Acadia’s Precipice named one of ’10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the US’

The steep Precipice Trail of Maine’s Acadia National Park was recently listed as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the US” by Fodor’s Travel, an online travel resource at fodors.com.

BDN photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Derek Runnells of Veazie looks out over Acadia National Park and the Porcupine Islands in October 2010 while hiking Precipice Trail, a steep climb of about 1,000 feet up the east face of Champlain Mountain.

BDN photo by Aislinn Sarnacki.
Derek Runnells of Veazie looks out over Acadia National Park and the Porcupine Islands in October 2010 while hiking Precipice Trail, a steep climb of about 1,000 feet up the east face of Champlain Mountain.

Precipice Trail is a daunting pathway that climbs about 1,000 feet up cliffs on the east face of Champlain Mountain. The route — which includes ladders, rungs and narrow bridges — is not recommended for people who are scared of heights. As hikers progress up the trail, views open up of the Mount Desert Island’s rugged coastline and nearby isles.

“10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the US” was published on the fodors.com on April 23 and is currently featured as the top story on the travel site’s homepage.

The other hikes that made the list: West Maroon Creek Trail in Colorado; Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park; Angel’s Landing in Utah’s Zion National Park; Kalalau Trail in Hawaii; Mooney Falls in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park; Red River Gorge in Kentucky; The Highline Trail in Montana; John Muir Trail in California; and Greenstone Ridge Trail in Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park.

Precipice Trail is often closed between March 15-Aug. 15 to protect nesting peregrine falcons, though the trail will be opened if the falcons don’t nest. To learn more about trail closures, visit http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/trailclosures.htm. Since I haven’t covered Precipice Trail for my “1-minute hike” series yet, here is a good resource to start learning about the trail: http://www.acadia.ws/precipice.htm.

 

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.