Precipice Trail: Acadia's Dangerous Hike with Iron Rung Ladders and Sheer Cliffs

The Precipice Trail is one of the most famous and most dangerous trails at Acadia National Park. The trail climbs almost 1,000 feet of elevation in less than 3/4ths of a mile and along the way it traverses cliff edges and ascends steel ladders, all with a decent amount of exposure. It is not a trail you want to do if you are afraid of heights but it is an adventurous and epic climb in Acadia that I had a blast doing.
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[@rhondaz356]

Josh, that hike CERTAINLY isn't for everybody. You did an amazing job, while filming along the way. WOW That was something. 👏💥👏

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I agree 100%, it is not for everyone. I didn't fault my dad at all for not wanting to do it

[@whatskevupto2964]

The first thing I look for when I'm planning any trip in the USA is a video from this channel, thank you for constantly putting out quality content

[@ThroughMyLens]

Happy to help! So glad the videos encourage your travels as well!

[@barbarabladen8963]

OMG! I could NEVER do this, but so glad you did! THANK YOU!!! That was AMAZING!

[@blusheep2]

There is so much fog there that if you do it, like I did, in the morning fog, its not scary at all. You can't see the drop. The holds are really solid. The ladder isn't exposed at all. In face most of the trail isn't that exposed.

[@Richy.Boi.]

My vertigo is going off the scales. Thanks for filming the climb for those of us vertically challenged 😝

[@johanna7254]

Wow, I could never do that hike, congrats on conquering it!!!!!!

[@Dlee4000]

That was incredible hike Josh. Holding the camera on one hand and climbing on those iron ladders at the same time. That was impressive.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks! I used my iphone for the more crazy shots as I didn't want to bring out the camera on the ladders haha

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

Precipice is a very apt name. Thank you Josh for taking us along so we can experience this hike vicariously through you

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem! Glad you liked it!

[@steveschwartz6138]

Incredible hike. Definite bucket list hike

[@wallflower20307]

Josh, thanks so much for this video! This is the best one I've seen to really get an understanding of what this trail is like. Amazing work!

[@oebrooksjr]

We have loved hiking Acadia over the last several years. Thanks for sharing all of those precious travel moments with Pops! Your videos inspired us to drive 66 last year. Awesome!

[@MrVectrexUK]

Absolutely stunning! I have no words!

[@beebeesfuntasticadventures6110]

Such a beautiful national park. You really brave to do that hike, good job.

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you enjoyed it, it was a crazy hike for sure

[@ursinidaho]

I was thinking about you last night, you have such a cool life, Josh! And It's so cool to see your Pops enjoying himself too. You have really made a niche for yourself on utube. I wish you continued success and great adventures! Thank you for your incredible videos!

[@mwwood86]

My girlfriend and I were there back in mid-October and the colors were SPECTACULAR! We got to see the first Continental sunrise on Cadillac Mountain and then did Beehive and Jordan Pond. Regret not doing Precipice but glad to see it “through your lens”.

[@ladydiana71]

Well done! I did that hike 10 years ago and to this date, after hiking all across the US, still consider it as one of the toughest and scariest! But reaching the top and the amazing view was well worth it! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@outbackwack368]

Wow, I never even knew about this trail. Very cool! Now I gotta do it! Thanks!

[@Murfdigidy]

This is the Angel's landing of the east. I found this just as challenging as angels landing. The difference between the two is Angel's you hold onto chains for the most part to save you from falling where as Precipice youre using ladders and iron rungs. Honestly felt a tiny bit safer on angels, maybe because I'm a big guy and crawling up ladders I found challenging in spots. Either way, both trails are must dos, and the payoff at the top of Precipice is simply Amazing! Great video thx for sharing!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I love Acadia but I have bad vertigo and knee injuries so I can’t trust myself on something so steep. But Acadia is beautiful so thanks for sharing your views. I can see why pops stayed in the car. I’d just open my window to get some fresh air and nice ocean sounds and a good book. Can you imagine being one of the young men of the CCC who built that trail with all its ladders and railings

[@ThroughMyLens]

Fair enough, and no, I can't imagine being one of the people who built that trail haha

[@andreajohnson1796]

Awesomely beautiful, got to be fit for climbing would love to go and see , Thank you for taking us

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was a lot more upper body strength that I don't normally use haha

[@rephaelrechitzky9763]

OMG! This one was tooooo tough. 👹. Josh, you are super brave!

[@lornahardin4563]

Dang Josh, that made my heart pump. NO WAY would I ever do this, glad tho you did it for me. Gorgeous trip.

[@dianeflowers3339]

Josh that hike was amazing. It's out of my league.

