Beech Mountain South Ridge Trail

Beech Mountain South Ridge Trail is a 0.8-mile, one-way climb from the Valley Trail junction to Beech Mountain’s summit. That is the named ridge segment, not a parking-lot distance. Start at the south end of Beech Mountain’s parking area, follow Valley Trail past the Canada Cliff junction and the boulder passage called the Grotto, then turn right onto South Ridge. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the ridge climb. From the summit, follow Beech Mountain Loop back to the lot for the full 2.1-mile South Ridge outing; the mapped line here covers only South Ridge. You can also turn around at the summit and retrace the segment.

Valley Trail is an easy walk through mixed forest, with a steep cliff and scattered boulders at the Grotto. South Ridge then zigzags uphill through the woods. Stone steps lead to a south-facing opening, and higher on the ridge the trees give way to views of mountains to the east and west. Expect uneven ground and short, steep stretches rather than a smooth climb.

Beech Mountain rises to 839 feet and has an old fire tower at the top. The first platform is open to visitors, with views toward Somes Sound, Echo Lake, Acadia Mountain, and the peaks on the east side of Mount Desert Island. At the granite openings, include a strip of bare rock in the foreground to show the height of the ridge against the water and wooded islands.

The route is not accessible for wheelchairs, and the exposed granite slopes can be slippery: avoid the South Ridge in wet weather. Acadia’s entrance pass is required year-round. Dogs may accompany hikers on a leash no longer than six feet, but cannot go onto the fire tower. Restrooms are near the parking area.