Name: Beech Mountain Trail
Rating: 4.1

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History

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“This short loop hike offers great views of western Mount Desert Island with minimal hiking.”

— James Kaiser

Driving Directions GPX File

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Family Friendly A relatively easy hike on a mountaintop with great views.

Overview

If you like hikes with nice views but don't like lots of uphill hiking, it's hard to beat Beech Mountain Loop. The trail starts at a parking area near the top of Beech Mountain.

Description

To get to the parking area, turn south onto Beech Hill Road off Route 102 (Pretty Marsh Road) just south of Somesville. Follow the road three miles south until you reach the parking area.

Just past the trailhead the trail forks. Head right and you'll pass great views of Long Pond before ending up at the 839-foot summit of Beech Mountain. Notice the Beech Mountain Observation Tower, which was once used as a fire lookout but is now closed to the public. After enjoying views of the Cranberry Isles from the summit, continue along the trail as it loops back to the parking area.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Acadia, check out his Guide to Acadia National Park.