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.
The trailhead for the South Ridge Loop is located at the south end of the Beech Mountain parking lot at the end of Beech Mountain Road. This loop begins on the Valley Trail, which is flat and wide. At 0.27 miles, you'll arrive at a junction with the Canada Cliffs Trail. Bear right here to continue on the Valley Trail. The trail becomes more narrow, mossy and magical as it winds past small streams and between large boulders covered in cloaks of green. 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.
At just under a mile, you'll rake a right to connect with the Beech Mountain South Ridge Trail and ascend an almost continuous section of stone steps. When the stone steps end, the trail is marked by blue blazes painted on rocks. At 1.7 miles, you'll reach the Beech Mountain Summit and fire tower. Although this view is pretty sweet, it's somewhat obstructed by trees. But better views are coming, just you wait.
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. It's spectacular here and there are many spots for enjoying the view and/or a snack.
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!
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