The Maine Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

When you live in Maine, you’re basically surrounded by natural beauty everywhere you look, but it’s good to occasionally get out in the fresh air and actually immerse yourself in nature. Here’s a hike that’s fairly difficult, but the payoff is well worth your effort.

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The Beehive Loop Trail in Acadia National Park is not for everyone - it presents several challenges to those who hike it. But if you're up for an adventure, this trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the state...and there's an amazing payoff at the end. Mike Moskovich/Alltrails You'll find the trailhead on Mount Desert Island. Park at the Sand Beach Parking Area; the trailhead is near the entrance to the parking lot. Mareike Herzog/Alltrails The loop trail is just 1.3 miles long, with an elevation gain of 475 feet along the way. Keep an eye out for the bright blue trail markers to stay on track. Kevin Wu/Alltrails To climb to the summit, you'll climb some iron rung ladders that go right up the rock cliffs... Amanda Mu/Alltrails ...and in other spots, rock stairs take you up, up, up. Kim Rassier/Alltrails All this climbing is likely to leave you hot, sweaty, and tired, but at the top of Beehive Summit, you're rewarded with this stunning view of the Atlantic ocean far below. Kim Rassier/Alltrails You'll feel as though you're at the top of the world! Most days, you'll find clear skies and endless views, but even if the surrounding countryside is socked in with fog, you'll be mesmerized by this bird's eye view. Amanda Mu/Alltrails On your way back down, take a small spur trail to The Bowl - a pretty pond surrounded by trees. There's no better way to spend an afternoon than basking in the beauty of Acadia National Park. Kevin Wu/Alltrails

Have you hiked the Beehive Loop Trail? Give our readers some tips in the comments!

If you love hiking, you’ll want to check out 12 of the greatest hiking trails on Earth that are right here in Maine.