[@OnTodaysAdventure]

Great video Josh! I cant believe we were both in Acadia at the same time - looking forward to seeing your full Acadia video as we just released ours!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hey Josh welcome to New England😊😊😊😊. My son and I have been to Acadia National Park every year and I still can't get enough of it. Four super views I would much rather drive up to Cadillac Mountain and really just enjoy the awesome views. Awesome Video Josh👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍!

[@ThroughMyLens]

It is such a special park. Full video next week where we do this, Beehive, sunrise at Cadillac Mountain and more!

[@emmamorgan7171]

Well done you! Hiking a challenging path as well as filming it for us to enjoy. Thank you - another lovely video. :)

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, I wanted to be able to share it with anyone who didn't want to do it!

[@Verlopil]

Thank you for letting me experience that through you because there is absolutely no way I'd ever do that on my own. But please don't ever put yourself in any danger trying to get footage for us.

[@vampgaia]

15 years living in Bangor, ME. I never tried that trail. I knew it would end poorly for me. It’s beautiful!

[@ThroughMyLens]

That's cool you live in Bangor, we stopped by there to see Steven Kings house on the way here!

[@bonshe52]

OMG I was dizzy just watching this. Great job climbing but I would be with your dad waiting at the bottom. Good job Pops!!

[@lynnegirard980]

Omg!! Can't believe you did this AND held a camera! Amazing 👏 🙀

[@C-TOS]

It is a very hardcore hike. Kudos for getting it done!

[@louise3993]

OMG I was freaking out just watching this video. Couple of times had to look away. Definitely a hard pass for me. Hats off to you for doing this hike.

[@ericnakamura3634]

Wow! Incredible video! The scenery and views are epic. Congrats on making it to the summit. I was sweating just watching your video from my sofa ! 😂

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Congrats on completing that trail looks crazy

[@sixpackofpeaks]

Awesome video, Josh! We will have to check this out when we visit Acadia NP!

[@wildzenventures]

This looks fantastic! My husband is terrified of heights so doubtful I could get him up there! Thanks for sharing! 💕

[@BackpackandGear]

Nice video! I'm glad you did it safely. I always appreciate hand rails and steps! Great views, and you are far from home!

[@ThroughMyLens]

About as far as it gets haha. I was so glad I got to experience this beautiful park though

[@mickiegardner3468]

Yikes!...Oh Man! This made me nervous, I'm afraid of heights. But the views were Great...Thank You for taking me along on your hike. ☺

[@brianoconnell7266]

Every time I do this trail I think of the poor men that had to carry those pieces of iron and tools to create those handrails and ladder rungs. Also every time I get to the top I think how I don't want to do it again...lol. We did this trail in July with three of our kids (16, 12, and 10), hiked down Champlain Ridge South and down Beehive. Going down Beehive was scary because it was super crowded and we had to wait for 10-15 on exposed cliffs at one point. Acadia is such an awesome place. Also those blue marks are called blazes.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

I'm glad you gave this hike its' own dedicated video. I visited acadia this summer and did Beehive but Precipice was closed for falcon nesting. I was having a hard time picturing how Precipice could be worse than Beehive and now I know!

[@EMH19812010]

Awesome video. I look forward to completing this trail next summer.

[@gregdrake9377]

Awesome hike! You did a great job, crazy climb, and great views! Might have to give it a shot!

[@shadowpanther298]

planning to do this in about a month. Im a rock climber so I believe I'll love it!

[@PsychadelicLazyHippieFreak]

I owe you an enormous "Thank you"! You've made this 55 year old, overweight couch potato the coolest guy around! I have family on the Island and would go up for a week or two every summer in the '70s and early '80s. I remember in the mid '70s (I'd be around 5-8 years old at the time) my Dad would take me on various hikes around the park. We did the Precipice 2 or 3 times during that stretch. Back then there were no warning signs, just the rebar! That was also when Thunder Hole had no bars to protect the idiots! It might have been some vertical rebar with a cable running through eyelets on top. Back then we were free to do stupid things and die. It may have kept our population smarter in aggregate at the time, but don't quote me on it. Anyway, back to the Precipice. In my memory and when I told the stories of the hike, my Dad never made a big deal out of it. We just started up and pushed through like any other hike. It was certainly a challenge. I remember coming down the other side which doesn't look too bad, but by that point my legs had turned to rubber! In my adult years looking back I've often thought "how the hell did I do that?!" I'd tell the stories of how hard it was, but I think my family just brushed it off as an old man's exaugurated memory or stretching a story to be cool. BECAUSE OF YOU, I NOW HAVE THE EVIDENCE OF HOW TOUGH AND SCAREY THE PRECIPICE IS!!! Thank you, thank you! I struggled recalling the specifics, I just remember the rebar and drop-offs, your wonderfully done video brought back all the other memories of the views and rubber legs on the decent. And as an aside to my own memories and experiences on the Island, I must say you made an excellent video, offered very insightful tips and observations and you were a pleasure to listen to throughout your narration. I Tellie Tubbied that video!! Watched "again, again"!! Thank you!!

