Not quite rock rock climbing, not quite hiking, rock scrambling is something that’s in between. It involves both your hands and feet to cross boulders and growing in popularity.
At Acadia National Park, you can scramble over rock hundreds of millions old on the Beehive Cliffs Trail. The 1.5-miles round trip trail features granite steps, iron rungs to climb up cliffs, and handrails on sections of exposed rock.
To reach the trailhead, from Bar Harbor take Maine State Route 3 south. Turn right/northwest onto Sieur de Monts Road then right/southeast onto Park Loop Road. Go left/east into the Sand Beach upper parking lot. During summer, Sand Beach will be quite busy, so arrive early for a parking space.
From the north side of the parking lot, head north on the Satterlee Trail alongside Beehive Lagoon.
Hiking with your hands
At 0.1 miles, go left/southwest then briefly walk left/ south alongside Park Loop Road. The Bowl Trail is a few yards away on the right/west.
Rock scrambling is different than hiking in that the latter is about one foot in front of the other over and over. You still do that in rock scrambling, but you’ll need your hands free and often must have three points of contact with the boulder to keep your balance.
It’s also different than rock climbing in which climbers use their hands to grip rock and with their arms pull their body upward. You still find grips with your hands in rock scrambling, but usually it’s to keep your balance so your feet can move you forward.
At a little more than 0.2 miles, the trail splits; go right/northwest. The rock scramble quickly begins as you head up the steep south face of peak.
The route often is less a path than traversing faults and breaks in the granite. Stone steps, iron rung ladders, handrails, and even a unique grill plank help you head up the cliff.
You’ll reach the summit at 0.44 miles, though it’ll feel like you went a lot farther. Rest and take in a view. Sand Beach, Great Head, and the Atlantic Ocean can be seen to the north. The summit, at 518 feet above sea level, also is a great place for a picnic lunch or at the very least a snack to replenish your energy.
Next, head northwest across the Beehives’ top to a view of The Bowl pond, Enoch Mountain and Champlain Mountain in the north.
400 million-year-old rock
The Beehives formed some 420-400 million years ago when hot rock beneath the surface cooled and hardened into granite. Over time, tectonic action pushed it upward to the surface while erosion washed and blew away the softer surrounding rock.
Around 0.7 miles, the trail descends to the pond. There’s more rock scrambling down the Beehive’s north face, but it’s a lot easier than the route you took to the top.
At base of the Beehive, you return to hiking across fairly flat ground. When the trail splits, go left/northeast and return via the Bowl Trail.
Upon reaching the next two trail junctions, go left/southeast. You’ll pass Kief Pond on your right at 1.2 miles.
After arriving back at the Beehive Cliffs Trail, you’ll have completed a loop. Go right/east and retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
Rock scrambles at Acadia are not for children, those afraid of heights, or those who lack good balance. Do not do this trail in winter when ice and snow make footing challenging at best.
Rock Scrambling Safety Tips
• Remain patient – This is a rush-hour traffic not the Indy 500. If you go too fast, you’ll crash, but unlike a car race, you’ll also fall…a long way and probably onto hard rock.
• Keep your hands free – Put away the trekking pole or walking stick. You will need your hands to hold on to rock.
• Wear shoes with good grip – When stepping on boulders, press as much of your rubber sole into the rock as possible to keep your foot in place.
• Maintain three points of contact – Your hands, feet, back or stomach all can be used to keep your balance, so long as three of points (e.g. a hand, two feet; a hand, a foot, your back) are touching rock.
• Pack heaviest items against the middle of your back – Lighter is best, so don’t carry a large pack. Whatever you carry, putting it in the middle of your back helps you maintain your center of gravity.
• Avoid hanging items from your backpack or body – This prevents them from snagging on rocks and bushes and ensures items don’t get in the way of you having a contact point with the boulder.
• Test then commit – As when walking on ice, before you take a step gingerly see if the ground is stable and can handle your weight.
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