Complete Guide to the Precipice Trail | Acadia National Park | 10/5/22

[@AmericasParks]

CORRECTION: I stated this trail can take up to 5 hours - that's really at a "snail's pace" (which I did due to the filming). However, the average hiker can complete the 2.5 mile loop in 2-3 hours.

[@JM-oc3vu]

Acadia is absolutely a must see for every American in their lifetime.

[@AmericasParks]

Good words, my friend!

[@kitzy521]

That first rung was by far the most difficult. We almost turned back because my wife who is not quite 5’1” had difficulty making the stretch and pulling herself up. Thankfully we pressed on. Amazing trail! We got passed by a guy in his mid 70s using trekking poles. Haha

[@AmericasParks]

Great comment! Glad it wasn't just me noticing the distance of those initial rungs!

[@meow195kitty]

skill issue

[@UsmanKhaliq10]

This is easily the best video of the precipice trail that I have seen on KZbin. I did the trail last year and it was probably my favourite trail that I have done so far across any national park.

[@AmericasParks]

Really blessed by your kind words! Thanks for the great comment... glad to hear you've enjoyed this one!

[@stanmakowski1985]

Randy, another fantastic video. I have had the pleasure of hiking both trails, Angels Landing and the Precipice Trail. Both are magnificent trails with breathtaking views. I would have to give the nod to Angels Landing, just something special about being out west and the colors of Zion. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the great perspective, Stan!

[@juliesmith444]

Amazing trail. The blue skies in the background make it so beautiful. You always meet such nice people!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks Julie!

[@Chillaxing113]

Well done Randy! I applaud you for not only climbing The Precipice but videoing it as well. You did all the work so we can enjoy it. Thank you! I had the pleasure of visiting Acadia National Park a few years ago and enjoyed the views of the Atlantic Ocean from the top of Cadillac Mountain (which I drove up to). 😁 What a beautiful area of our country! And oh my goodness! The fresh lobster! I hope you were able to enjoy that while you were there. 🦞😋 Thank you again for sharing this amazing adventure with us!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Debra! Actually had a lobster roll the day prior when I visited Schoodic Point, the northern district of Acadia. Hope to get the video up this Saturday. Have a nice week!

[@fijiwater3288]

Thanks for turning me on to this trail. Now I have to go! Beautiful video quality. These are better and better.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind and encouraging words! Hope you can visit this special place!

[@buccos2004]

I love Acadia so much and miss it. Haven't been back in quite a few years. Love the music you chose, thanks for showing me one of my favorite places on a gorgeous October day.

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoyed the comment! Same here, Acadia is a special place to me as well!

[@ilSatiroAlieno]

We climbed Angels Landing last year following your guide and we are going to try Precipice Trail next summer. Always a pleasure to watch America's Parks videos! Ciao from Italy!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the very encouraging words! Have a great time in Maine, and be sure to visit the Precipice when it is open (the hiking trail can be closed from late spring through mid-August for falcon nesting). Take care!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello America's Parks, I have traveled every year to Acadia National Park and it never gets old. I love just driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain and just soaking in the AMAZING views. Randy, WOW!!! AWESOME!

[@AmericasParks]

Right on, my fiend! Special place indeed!

[@mariagedwards8721]

Love all your amazing videos!!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that, Maria!

[@hcrana302]

Randy, excellent video. Amazing views. Appreciate all the tips.

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate knowing that! Have a super weekend!

[@madamecampsalot6384]

One of my favorite parks. Love both the precipice and the beehive. I've been away too long. Thanks for the memories.

[@carolynedwards1045]

Thanks for such great description and detail about the trails. It really helps when we travel. Happy Resurrection Day!!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Great to know, Carolyn. Hope you had a blessed Resurrection Day too!

[@robertross2596]

Acadia was one of my first nat'l parks years ago ( late 1970's?!) but I still remember it well! Since I'll be 75 in July, I don't think I'd be able to do your upward trek; however, I'm still getting out there. I sent you some recent nat'l park paintings via email...hope you get them. Have a terrific Easter!

[@AmericasParks]

Such a special place, Robert!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Yes, if this is not as scary as Angel's Landing, then I could definitely do this since I have done Angel's Landing Landing before!! This is a great video, and you did an awesome job with it! Nice work with the filming, and the 360° camera was totally perfect for this one! I appreciate you explaining everything about this hike, which is gonna be very helpful for me and everybody else who does this hike in the future! It's great to see another national park video from you, Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, Eric! Hope you can get out to Acadia... amazing NP!

