Get To Beachcroft & Champlain Mountain To Enjoy Stunning Views

Beachcroft & Champlain Mountain South Ridge Loop: Stunning Views & Moderate Challenges Await

A beautiful passage from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach can be found via Beachcroft & Champlain South Ridge Loop. This interconnected web of trails offers multiple ways to explore Champlain Mountain. This particular route’s challenge is due to its length of 5.9 miles, and not as much its steepness, as this is one of the less steep options. If you are feeling adventurous you can come back via The Beehive Trail.

Acadia National Park is one of the most scenic National Parks I have ever had to pleasure of exploring, and its wide range of trail offerings make it that much better. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy trail that offers incredible views or hoping to spend a few hours challenging yourself, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in Acadia. Champlain Mountain is a popular area to explore because you can so much iconic scenery such as Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outer islands. Here’s everything you should know before taking this one on:

Champlain Mountain Trail Logistics

My rating of this trail is advanced because it is on the longer side. There are many great beginner trails in Acadia, but I wouldn’t say Beachcroft Trail Acadia is the best starting point for beginners. At a quick glance, this is what you’ll be getting into if you decide to take it on:

Length: 5.9 Miles Round Trip 
Height: 1055 feet tall
Elevation Gain: 1965 feet
Type: Out & Back, Loop, Connector
My Rating: Advanced 
Dog Friendly: No
Would we do it again: Yes

Virtual Champlain Mountain Trail Tour

If you’re anything like me, you like to know what you’re getting yourself into before you do it. Yes, this includes scouring menus before trying new restaurants and reading reviews of books and movies before I commit the time. What can I say? I like to make sure I’m spending my short time on earth in the best ways possible! Keep reading to get the ins and outs of what to expect on Beachcroft Trail. Acadia National Park also has a great website offering detailed information if you want a second source. 

You’ll start out on the Wild Gardens Path and down to a meadow. On the way you’ll pass a shallow body of water, signaling that it’s time to turn left towards ME Route 3. The Beachcroft Trail starts across from ME Route 3, leading hikers through granite stairs and stone pathways up the side of Huguenot Head. 

After Huguenot Head, the trail will dip down a bit before ascending Champlain Mountain. Deceiving, I know, but don’t worry, this route will save you from some of the elevation gains you might find on other trails up the mountain. Due to the rock underfoot and some mild scrambling sections, it’s not recommended to do this trail if it’s raining or has recently rained.

Continue on the South Ridge Trail to connect to the Bowl Trail. Here you’ll find your way to Sand Beach via Park Loop Road. You can choose to summit the mountain if you’d like, but there are enough amazing views along the way without it, I’m not sure I’d say it’s worth it if you’re already beat after 6 miles. 

Speaking of Views….

Views are important to me. I’m not hiking all this way just to get a workout in if there are no views. Okay, I’m joking here, but good views definitely make it easier to get through the uphill slogs that feel never-ending. Also, if you didn’t take some insta-worthy photos along the way, did you even do the hike? Make sure you don’t miss these picture-perfect spots along the way:

• Under Huguenot Head, turn back for a great view of The Tarn. This is probably one of the best spots, so don’t go too quickly through this part. Slow down, take a breath, and enjoy it (this is the same thing I have to tell myself when eating mint chocolate chip ice cream, LOL). 
• Once you get on the South Ridge Trail on Champlain Mountain, you’ll cross into an open granite area that has stellar views of Cranberry Isles and other southern islands. Make sure to take a few selfies and a panoramic picture here!
• The Bowl, a peaceful pond you’ll pass on this hike is great for some photos with a water feature.

Entering Acadia National Park

You will need to pay an entrance fee to get into the national park itself, so I always recommend planning a few days in the area to get the most out of your visit. Another pro tip is that if you plan on entering any national park in the US 3 or more times, you can purchase a yearly NP pass for just $85. This gives you unlimited access to all parks in the US for an entire YEAR. It’s well worth it, in my opinion.

Helpful Tips for Conquering the Trail

Heading out on a hike can be so exciting; we know there are views waiting, lush greenery to be seen, and fun waiting to be had, so all we can think about is hitting the trail. However, in order to maximize the fun, it’s important to maximize the safety. Here are a few reminders to be successful on the trail:

• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. This is a longer trail, so one gas station water bottle probably isn’t going to cut it. Get a big reusable bottle or even a sleek camelback backpack. I love the backpack option because it’s hands-free and I can carry snacks and other items in it as well.
• Summit snacks hit different. I always recommend refueling up throughout the hike, but if you’re prone to forgetting, pack sandwiches or a snack you’re excited to enjoy at the summit or another viewpoint. Refuel & replenish, ladies!!
• Sunscreen is your best friend. Sorry human best friends, sunscreen takes the cake. Be sure to wear a hat and sunnies as well to protect your precious noggin! 

Let Me Know if You Try This Trail!

Beachcroft & Champlain South Ridge Trail is a great way to explore Champlain Mountain. Acadia National Park has a long list of other trails if this doesn’t feel like the right fit right now. I have written about many of them on my blog. If you have a favorite trail, tell me in the comments!