Champlain Mountain via Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park, ME

Hike Champlain Mountain via Precipice Trail Acadia National Park, ME

Class 3 2.3 miles 1200 gain 1-2 hr Loop Aug 13, 2013
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Champlain Mountain via Precipice Trail GPX Track

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Enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean from the summit of Champlain Mountain after some fairly easy hiking, rock scrambles, and a mini via ferratta-like ascent. The metal rungs, ladders, and traverse aids are a fun twist and can feel dangerous at certain points. Definitely a unique hike, though one of the more popular in Acadia National Park, Maine. After the scramble, when reaching the the fork, keep left to ascend via the rungs. You'll be coming from the right on the way back to complete the loop. Or, you can extend your hike and take a shuttle back to your car hiking to Cadillac Mountain.

Though the trail isn't particularly difficult, be cautious of the sometimes wet bedrock when using the metal rungs.

Sometimes closed for endangered peregrine falcons, usually March 15 – August 15.

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A quick stop at Otter Cliffs, on the way to the Precipice Trail.
A quick stop at Otter Cliffs, on the way to the Precipice Trail.
Looking up toward Champlain Mountain. The tiny red dot is a person.
Looking up toward Champlain Mountain. The tiny red dot is a person.
The first obstacles, a nice scramble.
The first obstacles, a nice scramble.
The end of the scramble before entering the woods.
The end of the scramble before entering the woods.
Image 4 from gallery
Protected dropoff with fun wooden bridges.
Protected dropoff with fun wooden bridges.
The railing system makes the beginning of the Precipice Trail less dangerous.
The railing system makes the beginning of the Precipice Trail less dangerous.
Following the side of the rocky cliff.
Following the side of the rocky cliff.
Down some blocky steps on the edge of the cliff face.
Down some blocky steps on the edge of the cliff face.
A small stairmaster before the scariest part of the trail.
A small stairmaster before the scariest part of the trail.
Fun Class 3 obstacles along the way.
Fun Class 3 obstacles along the way.
The major portion of metal rungs leading to the summit.
The major portion of metal rungs leading to the summit.
Steep section with handhold rungs.
Steep section with handhold rungs.
The final stretch, right along the cliff face.
The final stretch, right along the cliff face.
My brother staying close to the cliff.
My brother staying close to the cliff.
Cool lookouts overlooking what would normally be the ocean, if not for the fog.
Cool lookouts overlooking what would normally be the ocean, if not for the fog.
Overlooking the ocean from the Champlain Mountain summit.
Overlooking the ocean from the Champlain Mountain summit.
Summit of Champlain Mountain.
Summit of Champlain Mountain.
Heading down from Champlain Mountain. Nice puddles embedded in the slickrock trail.
Heading down from Champlain Mountain. Nice puddles embedded in the slickrock trail.
Staircase to go down from Champlain Mountain to complete the loop.
Staircase to go down from Champlain Mountain to complete the loop.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!