Unboring Exploring: Precipice Trail, Acadia NP

WOWZA this is one hair-raising trail! Come clamber up Acadia National Park's most infamous trail, Precipice, & come face to face with its iron-runged greatness. This version of the trek packs more EPIC in it's 1.6 miles than any other trail I've ever tackled. You can take my word for it, or go see for yourself!
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For more information on this hike, visit:
www.acadiamagic.com/precipice-...

[@JeffHochberg]

I hiked/climbed Precipice when I was 12 years old! What’s amazing is that watching this video brought back all of my memories of it. Wow!

[@lunch7213]

Since I am totally uncoordinated, I’d love to go on a hike like this, without the risk of, you know, DYING

[@kevinbrzostek7552]

Looks awesome! Sadly I'm going in June, so it will be closed. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the park though

[@Panthers1521]

Looks awesome!

[@MrJHarley17]

Just hiked/climbed this over the summer. Was very fun. We lost 2 at that first challenge lol the other 4 made it no problem. The views are amazing.

[@Travelwithchris]

Doing that trail tomorrow! Awesomely video! I'm loving Acadia so much!

[@franco817]

Heyyy it's Chris! Nice seeing you here

[@maineterrain2154]

Thank you for posting. I will experience the climb vicariously! Subscribed

[@UnboringExploring]

Thanks for watching AND subscribing! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@BlueGlassHue]

Thanks for sharing! Great video and narration !!!

[@UnboringExploring]

Hue Le Thank you thank you :)

[@craigcochran4017]

Great summary of the trail! Thank you!

[@UnboringExploring]

Thanks for watching :D !

[@samirdhindhwal7591]

Did it today (up and down the same way - it was a very dry day or I never would have attempted it). I wanted to let you know your video - in addition to being fun to watch - was very informative and helpful. Thank you again...rock on!

[@UnboringExploring]

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the hike and am extremely impressed you did the DOWN way 😱! Happy to hear the video was helpful 😄 Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Acadia!

[@madmofo4037]

Great summit view!

[@admiralcapn]

Immediate subscribe - I love learning about great hikes in the National Parks!

[@UnboringExploring]

admiralcapn Glad ya do! This one's a doozy ;)

[@umbral-ash]

Heading up to Maine tomorrow. Can't wait for some OTHER trails. Hehe well it's probably closed anyway. Those ledges look a bit too sketchy, but hey I hiked Mount Monadnock once in the dead of snow capped winter 🥺

[@andrenj1970]

just wow

[@AbdulRahimGreen]

I was here in 2017. I was wandering somewhere off the trail and caught it somewhere near where it starts to go verticle. Didn't even know anything about the trail or that it existed. Until I came back down and found the trail head only to read I wasn't supposed to climb it because it was closed during that time of year. I was just looking for a place to smoke a bowl and wandered upon it 😅

[@Travelwithchris]

Ahah sounds like me yesterday! Lol

[@starshipjive411]

I've done the Precipice Trail, back when I wanna say around 18 or 19. And I had next to zero climbing experience but I was talked (badgered) into it. "It's an easy looking trail" they told me -_-

[@stevec1022]

Great narration. Very good video

[@mepmep7213]

Fun climb, did it in my youth!!!!

[@joeshotsgarcia5138]

Thanks for sharing. Cool video.

[@Steve6427177]

DEFINITELY not boring. I've gotta try this, and I'd like to think I wouldn't wet my pants a little.

[@AdnanKhan-gh3gq]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@UnboringExploring]

Thanks for watchin'!

[@DylanOutdoors1]

Wow, this trail looks awesome. Great video

[@UnboringExploring]

Thanks for watchin' :) !

[@misterlarryb]

Wow, Krysti, great video! NOT a trail for someone with sweaty hands! My wife did this hike about a year ago and recognized many of her challenging points along the way. Excellent tip - trail closed March to August. We were lucky to be there in October. She said besides the physical challenge of climbing those rungs and rocks, the element of exposure was intimidating and exhilarating - being OUT there in the open on the cliff! Also a good tip now to check the status of the reservation system in place. Also, congrats on being the first Precipice Trail video suggested by Google!

[@UnboringExploring]

Thank you so much for watching, Larry! Glad your wife enjoyed her ascent up this doozy of a hike. Also, yes, it's kinda crazy this video has become #1 for "Precipice Trail" haha 😆

[@rg500930]

@@UnboringExploring I can see why.

[@thelakeman5207]

Is the Bee Hive Trail also closed March to August?

