The Precipice Trail
The most challenging hiking trail in Acadia, this exposed, almost vertical, 1,000-foot climb is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Plan Around The Precipice Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
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.
The Precipice Trail Details
The Precipice is an extremely challenging, non-technical climbing trail that rises vertically over steep, sunshine-exposed rocks using iron ladders, steel bridges, and numerous handholds to assist climbers up Acadia's most notoriously beautiful thousand-foot cliff face. The precipice is also home to Acadia's peregrine falcons, and in attempts to conserve and protect the nests of these majestic birds of prey, the trail is closed from spring until mid-summer. Luckily, the Park offers a number of good alternatives for hikers wishing to experience a ladder trail. Please take serious precautions when hiking the precipice. People with hesitancy about heights or small children should be advised to seek alternate trails. Trailhead: 7.3 miles from Visitor Center on the Park Loop Road. *The Precipice Trail and portions of the East Face, Jordan Cliffs, and Flying Mountain Trails are generally closed from March 15 to August 15 to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Check with Park Rangers or the website (http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/trailclosures.htm) for more information.
Difficulty
High
Distance
0.9 mile
Estimated time
65 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around The Precipice Trail
Compare nearby parks around The Precipice Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around The Precipice Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond The Precipice Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Precipice Trail Parking Area
Believe it or not, this is a popular spot to view peregrine falcons!
0.0 mi away
The Precipice
Home to Acadia's population of endangered peregrine falcons.
0.3 mi away
Champlain Mountain
The mountain rises more than 1,000 feet above the Atlantic and is a popular climb in the Park.
0.7 mi away
Canon Brook Trail
A pre-Revolutionary War road that has been transformed into a walking path.
0.7 mi away
Egg Rock Lighthouse Overlook
A good place to view the uniquely designed lighthouse that sits on Egg Rock.
