make it easier to get through the uphill slogs that feel never-ending. Make sure you don’t miss these picture-perfect spots along the way:

• Under Huguenot Head, turn back for a great view of The Tarn. This is probably one of the best spots, so don’t go too quickly through this part. Slow down, take a breath, and enjoy it. 
• Once you get on the South Ridge Trail on Champlain Mountain, you’ll cross into an open granite area. It has stellar views of Cranberry Isles and other southern islands. Make sure to take a few selfies and a panoramic picture here!
• The Bowl, a peaceful pond you’ll pass on this hike is great for some photos with a water feature. I always love to stop here for a water break.

Helpful Tips for Conquering the Trail

Heading out on a hike can be so exciting; we know there are great views waiting, lush greenery to be seen, and fun waiting to be had, so all we can think about is hitting the trail. However, in order to maximize the fun, it’s important to maximize the safety. Here are a few reminders to be successful on the trail:

• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. This is a longer trail, so one gas station water bottle probably isn’t going to cut it. Get a big reusable bottle or even a sleek camelback backpack. Alex loves the backpack option because it’s hands-free. I personally prefer my refillable water bottle.
• Summit snacks hit different. I always recommend refueling throughout the hike especially when you come to a good view. This is especially true when you are doing a longer hike. However, if you’re prone to forgetting, pack sandwiches or a snack you’re excited to enjoy at the summit or another viewpoint. Refuel & replenish!
• Sunscreen is your best friend. Sorry human best friends, sunscreen takes the cake. Be sure to wear a hat and sunnies as well to protect your precious noggin!