Beech Mountain Trail Head — Attraction in Southwest Harbor

We did just two true hikes while visiting Acadia National Park — Beehive Loop and Beech Mountain. Beehive certainly is more popular, but Beech Mountain was our favorite and felt like a hidden gem. At the top we were rewarded with beautiful views that, IMO, rival Cadillac Mountain, and the added intrigue of a fire watch tower that you can partially climb up. There are a few different routes up to the summit of the mountain, but the one we took from this parking lot was pretty direct and not too challenging - I would describe as moderate since we did have to stop and catch our breath a few times! At the top we ran into people of all ages, from small children to their grandparents. The terrain was more than manageable in our regular running shoes. Roundtrip, including a leisurely stop for photos at the top, was about 1 hour. This is well worth a stop if you are...

1 mile loop trail to the lookout tower. Parking was a little hard to find and people were parked on the road too. We went clockwise which is steeper but only .4 miles to the top. The other way is .7 miles and I felt was prettier and much easier to climb down for people like me with not so strong knees. Either way would be totally fine for people that have no knee issues. The view up at the summit was gorgeous. The tower you can go up one level and it's closer above but still fun to climb up to take pictures. as we came down we found many awesome spots with clear view of the lakes and took many pictures. Totally recommend this trail. Moderate intensity in my opinion but very...

This hike will take you up to the Beech Mountain lookout tower. The trail can be a little steep on some of the rock surfaces but most should be able to do this hike with no problem. Take water, and some grippy hiking boots and all will be fine. Once at the summit you can visit the lookout tower. The tower was not open on the day my Wife and I visited, but the small lower platform can be accessed. I feel the hike up to it was the funnest part, and hopefully next time I visit the lookout tower...