[@bbhelen]

@@thelakeman5207 we hiked bee hive in August 2016, but not sure the situation now… breathtaking view, highly recommended if it’s open! It’s pretty short (less than a mile) and my 6-yr-old one made it. Very proud of her!

[@mariaaraujo65]

I love your videos

[@UnboringExploring]

Why thank you! Glad you're a fan :)

[@wagzzzz]

What’s with all the rebar??

[@domenicomirante8057]

excellent video very very well done happy trails!!

[@UnboringExploring]

Thanks so much, Domenico! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@jacobehrenpreis1593]

I got dizzy watching this - i take it that you can ascend the opposite way ( ie the descent way ) and it'll be much more routine??

[@CHESSIE222]

Wow good film and narration. We are going there this June and it'll be closed! That blows! Maybe we can try Holly Huckleberrys Beehive trail.

[@UnboringExploring]

Thanks for watching! Acadia is a beautiful place all 'round - I'm sure whichever trail you do will be spectacular ;) Enjoy your trip!

[@donaldbadowski290]

I did this in 2003 with my wife. I didn't think she'd want to go, but she surprised me. So a little more than half way up, after the walk on the ledge, I hear a woman crying. We keep going, and around a little bend and there is a young couple, the woman crying. "I don't think I can keep doing this." And the guy says "Honey, you have to keep going. If you try to go back down the trail at this point it's going to be much worse." She gives him a venomous look, then she notices my wife and I. All smiles. "Oh, hi!" I'm betting no love for him that night.

[@thelakeman5207]

Did this trail back around 2003. Danger factor is very high. I compare it to Angel's Landing trail in Zion Nat'l Park. Believe me, it'll be a memorable hike.

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

I did Angel's Landing. Was wondering how it compares. Thanks.

[@thelakeman5207]

@@magellanicspaceclouds The Precipice isn't as high. It's highest point is maybe 900 feet. It starts off easy but by 2/3 of the way up, it gets scary. Some spots you are on a ledge 1 foot wide, holding iron rungs as you go. One spot, near the top, you have to step out onto an iron ladder (below you is around 400 feet straight down) to climb up to the next ledge. Angel's Landing and The Precipice will get your heart rate pumping! The scenery on both is breathtaking! Nearby The Precipice is the Bee Hive Trail. Almost as scary as The Precipice.

[@SmackDab]

Great video and great voiceover!

[@UnboringExploring]

Thank you for the kind words - and glad you enjoyed it!

[@jayyavid5363]

Wow, this is your most viewed video!! Acadia must hold some awesome sites! i hear it has cool fog...

[@UnboringExploring]

It DOES have awesome sites...and fog! (seen here goo.gl/qfcBbb) Certainly worth a visit, to say the least ;)

[@brucebarton8477]

Did in the 80's no steel!

[@wenhuang7989]

Kids today had it easy!

[@HimalayaSolukhumbuNepal]

Wow so nice

[@lmrdjm275]

Great video, I was just in Acadia and didn't do the Precipice but now wish I did. Is there anything similar to the Precipice Trail closer to the Philly area? I don't see myself driving all the way up to Maine again anytime soon. Watching this makes me regret so much not hiking this trail. Glad I did the Beehive though. I love your other videos too, I hiked in Montserat Spain when I was in college back in 1999. Beautiful. Also, your videos are so encouraging unlike others I've seen where all they do is focus on the danger of the hike.

[@UnboringExploring]

Appreciate the kind words & glad you enjoy the videos! Hmm a similar hike near Philly? Well, 6ish hrs from you there's Nelson Rocks in Circleville, WV (seen here goo.gl/UoDXzN) I've never been, but it looks pretty EPIC (tho requires a guide, I think) AND it's closer than Maine! haha Otherwise, a generally awesome place to check out close to you is Ricketts Glen State Park, PA (if you've never been). It's about 2.5 hours from Philly and offers about a million waterfalls paired with a strenuous hike...check it out!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpqrl42fdr-NqZY - Hope that helps :D

[@windyventure]

Oh man! I just did the beehive trail and was dying of fear (and excitement) I'm uploading my video of it right now too! Anywho i was gonna do this hike but it was closed as you mentioned but after watching this video I think the beehive was a better fit for me!! I loved your video though great writing great filming I'm gonna subscribe! 👌 👍 you... ROCK! (I can do puns too, see?)