[@toilettalk581]

Holy moly! What a thrill that was! I’ll stick to the Gorham Mountain loop when I go 😅

[@ThroughMyLens]

That is a fantastic hike as well!

[@kirkh9044]

Josh, thanks for the great video!!!!

[@pamelahousley7543]

You did an amazing job - what a wonderful video.

[@supermiss78]

Beautiful scenery! With the leaves changing color. 🍃🍁🍂The hike looks steep but fun to see it on video 😅

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea it was amazing to be in Acadia in the fall!

[@marshaharwood8883]

We did the beehive, also has rungs, it was fun, we did it last October

[@ursinidaho]

It was really cool watching you do it. I actually think I might pass on that one. Looks knarly! And you did Angels Landing! I'd be hanging with your dad.

[@DannyGallowsTunes]

So cool to see you in my home state! Hope you do more in the future. Maine is full of amazing places like this, definitely worth a road trip video!

[@shadyberero6809]

Another great video with your usual stunning imagery and great charm!

[@laurenrs]

My husband and I did this trail a few weeks ago, and it was definitely challenging! Absolutely worth the effort though, it was a lot of fun. We climbed Mount Fuji several years ago so that was by far the hardest, but Precipice is not to be taken lightly! Thanks for always putting out informative content.

[@passingthroughtime3033]

I was there 4 times in the 1970s and 80s. Loved it and ate a lot of lobster.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Eating lobster is the key here for sure

[@richardhightower8144]

Done it many times. Take the advice about not doing the Precipice during wet weather. I did it in March 2004 on a 40+ degree day when the snowmelt was rapid leaving only a few inches of snow on top of a sheet of solid ice, uhm, suboptimal from a risk mgmt perspective. To make a short story, I hit a ice sheet, lost footing (no crampons that day) and proceeded to do a death slide being saved only by one last sapling before taking a final flight. Fun fun! I descended from there, crawling backwards on all fours. If you do winter hikes in Acadia, carry your crampons. Also recommend the Beehive nearby. Try it in August - there's a spring fed pond on top that makes for a refreshing swim on a hot day. Or if you do it in winter some isolated skating.

[@strmswpt]

I am loving all of your videos. You and your Dad are a great pair as are you and your wife. I'll have you know you're responsible for adding several items to my Bucket List! Thank You! Oh, and BTW this Precipice Trail is NOT on my Bucket List - maybe the trail on the opposite side but not the one you did going up it!

[@markbois1713]

Acadia is beautiful been there a couple of times. Never hiked that trail but I will make it a point next time. One cool thing I did was kayak from Northwest bay out around the Great Cranberry Island definitely one of the highlights of my last visit.

[@hughosborn7292]

Great video !! Thank you !!

[@SARAHBEGAN1]

I wanted to do this but it had not stopped raining for days so we noped out and went down one of the less traveled paths on Cadillac mountain and I fell hard there 🙄. Oops I’m going back next year and doing this! We did one of the shorter ladder hikes and it was awesome

[@biker5662]

0:38 I really thought that was a bear on the next level down below you. This area is beautiful!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Oh man, I would have been running up the hill! haha

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

Great vid! Take a moment to think about the people who installed all of those ladders. It makes me wonder just how. Probably from the top down while securely roped and harnessed.

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

Also the Beehive trail is just about as challenging.

[@AmbientWalking]

Your channel is a part of my life's routine. Every time you drop a video, I would watch it from start to end. It's always a great pleasure to travel with you. Thanks! : )

[@RelaxedRoamer]

Such a beautiful walking trail, Enjoyed watching it 😍

[@dezertraider]

VERY COOL,THANK YOU

[@barbredgreen3403]

WOW is all I can say!!! 😍

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

The one that got away. This was closed when we went because of the peregrines. There are plenty of rungs and ladders in the park as you probably found out, but this one is the most difficult. Not sure if you visited Baxter/Katahdin, but you have got to do that one! Great video as always.

[@ChanceB02]

Im late but I loved this one

[@MattAD-ww7zy]

Love your content 😎

[@elliswoodall407]

Good one friend

[@phxgidget]

I got nervous just watching this! Josh, you deserve a 🍩 donut after this!

[@sdtimeless]

That’s a scary hike.

[@beverleyonajide4523]

Josh👋🏽all I can say is 🥺MG… I was physically sick to my stomach just watching… I almost didn’t make it to the end of the video…that’s how afraid I am of heights. Congratulations👏🏽for this accomplishment… and carrying a camera while doing it to make this video. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🎉❤👍🏽

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for watching it! Sorry it made you sick to your stomach! Hopefully you enjoy the rest of Acadia in next week's video!