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Randy, I enjoyed this video very much. I would love to hike this one someday. It seems quite strenuous and challenging. I love all the surrounding beauty. Even though I have never hiked The Precipice Trail, I would agree with your overall total comparison..... God Bless you and your family and I wish everyone a Very Happy Easter.... Robin 🙏

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, brother... hope you had a blessed day and worshipful weekend!

[@beehappee2883]

Wow so beautiful! Thank you for making this video! Happy trails💕🥾🌄

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@johnmoritsugu5029]

Very enjoyable video about a great hike. One beef - I did the Precipice about six weeks before Randy. I was a few months short of 67 at the time, moderately fit, and I was back to my car in 2:10. Randy talks about up to 5 hours to complete - it's a much shorter hike than that.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey John, thanks for the comment! Yeah, recall stating that on the way up - not sure where I received that information. It took me about 5 hours due to the filming, but you are correct - the better estimation would be 2-3 hours to fully complete the loop.

[@devinmckeever1266]

Thank you for the high quality video. It's great to see so that I don't have to do it now lol. I walked up to the sign yesterday and it was very discouraging so I went down the road to the beehive trail. I must say I'm triggered by your 3/10 fear factor rating of it.😂 It was not for the faint of heart but I'm certainly not very experienced. Stay safe out there!

[@AmericasParks]

Loved the comment, my friend! So glad you had a wonderful time in Acadia!

[@derikroy5]

Being a maine native who's hiked the trail, you did it justice. The views are what makes it worth it. So amazing. ❤ Knifes edge on Mt. Katahdin, that's a different animal altogether! If you like a difficult/quite dangerous climb, it will check all the boxes for you. It's certainly not for the feint of heart.

[@TheWanderingWulfs]

Great video! We'd love to make it out that way to Acadia. We just got done hiking Angels Landing in Zion and if we can do that one we can totally do this one. Lol. We've been to Zion three times now and absolutely love it. The permit system for Angels Landing is working, too. We almost had the whole trail and the summit all to ourselves. Amazing. Thanks again for a great video! God bless! 🙏😇

[@AmericasParks]

God bless you guys as well! Acadia imho is the best NP place east of the Mississippi!

[@nateholdren8334]

Another great video. They keep rolling along. 👍⭐️😀

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much Nate!

[@KZ-gi7ey]

Thanks so much for this upload! I’ve done this hike- and the views were amazing!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear you have experienced this gem! Thanks for the kind words!

[@adarajennifer]

I've done the Precipice twice (way longer than 5 hours, no joke), but you've convinced me I've got to go at least once more! My knees are already rebelling. Too bad. Thanks for the great video!

[@AmericasParks]

Glad I convinced you to get out there agin! :) Appreciate the kind words!

[@elizabeththackery5788]

My favorite NP! I’m not so great with heights. Thank you for taking us along on this hike. So beautiful!

[@AmericasParks]

Good taste... Acadia is fantastic! So beautiful with so much to do! Thanks for the kind words!

[@kristalann1973]

Wow such a beautiful and challenging hike!! Acadia is on my bucket list for visiting…I have hiked Angels Landing and I have never hiked anything so beautiful and awe inspiring but look forward to hiking more new NPs in the future❤Happy Easter to you and your family Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words, Kristal! Hope you had a blessed day!

[@21Swayzee]

Oh man, I got to get on this trail. Love the rugged beauty of the area. At times, reminded me of areas around L. Superior. Way to give er, and thanks for showcasing this trek.

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, my friend! Acadia is really a special place... hope you can get out there!

[@melissamcgillivray]

Thank you for being so inspiring! I think this is a beautiful hike and looks like a lot of fun so definitely on the list. I love a good rock scramble. There are so many places in Southern California that you can get a good scramble in and those are my favorite hiking trails. Love that the trail isn’t too crowded. I tend to be a late afternoon/evening hiker so I usually start trails later in the day and often see a bunch of people leaving but not many ascending. It makes it way less crowded but you are definitely on a time crunch as well and need to know when the sun sets and be prepared in case you miss you mark and it gets a little dark. Still miss the heat of the day and peak traffic and that’s fine by me. I am a petite woman so when scrambling I always need to find my own path and make sure I have a good pair of gripping shoes on to ensure I can find the right footholds and handholds. It can turn a less technical hike into a more technical hike because often these trails are built for taller people and my arms and legs do not have the reach! Other trails that are not marked and completely a go out and find your own adventure have similar challenges. Always remember with different body types you need to find paths that work for you. Just because you are hiking with a buddy doesn’t mean you can take the same route safely.

