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Bowl Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (27)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. Acadia National Park
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“A short intermediate trail that takes you to one of Acadia’s most picturesque mountain ponds. ”

David Onkst
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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

428' 131 m

High

68' 21 m

Low

361' 110 m

Up

7' 2 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

20%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly A relatively easy climb and the reward of dipping your feet in the pond at the end!

Description

This is a fun trail with a great reward at the end - one of Acadia’s most well-known and photographed mountain ponds, not to mention some pretty nice views of the backside of The Beehive. “The Bowl” refers to the pond, which is nestled between several peaks, including Champlain Mountain, Enoch Mountain, Halfway Mountain, and The Beehive.

This hike’s trailhead is located northwest of The Beehive parking lot just off the Park Loop Road. During the summer months, this lot can get crowded, but while most people head down to Sand Beach below, you can hike up to The Bowl and cool your heels there. That’s not to say that the path will be traffic free, but it usually isn’t nearly as congested as the beach.

This path climbs gradually at the beginning. At 0.2 miles, you’ll come across the Beehive Trailhead. Shortly after, you’ll see Kief Pond immediately to the south, before you start turning toward the northwest. Right after Kief Pond, you’ll come across the Gorham Mountain Trail joining your path from the southwest. Continue on for another 0.3 miles (which will be just a little steeper than before), and you’ll reach your destination. After enjoying a picnic or swim at The Bowl, you can simply retracing your steps back to the parking lot, or you might want to extend your day by taking one of the other trails that links to this path, including the Champlain South Ridge Trail to the northwest. Unlike several of the other hikes in the immediate area, most of this path is covered by a forest canopy.

Overall, this trail is a relatively short jaunt up the mountain and it offers you a wonderful little pond at its northern end, while also providing you with access to several other trails along the way.

Flora & Fauna

Birch trees.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park

Shared By:

David Onkst
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 27 votes

#8

in Acadia National Park

#356

Overall
  4.1 from 27 votes
5 Star
22%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in Acadia National Park

#11

in Maine

#356

Overall
2 Views Last Month
5,049 Since Sep 2, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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4%
88%
8%
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0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Trail conditions and walking path.
Jul 9, 2020 near Bar Harbor, ME
While plenty steep, the Beehive Trail rewards you with phenomenal views looking down on Sand Beach.
Mar 30, 2017 near Bar Harbor, ME
Enjoying the stunning view from one of the narrower ledges of the Beehive Trail.
Jan 14, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
View of the Beehive.
Jan 21, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
A view from the summit of the Beehive.
Jan 21, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Enjoying the gorgeous views from the summit of the Beehive Trail.
Jan 14, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Apr 14, 2024
Jacee Reihing
Took this when trying to find the bubble, cool hike path wasn't marked that good. Ended up at Jordan pond?
Nov 10, 2023
Gabrielle Ann
Oct 26, 2023
Taylor Screws
0.7mi — 0h 22m
Sep 11, 2023
David Hitchcock
Nice hike up, beautiful views of pond.
Aug 15, 2023
KRock43
Jul 6, 2023
Alb Guy
Jun 19, 2023
Danielle Barbera
Jun 14, 2023
Joey Atkins

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