One of the most dangerous and exhilarating hiking trails you can visit is the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park.
Precipice Trail Acadia is located on Champlain Mountain, which is Acadia National Park’s sixth highest peak, and has a high difficulty rating thanks to its obstacles, iron ladders, and exposure among sheer cliff faces.
The trail is open from late Summer to Fall, and is closed in spring and early Summer to allow peregrine falcons to nest.
Precipice Trail Acadia
The Precipice Trail Acadia is short but tough, being just over 2.5 miles for a full loop, but climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation during that time.
This hike is rated at high difficulty and features iron rungs that you need to climb up in order to traverse the trail at certain points, along with very steep cliff faces that make Precipice Trail not suggested for those with a fear of heights.
Those that are brave enough to trek Precipice Trail will see some of the best views Acadia National Park has to offer.
How Long Does It Take To Hike Precipice Trail?
It can take between 1.5 to 5 hours to hike Precipice Trail depending on which route you take:
It takes 1-2 hours to hike Precipice Trail to the summit of Champlain Mountain.
It takes 2-3 hours to complete a full loop hike on Precipice Trail at an average hiking speed.
How Long Is Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park?
The Precipice Trail measures 1 mile long to the summit of Champlain Mountain, and is 2.6 miles long for a complete loop hike.
When Can You Hike The Precipice Trail?
There is a short window of time when you can hike the Precipice Trail.
The Precipice Trail Acadia open season ranges from late March into the end of summer.
However, the Precipice Trail can be closed as needed throughout the season to allow peregrine falcons to complete their nesting period without being disturbed, which can add unpredictability to your planned hike.
Many hikers have shared that the best time to hike Precipice is late summer to early fall, as this falls outside of the peregrine falcon’s nesting season.
It is also not recommended to hike Precipice Trail during wet weather due to the extreme safety risks posed by the trail.
What Should I Bring When Hiking Precipice Trail In Acadia National Park?
We suggest bringing snacks, a compass, extra layers for last-minute weather changes, plenty of water, and a map when hiking Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail.
Read more: the best way to carry water while hiking and the best hiking fanny packs.
Closed-toe shoes with good traction are highly recommended here.
Read more: the best mens hiking boots under $100 and the best womens hiking boots under $100.
How Hard Is Precipice Trail Acadia?
The Precipice Trail in Acadia is rated as a highly difficult trail, with plenty of challenges:
The trail rises over 1,000 feet in less than 1 mile.
It starts off requiring hikers to climb a rugged slope right off the bat.
Series of iron rung ladders lead up to open, vertical cliff faces.
This trail requires you to navigate narrow and exposed ledges.
How Scary Is Precipice Trail?
Simply put, Precipice Trail is not for the faint of heart.
You’ll encounter boulder outcroppings with iron rungs to climb and hang on to as you shimmy along the trail, hike along very steep sections, as well as the need to go over and under boulders.
At one point, you’ll need to climb a ladder of iron rungs that go up a flat granite face with a sheer dropoff right next to you.
You’ll also encounter narrow ledges and wooden bridges on Precipice Trail Acadia.
If you have a fear of heights, you should probably skip this hike!
Fortunately, once you reach the top of Champlain Mountain, you’ll be able to see some incredible views, and the way back down via the Orange and Black Path is not nearly as treacherous.
Has Anyone Died On Precipice Trail?
Yes, people have died while hiking Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park.
The most recent Precipice Trail death was in 2012, with the prior one being 1985.
Although there are not exact stats on how many people have died on Precipice Trail, there has been 78 deaths in Acadia National Park between 1853 and 2017.
Is Precipice Trail Harder Than Beehive Trail?
Precipice Trail is harder than Beehive Trail because it is twice as long and has a higher risk factor thanks to its exposed sheer cliff faces.
Does Hiking Precipice Trail Acadia Cost Money?
Although there is a fee to enter Acadia National Park, you can hike Precipice Trail for free.
To hike the Precipice Trail for free, you can simply go south from Bar Harbor on Main Street and take a right on Sieur de Monts Road, then go right on Park Loop Road.
There’s a parking lot on Park Loop Road at the Precipice Trailhead, but you can also park on the road if the lot is full.
You may need to park on the road because the lot fills up quickly, especially during peak times and temperate weather.
Precipice Trail Acadia: Wrapping Things Up
As long as you plan ahead for your trip and don’t have a fear of heights, you’ll see some spectacular views when hiking Precipice Trail.
Just come prepared, wear good hiking boots with a solid grip, and you’ll be in for one of the most rewarding hikes of your life!
Have you hiked the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park? Share your experience and advice in the comments below.
