Beech Cliff Loop Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Access this trail by driving south to the end of Beech Hill Rd at the Beech Mountain Trail Parking Lot. At the north end of the lot, across the road, is the trailhead marker.

Begin this lollipop loop trail heading eastward through a heavily wooded singletrack trail that ascends gradually upward. At 0.2 miles, the trail connects with the Beech Cliff Trail and Canada Cliffs Trail to the right, and to its own return loop to the left. Continue forward, northeast, and you'll soon reach a series of weathered granite outcrops that afford views of Mount Desert Island in all directions.

The trail turns north along the cliffs and one can look down on Echo Lake and Echo Lake Beach, the only lake in the Acadia National Park that allows swimming. We saw kayakers and swimmers there on Labor Day. At 0.4 miles, the trail takes a hairpin turn south through the woods. At 0.6 miles, one reaches the junction again with Beech Cliff Trail and Canada Cliffs Trail. Turn right and descend. Return the way you came, but come back changed.

Beech trees and various evergreens dot this area. Hawks and turkey vultures loop the skies. Peregrine falcons may be spotted in the spring.