[@beverleyonajide4523]

@@ThroughMyLens 🙏🏽but not your fault… I will be watching.

[@hikingelevated]

This hike looks epic! I plan on this one when I head to Acadia but laugh at the idea of it being like Angels Landing lol. Great video!

[@sirdiddles4324]

To anyone reading this who feels nervous about this hike or the views I can promise you as a long time local that this hike it far more friendly than it may seem. That first single run ladder and somewhat scrambley part is a great test for your abilities where you can easily turn around if you feel uncomfortable. If you ever hike this trail a second time you'll be laughing at yourself for how scary you talked it up to be when talking about it to friends and family.

[@Jon-jn8zx]

looks scary as hell!

[@maryfettig3378]

You are one crazy dude!

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I try 😂

[@JM-gz1ej]

Thad's one hell of a hike 👍

[@runningrock124]

very nice video!

[@lilitincher4973]

It definitely looks scary even on video! >.

[@RobHellfire666]

**In Maine, USA for those of us not familiar with the area.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Good call, I always forget to include the state!

[@manjirikharkar2599]

amazing video! This hike is not for me...but what I am amazed at, you had one hand holding your phone to shoot, while hiking. Take care though!

[@1958zed]

Uh, heck no! Great video taking me to a place I could never go. Those heights would have turned my legs to jelly.

[@SuperLOLABC]

I did the Beehive trail in April this year and as you said the Precipice trail was closed due to Falcon Nesting.

[@ThroughMyLens]

That is a great one as well, some amazing views from that trail!

[@birdman5223]

Wow😱😱

[@DrMatey215]

Great video. My lungs are shot, I could never make the hike. Thanks for the guided tour!

[@passingthroughtime3033]

My lungs are 50% gone

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

[@xrxr9273]

Im out of shape and over weight. I did this hike. Just take your time!

[@spacerx]

Wonder how it compares to the via ferratas in the Italian Alps, for anyone who's maybe done both. (I've done neither.) Looks like a junior version of a via ferrata, kinda.

[@jacinta2707]

Amazing you did that, it's way too much for me. Never endanger yourself for the videos, we could handle it if you wanted to stop anywhere. Stay safe as your number one. 🤭

[@justlivelovelaughfrugally]

It looks horrifying! I won’t do it. But, it’s beautiful.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Totally agree, it is beautiful and crazy at the same time

[@lynettepatten904]

It’s Blazes!! (Rather than marks). Like “Where in the blazes am I?” Granted, we don’t blaze in the west. ( Wait ‘til you see an intersection w multiple colors/shape blazes. )

[@ThroughMyLens]

Oh good to know, thanks for telling me! Yea I remember being confused at an intersection with the AT in Shenandoah haha

[@blakew5672]

So what’s the best time to see this park and do this hike? I’m guessing early October? Would hate to get all the way up there and the trail be closed for bird nesting or snow. Having said that, I’m perfectly content to climb this in snow or ice, just didn’t know if the parks service would allow it.

[@nancyjackson3566]

No way am I doing that! great vid tho

[@lindseygayheart3956]

How long would you say it took you to complete this hike?

[@markyuen2312]

Just curious. What made you decide to do this particular trail? I'm like your father. I wouldn't do it at all.

[@ccie4101]

I didn’t find this trail too difficult. Climbing Mt. Katahdin was more difficult, in my opinion.

[@dudeman5569]

6:50 Oh Hell No! 🤣

[@bayer54]

That’s the beehive trail right ? I hiked it and it was awesome 👏 Chill guys , it’s not that bad lol !

[@whatskevupto2964]

Nah this is the Precipice Trail, the beehive is like a mini version of this one

[@ThroughMyLens]

Beehive is a different one, I show that one in next week's video from Acadia. Precipice is like 2-4x more crazy but Beehive is a great way to get a feel for whether you want to do Precipice.

[@majorbuzz]

I made an earlier comment that it's not for me. I'm 66 years old. I wouldn't have done it when I was 18 and quite wild!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Totally makes sense, it is a crazy hike for sure!

[@conniewaite1371]

Thanks for taking me along.i am 69,I wouldn't have made it

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@mixeddrinks8100]

impressive talking and holding a camera... Isn't that a 360 camera on your backpack... might as well use that instead you mad lad. But the view is impressive. I probably would of hiked up the way you came down and go down the ladder section. Feels like it would be "safer" and easier perhaps haha.

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I tried the 360 camera a few times but didn't like the footage I got so had to stick with the phone and camera haha

[@mixeddrinks8100]

@@ThroughMyLens yea it does get warpy but the ability to not hold it and reframe later is pretty awesome.

[@MajorAddiction]

Hehe this is a no-go for Pops