[@AmericasParks]

Interesting insights, Melissa! That is the key to enjoyable and successful hiking... get some input from the "experts", but find out what works best for you. All the best with your future adventures!

[@neilholland6558]

Well done! Love your videos!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that, Neil!

[@jameshouse1268]

Thanks for sharing this stunning area and this unique and beautiful hike! I sure would love to do that hike sometime. Take care always 😊

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, James! Hope you can get out there!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

You sold me at oh I don't know... "Angel's Landing"? Impressive as always! That is one crazy "trail".

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Would love to see you and Jim on this one! :)

[@kaylasmith1515]

What a cool hike! Never hear of that one before. Everyone you met was so friendly 😄

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words, Kayla! The fam watched your "greatest NP memories" video earlier this evening!

[@birdman5223]

Another gem MrRandy🤓

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much!

[@5085august]

you are a bad ass! thanks for sharing with us.

[@bikeride2025]

It really! Do the rim to rim in the Grand Canyon Then maybe so

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

I have a question. First off, great video as always. We loved visiting Acadia! I have watched many Angel's Landing videos including yours and many Precipice videos. We have done Katahdin. You have done Katahdin. Where is Precipice compared to that? Being afraid of heights, I am petrified of Angel's Landing (and Knife's Edge) atop Katahdin. Would you say this is ... easier?

[@kitzy521]

I don’t have any experience with Katahdin but we did angels landing and precipice (and beehive, precipice’s smaller, slightly more scenic sibling) and angels landing was way worse. I had zero fear on precipice but angels landing gave me that queasy and disorienting feeling from time to time. And I love heights. I enjoyed angels landing more.

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

@@kitzy521 I appreciate that! We have done Beehive, which wasn’t an issue, but we went during July years ago and Precipice was closed. I am thinking I can do it, but am always wary 😂

[@kitzy521]

@@MagellanandGreyhound in my opinion, the only thing precipice really has over beehive is the elevation. Maybe I wasn’t as impressed because we went there with plans to do Beehive and didn’t even know about Precipice. We knocked Beehive off first so Precipice didn’t seem as unique at the time. Absolutely loved both though.

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

@@kitzy521 it's hard to be unimpressed by Acadia, but I know what you mean. We've done so many hard trails where easier ones give you a similar benefit. I'm just trying to build myself up to Angel's landing ahaha. Not sure I ever will

[@AmericasParks]

@@kitzy521 Totally agree with your remarks!

[@lorimb4753]

This was mesmerizing. Having vertigo I could never do things like this. I got dizzy in places! Lol Thank you for sharing. It was truly beautiful.

[@AmericasParks]

haha! This was really a unique hike with some challenging spots!

[@tylerbledsoe4478]

Amazing, thank you for another great video! I hope that you and the rest of your family have a wonderful and Happy Easter Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Hope you had a blessed day, brother!

[@tylerbledsoe4478]

Thank you Randy, today was an amazing day!

[@cooperstravels5725]

Heading there in October. Thanks for sharing the Precipice.

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoy! Hope you get some nice fall colors. Special place!

[@jimgreen5788]

Randy, I'm glad you did this one in my place, because I couldn't have done it. I probably would have talked myself off into the wild blue yonder, considering how narrow some of those sections are.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Jim!

[@andyvawser4943]

That hike looks amazing. I'd probably do this one, but I'm still not convinced that Angel's Landing is in my comfort zone yet! Spring temperatures have finally hit and this video really makes me want to get out and see some country on foot. Hoping to see many more great adventures from you this year!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, brother! You'd love this trail. Enough exposure to make it adventurous - but nothing like Angels Landing. Hope you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

[@susiecolorado]

It was so much fun! 😊 gorgeous views!

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Susan!

