Precipice Trail: Acadia's Iconic Scramble
- Stephen Warner
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
There are a few notorious varsity hikes in Acadia—trails with thrilling scrambles, narrow ledges, and jaw-dropping views. The Precipice Trail is one of them. While you won't need to channel your inner Alex Honnold, this hike is no joke. If you’re not comfortable using your upper body or navigating exposed ridges, it’s best to sit this one out.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Precipice Trail |
Distance | 2.5 miles / 5.1 km (loop) |
Estimated time | 2-3 hours |
Elevation gain | 1,000 ft / 300 m |
Highest point | 1,060 ft / 323 m (Champlain Mountain) |
Permits / fees | National Park Fee |
Parking | Small paved lot (~20 cars) |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | No (prohibited) |
Know before you go
This hike is steep and can be slippery after rain—best tackled in dry, clear conditions to avoid injury.
The trail is considered a Class 3+ scramble (Class 3 with a few Class 4-style moments of exposure): You’ll use your hands to climb, and some sections involve narrow ledges and vertical rung climbs. While the iron aids add security, the steep drop-offs mean this trail isn’t for the faint of heart.
Descending the Precipice Trail is not recommended. Not only would it be sketchy, but you'd also have to awkwardly dodge hikers climbing up. Most hikers descend via the Champlain North Ridge Trail and return via the Orange & Black Path.
The trail is typically open from May to August. While it can be hiked outside that window, closures are mainly to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
Parking is limited and fills quickly. Acadia’s Park Loop Road is one-way, so circling back for a spot isn’t easy. If you want to skip the hassle, hop on the Island Explorer Shuttle to the trailhead.
Other trails nearby
Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3 km)
Elevation gain: 500 ft (150 m)
Details: A slightly less intense scramble that offers views of the Bowl, a scenic lake tucked beneath the cliffs.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Elevation gain: 900 ft (270 m)
Details: A quieter alternative to summit Champlain Mountain
The Trail
The trail starts just beyond the parking lot, immediately announcing itself with warning signs.
And if the signs don’t convince you, the "Gatekeeper" might. This early set of metal rungs is one of the trickiest maneuvers on the climb—requiring a stretch to hoist yourself over a boulder. Honestly, I loved it. More trails should have a “buy-in” like this.
The challenge starts right away. Early on, it's more of a boulder scramble than a narrow ledge walk.
But that quick ascent gets you above the trees fast, opening up sweeping views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. While the climbing is the star of the show, the scenery absolutely holds its own.
This trail tests your fitness in all sorts of fun ways. You’ll duck under rocks…
…scramble up and over a series of wedged boulders…
…scale vertical slabs…
…shimmy along ledges using iron rungs...
...and then even a mix of the above—part vertical climb, part sideways shuffle. It’s an obstacle course built into the cliffside.
This was one of three sections I’d call “narrow.” None felt terrifying thanks to the rungs, but without them, my nerves would’ve spiked.
Yep, more rung climbing!
Here’s the second narrow section I’m calling "Ledge Ladder"—a narrow rung ascent with a dramatic drop-off just over your shoulder.
And then the final narrow section, which I'm calling "Lean-in Ledge"—a sloped rock that angles toward the cliff's edge (causing you to lean-into the ridge). In my opinion, this is sketchiest moment of the whole hike. The rock literally tilts toward the void.
A nice POV video perspective of a few of those narrow ledges!
After all that adrenaline, time for a well-earned view break.
From here, things mellow out. Just follow the blue markers.
Before long, you’ll reach the summit of Champlain Mountain. Great time to catch your breath and soak in the 360° views.
But we’re not done yet! Time to descend. Follow the Champlain North Ridge Trail to continue the loop.
Honestly, the descent is an underrated part of this hike. The trail opens up to beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands as you make your way down.
There is one trail junction on the descent. Take the Orange & Black Path for the most direct route back to the parking area.
Thrilling, beautiful, and unforgettable—no better way to kick off a day in Acadia than the Precipice Trail.
SS Reflections
After hiking as many trails as I have, some blend together. Precipice isn’t one of them. Between the scrambles, the rungs, and the views, this trail feels like a grown-up jungle gym—if that gym had epic drop-offs and insane coastal views. I’d put this up there with the most exciting National Park hikes in the U.S. Counting the days ‘til I get back.
Other helpful resources
NPS official webpage on the Precipice Trail