everydayhiker

The Beehive, the Bowl, Gorham Mountain, Ocean Drive Loop

Moderate, 6.3 mi loop; not for fear of heights

1,142 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/11/25 Flickr Album

An extended version of the Beehive loop adding trails in this section of the park. The climbing route up to the beehive consists of ascending several tiers of vertical ledges, with grips and bridges over delicate areas leading to a great view of Bar Harbor. Includes the popular cliffs of Ocean Drive as well as Otter point area (minus what was currently closed).

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The view out from one of the tiers as you make your way up the face. Small bridge over a gap is easy to cross. I believe that peninsula is known as Great Head, with the Atlantic surrounding it.

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Looking out on the Pacific in the early morning sun, a small pond reflects the clouds in its mirrored water on the right.

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One of the cliff faces along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean near Thunder Hole.

Easy, 3.05 mi out and back 682 ft elevation gain Hiked 8/10/25

Flickr Album

Video on Flickr of porcupine scurrying away (also in that album).

A little north of Acadia National Park lies the Great Pond Mountain, which would be a fantastic place for likely both sunrise and set. I was just a touch late for the sunrise, which meant perfect timing for seeing a porcupine scrounging for breakfast. Views of Acadia were unfortunately under the fog.

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The rear side of a porcupine as it lumbers away.

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Looking south from Great Pond Mountain, Acadia National park is covered in fog.

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Fog rolls through the lowlands of Maine.

Moderate to Hard 8.0 mi Out and Back

2,497 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/8/2025

Flickr Album

After pulling back to back 4k's, I scaled it back with a 2.4k for day 3 haha. Great accessible hike that still has plenty of bite to it, with some scrambling at the very top. Adding Middle Sister gives a great view of picturesque Mt Chocorua. Still fairly hazy, but better than previous two days.

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Looking towards Mt Paugus and surrounding area, and the Sandwich Range wilderness/Bowl Research area.

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A look along the wide bald on top of Mt Chocorua, looking to the north. Bear mountain is the first mountain seen I believe, and more of the white mountains are often visible in the haze behind it than what is seen here.

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The view from an old observation platform on Middle Sister, with the ridge running to Mt Chocorua.

Hard, 9.96 mi loop

4,373 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/7/25

Flickr Album

The tallest peak in the NE and second on the eastern seaboard, there are a variety of ways to get to the summit. This route provides varying scenery and a good section of the AT. Although it didn't pan out with the clouds, the sunset route down Jewell is the play, just don't forget your headlamp.

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A neat looking transition from the sloped exposed rock to a more defined boulder stairs path. Small waterfall flowing along the watershed.

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From one peak to another. Mt Washington as seen from the peak of Mt Monroe. Well defined trail may be seen climbing its way towards the top.

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Steep stairs but a well maintained trail of rocks to make it easier as you near the summit of Mt Washington.

It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to be able to spend the last three months up here! Truly wonderful country.