This moderate, 2.5-mile hike in Acadia National Park includes incredible views, mossy woodlands, a fire tower, easy parking and well-marked trails. It's also dog-friendly, as long as they're on a leash. This mountain is less busy than some of the other hiking areas in Acadia, so it's unlikely you'll find crowds here, even in peak tourist seasons. There are multiple trail options within the Beech Mountain network, from easy hikes to more technical sections with ladders. All levels of hikers can find their happy place on this mountain.
Beech Mountain is located on the west side of the island in Southwest Harbor, known as the “quiet side.” Here, visitors can experience the park’s natural beauty without the large crowds. It is sandwiched between Echo Lake and Long Pond, providing spectacular views from both sides of the mountain.
The summit includes one of the few remaining fire towers in the area with 360 degree views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this historic fire tower was originally made of wood and used from 1941 to the mid 1950’s. Due to deterioration, the tower was replaced with steel in 1962, but was no longer manned after 1976. The first platform of the tower is always open to visitors and the National Park Service has started opening the top platform during designated times in the summer. From the top, you’ll have sweeping views of Echo Lake, Cadillac, Sargent and Acadia Mountains to the east; Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor and the Cranberry Isles to the southeast; and Long Pond to the west.
The South Ridge Loop begins on the Valley Trail at the southern end of the parking lot on Beech Mountain Road. You’ll start with an easy walk on a wide path before reaching the Canada Cliffs Trail junction, where the trail becomes narrower as it enters a lush mixed forest, winding between moss-covered boulders with a towering rock face on the right.
Since I didn't bring Romy on this trip, I had to capture other people's dogs on the trail since I need photos for the dog hiking guide I'm working on. Lucky for me, this fella was a willing dog model and a handsome devil too.
After less than a mile, you’ll join the Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop, ascending a continuous stretch of steep stone steps. At the top, you’ll proceed through an open forest with ridge views to the south and east. Just under two miles in, you’ll arrive at the summit and fire tower. Enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean and outlying islands from the platform, then return to the spacious rock-ledge area at the summit, where you and your dog can rest and take in the scenery.
From the fire tower, you'll continue following blue blazes, taking a left at the fork just beyond the tower towards the Beech Mtn parking area. At just under 2 miles, you'll reach the open views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain. It's spectacular here and there are many spots for enjoying the view and/or a snack. It's also a popular spot for watching the sunset, so you may want to time your hike for it and bring a headlamp.
There is some scrambling over larger rock required on the second half of this loop, so you may need to lift smaller dogs up and over the rock. That said, I'd still rate this hike as moderate...and something for those tiny dogs to put down on their list of accomplishments.
Continue following the blue blazes until the trail returns you to the parking lot. From this same lot, you can also explore the more technical Beech Cliffs Loop, which includes 4 ladders (tall and steep) and stunning views of Echo Lake. It also ends at Echo Lake if you'd like to go for a swim after your strenuous (stressful?) hike. Or you may choose the much easier option and just walk the summit loop at the start of this hike, which includes gently sloping, wide trails and cliffside views. Here are details for both options: Beech Cliff Trail via Beech Cliff Loop.
The Beech Mountain parking lot is about 20 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor. I will give you directions from Cafe This Way, since it's our favorite breakfast spot. From the Cafe, take a left onto Mount Desert Street, then continue straight onto ME-233 W/Eagle Lake Road. In 5.8 miles, turn right onto ME-198 N/ME-3 E. In 1.4 miles turn left onto ME-102 S. In 0.9 miles turn right onto ME-102 N. In 0.3 miles, turn left onto Beech Mountain Road and follow it for 3.1 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. You'll find clean outhouses here, which is always a treat...no need to hold back on water consumption. Enjoy any or all of the Beech Mountain hikes and reach out with questions!
ความคิดเห็น