Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Park Loop Road. It rises very gradually on bare ledge through jack pine
woods. Soon, a plaque honoring Waldron Bates, one of the earliest trail
architects on the island, is seen. You can continue straight here and grad-
ually ascend or go right on the spur Cadillac Cliffs Trail, which skirts in-
teresting caves and cliffs that were once under the sea. It reconnects with
the main trail which then rises steeply to the summit plateau. The views
extend out to sea, north to Cadillac and east to Sand Beach and French-
man Bay. Moderate.
Huguenot Head, Acadia National Park
: This is considered one of the
park's lesser lights and many people hike Huguenot Head only on the
way to the top of nearby Champlain Mountain. Still, at 731 feet, this
mountain is no slouch. Begin at the trail sign on the east side of Route 3
across from the Tarn. There is a parking area several hundred feet north.
The trail winds gradually on stone steps and easy grades until it breaks
out of the trees and becomes a pathway lined bottom and sides with mas-
sive slabs of granite. There are switchbacks up the west side with contin-
ual good views of nearby Dorr Mountain and the Tarn below. Called the
Beachcroft Trail by the association that built it, this route is reminiscent
of a “Hobbit road” from the novel
Lord of the Rings
. When the trail hooks
east and breaks out level near the top there are wonderful ocean views to
the south. Falcons and eagles frequently soar overhead at these ledges
and wildflowers bloom in spring. A short unmarked path leads to the non-
descript summit.
Precipice, Acadia National Park
: Actually more of a non-technical
climbing route than a hiking trail, the Precipice on Champlain Moun-
tain's sheer east face is a very difficult route.
Drop-offs of several hundred feet are com-
mon. For the upper third of the 800-foot as-
cent iron bars hammered into the cliff face
form hand and foot holds. Anyone with fear
or heights or not in good shape should avoid
this trail.
The way begins at the trailhead parking area on the Park Loop Road. Af-
ter several hundred yards hikers reach “The Eliminator,” an iron pull-up
bar to assist your ascent up an eight-foot ledge. If you can't make it, turn
back. The trail then has switchbacks up the cliff crossing a boulder field
with several small caves. Narrow ledges are common, some with no hand
holds. The rocks can also be very slippery when wet. Once at the top of
the cliff the trail rises more gradually to the open and rocky summit with