[@DestinationEarth]

This looks like an awesome hike! Not far from me - I'll have to pop down and do this sometime! The view is unmatched! Stunning. Glad you don't have to try and go back down that way, lol

[@AmericasParks]

Highly recommend, my friend!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Such an incredible adventure. Thank you for sharing and for the lengths you go to in order to bring us the fantastic footage. Acadia is on our list for next summer, and I am beyond excited to visit this wonderful place. It is high on my most anticipated parks to visit. On this Easter weekend, much love and blessings to you and your wonderful family, my friend

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, my friend! Hope you had a blessed day as well! Glad to hear you are looking at Acadia next summer. Special place!

[@jeepsummit3729]

Such a cool trail. Did it for the first time yesterday. It was a little slick from the rain so it was a little sketch. Apparently there is a cave called great cave that is no longer on the map but is well documented on how to get to it. Would love to go back and find it

[@AmericasParks]

Congratulation on your hike! Never heard about the cave, but thanks for the heads-up!

[@jeepsummit3729]

@@AmericasParks abandonedtrailsofacadianationalpark.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-great-cave-acadia-national-park.html Website has some good information about it, as well as some other caves and closed trails. Pretty cool!

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

Looks incredible! I am a little afraid of heights, I can do ladders but they make me nervous. I am decent at hiking though and scrambles. We’re going in August I can’t wait!

[@AmericasParks]

Acadia is really a beautiful place and very dear to my heart. Be safe and enjoy!

[@travelingfool9096]

I try and do thievery time. Couldn't do Angles, but doing Scott landing was awesome and I'd say better. been to this park over 10 times, east coaster here. anywhere because of granite , rain very scary.

[@ricklarry4212]

Breathtaking views on this trail, Randy. Some sketchy areas and it looks like the ladder rungs at the beginning are spaced very far apart. Overall it looks very doable. I do think Angels Landing in Utah is much more challenging for the acrophobic among us. Thanks for sharing.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on with your remarks, Larry!

[@potatothorn]

fantastic hike! the iron rungs and better footing make it look a little easier than zion but still Wow some crazy rock climbing and edges/ spectacular views, love seeing all the islands out there. Hooray for Easter Season we are enjoying this on Easter Sunday, even though the hike did not take place on Easter it is fitting to watch you struggle up a hill today for the traditional Easter hike some people do...

[@AmericasParks]

Great words... love the connection to Easter! Best day of the year!

[@sm753]

Lol - thanks for the video. I just got home from Acadia - I had planned on doing the Precipice Trail but after the climb up the Beehive I decided to opt out...fear of heights was definitely kicking in on that one. This would I'm not sure I would have been able to make it.

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoyed the comment! Great to hear you respect your sense of safety! Acadia will always be one of my favorite National Parks!

[@markherrick3747]

I didn't think I was really afraid of heights... now I'm not so sure. :) Great video Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, Mark! :)

[@NickandRachel]

Wow that really is a beautiful hike! Like those 360 camera shots when you were hiking on the edge! We just got back from Olympic National Park and we're thinking about possibly doing Acadia National Park in September or October If we're able to. What do you think would be the best month to go?

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you guys got to experience Olympic! As for Acadia - the summer is good, I prefer the fall. I was there early October, still a little too early for the fall colors.

[@Jennanyree]

Awesome hike! I will attempt this hike in the future, but I'm not sure how far my fear of heights will allow me to go😬

[@AmericasParks]

Special hike, Jenna! Hope you can get out there... only a couple of seriously exposed sections near the top.

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

Since I want to see another birthday, don't think I will ever be doing that trail. It's beautiful though. Great video

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Thanks for the great comment! :)

[@DKong1026]

Great video! October 3rd and you're in a tank top and shorts? What were the temps like when you were out there? lol. I always figured Maine would be cold in October. I've never done this hike but I have done Angel's Landing. From your video this actually looks scarier to me lol. Maybe the exposure looks crazier on camera than in person? Maybe I just think the iron rungs looks sketchy? idk.

[@AmericasParks]

Great comments! Yeah, 4 times up Angels Landing and I believe that one was much more terrifying. I believe the rungs give more security than the chains too. Take care!

[@myjourneysinfaith]

Wow, amazing. What a gorgeous and terrifying trail. Not for me, but thanks for sharing.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nancycronin601]

Not for me but really enjoyed watching you. Thanks for sharing. Incredible views.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Nancy!

