Hike Beachcroft Path

The Beachcroft Path is a memorial path constructed in 1915. It was funded by Anna Warren Ingersoll Smith in memory of her husband Charles Morton Smith. It is named after their summer cottage in Bar Harbor. In 1926, Mrs. Smith, upset with the condition of the trail under park service management, established an endowment fund for maintenance, which led to improvement of the trail. 

Take this trail to hike towards Champlain Mountain for panoramic coastal mountain views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outlying islands.

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Terrain: Forested path, steep, exposed rocky sections, cut stone steps

Hike Description

• Start at the Beachcroft Path Trailhead, located off ME Route 3. Use care crossing the road.
  • This trail can also be started from Sieur de Monts via the Wild Gardens Path (add .6 miles round trip). Once reaching the Tarn, turn left and continue to ME Route 3. The Beachcroft Path Trailhead is across ME Route 3 slightly to the right.
• Follow the cut granite stairs and flat stone pathways up the side of Huguenot Head, crossing a large boulder field. Enjoy views of Dorr Mountain and the Tarn below.
• After circling around Huguenot Head, the trail dips slightly before ascending Champlain Mountain. This section of trail has granite stairs and rocky scrambles up granite ledges.
• Before the summit, the trail goes over large expanses of granite. It is not recommended in wet weather.
• Reach the 1,058 ft peak of Champlain Mountain and enjoy views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outlying islands.
• Return back the same way to the Beachcroft Path Trailhead.

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

This hike is 2 miles round trip. Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. For an average pace, this hike takes 1 to 2 hours.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Activity Fee

No

Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Beachcroft Path

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Beachcroft Path Trailhead

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: From Hulls Cove Visitor Center, proceed to the four-way intersection. Turn left and then right at the stop sign onto ME Route 3. Follow ME Route 3 south and turn left onto Mt. Desert Street. Turn right onto Main Street and continue on ME Route 3 through Bar Harbor for 2 miles. Pass Jackson Labratories and the entrance to Sieur de Monts. Parking for Beachcroft Path Trailhead is on your right.

• By bus: Take the Island Explorer (mid-June to October) to Sieur de Monts and follow the Wild Gardens Path to connect with Beachcroft Path. Check bus schedules for times and routes.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Beachcroft Path is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing and short, steep sections throughout.

There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.

This profile is only from the trailhead on Rt. 3 and doesn’t include the connection to Sieur de Monts.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile or a topographic map before hiking.
• Bring a map, water, snacks, compass, and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather.
• Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
• Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
• Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.