HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Precipice Trail

2.1 midistance
1,000 ftelevation gain
1h 10mmoving time
476 ft/miaverage climb

Precipice Trail is a 2.1 mi trail with 1,000 ft of climbing — about 1h 10m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 12. About 20% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 12 👶 No stroller 🚻 No restrooms 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 20% shaded

Underfoot & overhead iron rungs, seasonal falcon closure

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Precipice Trail charges in hours, not miles.

2.1 mi and 1,000 ft of climbing work out to 1h 10m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 10mmoving time, no breaks
0.6–1.2 Lwater, cool day → hot
40–70 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

476 ft per mile 1st steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Acadia National Park
20% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Acadia National Park runs around 79°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

60°F · Areas Of Fog then Light Rain Likely · wind 7 to 13 mph

NOAA forecast for Acadia National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Avoid Water Contact at Sand Beach Lagoon (Not for Sand Beach)

Bacterial levels have exceeded public health standards at Sand Beach Lagoon and a Public Health Advisory has been posted. The public is advised against swimming at this beach until bacterial levels return to...

Live NPS alert for Acadia National Park
⚠️ Several Trails Close For Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season

Effective March 1, areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Penobscot East Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. The parking lot for the Precipice Trail is also...

Live NPS alert for Acadia National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Acadia National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Precipice Trail take?

About 1h 10m of moving time for 2.1 mi and 1,000 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Precipice Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.6–1.2 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Precipice Trail?

No — Precipice Trail is closed to dogs. Our Acadia National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Precipice Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 12. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Precipice Trail?

About 20% of the route is shaded, and Acadia National Park peaks around 79°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.