Precipice, Acadia National Park

If you are looking for a short, thrilling, vertical climb….Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park has you covered.  Are you a fan of steep ledges, climbing extensive ladder systems, and rock scrambling? This was an adult’s outdoor playground that tests your mental endurance and physical agility. Although short and sweet at only 2.1 miles, I would skip this one if you have a fear of heights.  

Here are our tips for tackling this exciting hike:

Parking

If you cannot find parking in the lot, parking on the side of the road works great.  You will actually end your hike on the road and walk back that way anyway.  We used the Orange and Black trail to hike down as hiking back down the ladders would be very dangerous for us and other hikers coming up.

Kids

Don’t bring little ones unless they are experienced hikers.  Luke hiked Precipice two evenings in a row so we could hike it alone together and then he could bring our oldest back to hike it the next day.  Worrying about little ones foot placement the entire time can make for a stressful hike.  Plus, this mama has a problem projecting her fears on little ones when steep ledges are involved…so we opted to leave them home for this one.

Footwear

Wear hiking boots.  We actually went out and bought new boots for our son to hike this trail.  The iron rungs and smooth granite are not something you want to mess around with, especially if the clouds start spitting. 

Weather

Only go on a dry day!  People have fallen to their death off the sheer ledges.  It’s just not worth the risk to go during rainy or icy conditions.

Time of Day

We loved hiking in the evening to catch the sunset on the way back down. The trail was less crowded at this time of day because its when everyone is off eating dinner.  An early morning climb would also be less crowded and spectacular.

Time of Year

This trail is typically closed in the late spring and summer due to nesting Peregrine Falcons, so be sure to go in the fall or early spring.

Alternative Hike

If you want to try an easier, yet still challenging hike as a family…we recommend The Beehive.  Our kids hiked this with us as a family and did awesome.  They were talking about the death defying hike for months after.  Just remember that you will still tackle some steep ledges and ladders, so skip it if your kids aren’t sure footed or you have a fear of heights.

Precipice is truly unforgettable and not to be missed on your trip to Acadia.  You will definitely want to save this hike to your Acadia bucket list!