[@TJ_Wayne]

I'll have to go back up and do this one

[@chris5459]

Wonderful video! I love Acadia, my favorite park. How did you film those way high above clips? A balloon or drone? Wonderful music

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, Chris! Actually those shots were done with a 360 camera on a 10 foot selfie stick with a fish eye lens. I have it listed in the video "description."

[@BravoKilo00]

Awesome video, is the trail dangerous to the point where harness and carabiner tether is necessary? Should I bring/wear it as precaution? Thanks in advance!

[@AmericasParks]

Sorry for the late reply, safety is always preeminent, but I don't think those protective devices are necessary. Only a few sketchy areas that are fine if you are careful. Didn't see anyone up there with any of these things. Yet always make your own decisions regarding your safety.

[@jacqulynjohnson653]

I couldn’t help but think of the following verses watching your gorgeous video. Maybe a great object lesson, (illustration), for a sermon?! “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ (And you hike it all in tennies!! Lol)

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to know you have eyes to see, Jacqulyn! Blessed by your insightful and edifying words!

[@jacqulynjohnson653]

@@AmericasParks Thank you! (We’ve hiked Angels Landing, now we need to hike the Precipice!!)

[@Thecybertruckdude]

That must of been crazy

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for watching!

[@stepsgaming]

You hiked two mountains in Maine same day 10/3/22? I see a view a few weeks back says same day! That’s a lot of hiking

[@AmericasParks]

Might have messed up on the dates I posted - actually they were two days apart. Have a super week!

[@matthiasjurcik3871]

great park

[@AmericasParks]

Right on!

[@user-ux6tk8pi9i]

My Friend! How have you been?

[@coastskyadventures2752]

This hike is crazy. Wow. I would have been done in the beginning. 😅

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Hope you had a great weekend!

[@rebeccahite910]

So we cannot hike this is the summer du to it being nesting season?!?! Is any part of it open? 😭

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, check the NP website for the dates when the trail is open. I believe it's closed most of the summer due to the falcon nesting. As an alternative, I would recommend "The Beehive" trail, a smaller but nice alternative.

[@Rob-yv9og]

What camera drone does one hypothetically use to get the aerials you are getting

[@AmericasParks]

Actually, drones are illegal in all the NP's. Those shots were taken with a 360 camera, fisheye on a 10-foot "disappearing" selfie stick.

[@AmericasParks]

Insta360 Selfie Stick (27.56in): amzn.to/34HhfxV Insta360 Extra Long (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick: amzn.to/3uLXIqP

[@AmericasParks]

Insta360Onex2 360 Camera: amzn.to/3vYMxw0

[@sheilabloom6735]

It reminds me of a via rapatta.

[@davidpiersall1727]

Along the lines of most scenic and most scary trail I’m curious what is the most physically demanding trail you’ve done and a couple runner ups. Happy Easter to you and your family.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey David, would have to say Half Dome, Grand Canyon and Mt. St. Helen's. Hope you had a blessed day!

[@tomthatcher7757]

How does this trail compare to the dome in Yosemite that you and your daughter hiked?

[@AmericasParks]

Less dangerous, way easier in regards to distance and elevation. This is a great trail, but really not in the class with Half Dome.

[@charliematt4808]

If God wanted me to walk that trail he would have given me wings.

[@brrrrharrr]

I subscribed around 49 seconds

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you and welcome to the adventure!

[@normiewoo787]

That did actually look pretty scary. Okay, so it's not as scary as Angels Landing, but of all the trails you've done, what is the second-scariest, assuming that Angels Landing is the scariest? Half Dome? Texas Highpoint Trail? Bright Angel Trail? Mt. St. Helens summit?

[@AmericasParks]

As far as scariest in order: Angels Landing, Half Dome, Precipice. None of the rest were really that fearful.

[@LaurenStahl-b7y]

More or less difficult than Jordan Cliff’s?

[@AmericasParks]

Sorry, not familiar with that one.

[@elaineresendez4419]

I think angels landing is prettier. As for the degree of difficulty that placer might be a little more difficult

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate your personal perspective!

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

I honestly don’t know how one can compare these two trails. Fall 100’ or 700’ you’re just as dead. As for the beauty of the surroundings, they are both exceptional. Some like ocean views, some like red rock.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, falls will end with the same result, but imho, the chance of falling/exposed ledges at the Precipice seems less intimidating. Kind of answering it from "fear factor" perspective.