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Perpendicular Trail
A steep, dramatic trail with stone steps and spectacular views of Long Lake and Beech Mountain in the distance.
Plan Around Perpendicular Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Perpendicular Trail Details
This trail features sprawling spiral stone staircases built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1934. The workmanship seen in the 704 granite steps certainly rivals the Park's other impressively built trails like the Ladder Trail on Dorr Mountain and Beechcroft Trail on Champlain Mountain. Appropriately named, the trail rises quickly and steeply out of spruce and cedar groves into a boulder field on the east face of Mansell Mountain before meeting the summit. While the actual summit is wooded, there is a ledge outlook marked "Path" that offers incredible views of Southwest Harbor, Bass Harbor, and Bernard towns, as well as the Cranberry Islands and the Atlantic. Completes a strenuous, but beautiful, climb over Mansell Mountain when combined with the Razorback Trail. Trailhead: south end of Long Pond.
Difficulty
High
Distance
3.7 mile
Estimated time
120 min
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Perpendicular Trail
Compare nearby parks around Perpendicular Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Perpendicular Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Perpendicular Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Long Pond Trail
This trail is in one of the quieter sections of Acadia and offers nice views of Long Pond.
0.1 mi away
Duck Rock
A popular swimming spot accessible via a shoreline hiking trail.
0.1 mi away
Cold Brook Trail
An easy hike to trails leading to Mansell and Bernard.
0.2 mi away
Beech West Ridge Trail
A 1.9-mile trail of moderate difficulty with views of Long Pond and nearby Mansell Mountain.
0.4 mi away
Great Notch Trail
A trail often used to climb Mansell Mountain.
