Access Trail
Hike Beech Mountain Trail 1.2 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
1-2 Hours · dogs allowed
Start Beech Mountain
A short, moderate loop on the west side of Mount Desert Island, Beech Mountain Trail provides hikers with views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain on the way up and access to one of the few remaining fire towers in the area. This hike is also a good sunset option, but carry appropriate gear and headlamps when hiking at dusk and dark.
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Terrain: Forested path, rocky trails, granite stairs and slopes, wooden steps
Hike Description
The loop begins from the Beech Mountain parking lot, on the northwest side of the lot.
At the first junction, stay right to follow the longer path to the summit.
The trail begins as a gradual forested path, however, as elevation increases, the trail becomes rockier.
The trail opens up at .5 miles to granite slabs which provide sweeping views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain. This is a popular spot to watch the sunset.
After .1 miles, keep left at the intersection towards Beech Mountain summit. The trail will feature granite and wooden steps to the summit.
At the next intersection, just below the fire tower, keep right to access the summit and fire tower. The first platform of the fire tower is open and provides views of Somes Sound, Echo Lake, Acadia Mountain, and other mountains on the east side of the Mount Desert Island.
Retrace to the intersection just below the summit, stay straight and follow the sign showing .4 miles to the Beech Mountain Parking Area.
This trail contains multiple steep granite slopes before descending into the woods. This section of trail is not recommended in wet weather.
Follow the trail down a quick, steep rocky section. At next intersection, follow the trail back to the parking lot.
Accessibility Beech Mountain Trail is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing and short, steep sections throughout. There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.
Hike Wonderland Trail 1.4 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
30-60 Minutes · dogs allowed
Start Wonderland Trail
Located between Seawall Campground and the Ship Harbor Trail on Maine Route 102A, Wonderland Trail is an old gravel fire road which leads to the ocean. It is a family-friendly coastal trail, popular for birding and tidepooling at low tide. When exploring this area, never turn your back on the water. Explore as the tide is going out, and be gentle with any creatures in the tidepools.
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Terrain: gravel fire road, rocky sections, coastline
Hike Description
Start from the parking area and follow the trail along a old gravel fire road.
The road is mostly flat with minimal roots and rocks, leading through a spruce forest before opening up to Jack Pine.
The coastline access starts close to the end and opens up to a rocky shoreline. Use caution on the rocks, especially when wet. Views of the Duck Islands to the southeast and Great Cranberry Island to the northeast can be seen from the shore.
After seeing the coastline or tidepooling during low tide, return back the same way to reach the parking area.
Accessibility The Wonderland Trail is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing in areas. There is limited parking in a small lot. Street parking is also available. No accessible parking spaces are designated. There is no toilet at the trailhead. The closest accessible toilet is at the Ship Harbor Trailhead, a short drive south.