[@itsnotallrainbowsandunicor1505]

The Beehive is a good warm up trail. I suggest doing it once or twice if you have a fear of heights. Precipice is truly unique with a return route that is very gentle. I did the Precipice with my two daughters one who is very short. She has a cup 'Life is short and so am I'. Anyway, she had to stretch it for a few rungs, but they did fine. Usually it's I that is scared of heights and we did the Precipice before Bee Hive.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

If you did beehive, you can probably do this one with a small dose of courage. It's really the anticipation of doing this hike that's worse than the hike itself, at least in my experience. Just hiked Precipice this weekend and it really wasn't bad. I have a sense that Katahdin's Knife Edge is the same way so I should probably muster up the drive to do that one soon.

[@brendanmurray9154]

What great footage and maybe event better dialog. Thank you.

[@UnboringExploring]

So happy you enjoyed the video AND approved of the commentary/tolerated the puns 😆 Thank YOU!

[@upendrachalise8815]

how long would it take to hike and return?

[@UnboringExploring]

I would give it about 3-5 hours (with breaks) to complete the loop hike - going up is what takes time!

[@JonSuiter]

A better option for a complete loop would be to descend via Beechcroft Trail, and catch the Sand Beach or Park Loop bus back to the starting point at the Precipice Trail parking lot.

[@Sara-yf2bn]

how was the hike down, any more rungs?

[@UnboringExploring]

You don't go down the way you go up (wouldn't recommend that ;) ) - so the way down is a standard descent down the mountain.

[@UnboringExploring]

No no, the way down is a normal descent :) (it's a loop, not an out-and-back)

[@BrewmasterJack]

HOW DID THAT DOG GET UP THERE!?

[@UnboringExploring]

ahah there is a normal trail to the top as well ;) #superdog

[@allstars897]

Back trail it’s easier celar path if you climb this way you will loop down the easier path

[@corazhu4866]

I just did it today. It’s a lot of fun!

[@masons7842]

How did the dog get up there ?

[@sevenrats]

There are other trails. Those are the best way down.

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Who put the rungs there? Why?

[@UnboringExploring]

Here's some history on the trail for ya! www.nps.gov/articles/000/precipice-and-beehive-history.htm

[@memadman]

I like that your video is short and sweet. Not something I would do or enjoy. Where are the restrooms?

[@michaelgrimes5588]

Ledge-endary video!

[@carolines3953]

Thanks Kristi, great video. How long does the whole up / down loop take? Is 3 hours enough for pretty fit hikers?

[@UnboringExploring]

+Caroline Specht Hey there! Honestly, if you're fit, 3 hours should be plenty of time, so long as heights don't slow ya down ;) Also, the shuttle speeds things up tremendously, if you're crunched for time

[@carolines3953]

Thanks so much for the tip. It took us 2h 20m to do the whole loop (we didn't time it right to take the bus.) Time crunch was down to the dogs being in a kennel. We kayaked that morning and did Precipice in the afternoon. Wanted to cram in the 2 no-dogs activities. Had an awesome time. Loved the views. Hope to return to Acadia again sometime to hike more. :)

[@UnboringExploring]

+Caroline Specht Excellent! So glad you enjoyed yourselves :) Wish I could be back there myself!

[@erictaube7667]

I hiked this with my two sons (ages 10 1/2 and 13) on Friday, August 12th, 2016 after they expressed a desire to hike something more challenging than the Beehive which we hiked the day before. We hiked up this trail and down the Orange & Black trail to the Park Loop road and jogged back to the Precipice trailhead where our car was parked. The round trip took only 90 minutes, which was much too fast. Regrettably, we spent barely any time on the Summit and rushed down the Orange & Black trail because we originally didn't plan to hike up due to an earlier rain forecast and also a time constraint. The next time I hike this I will allow 2 1/2 hours to enjoy the views and eat lunch or a snack on the Summit and take my time going down. My boys loved this hike. There was only one treacherous section across the cliff face holding the ladder rungs, other than that the other ladders and scrambles were fine. I highly recommend this to anyone in decent fitness shape. This video shows what to expect but does not capture all the amazing views during the hike up, down and on the Summit, so make time to hike this trail while visiting Acadia.

[@carolines3953]

Janice Carpenter we’re 5’11” and 6’2” but we saw 4’6” (approx) teens doing it when we were there. I think the only height challenge is the first challenge. The rest are well spaced. We took our time to enjoy the views. Loved Acadia. Last hiking vacation before kids so will have to wait a few years now until we can return.

[@MattNowell]

I just made a video of my girlfriend and I doing this hike! it was intense, so worth it!

[@sophielopez2651]

I live for puns lol

[@oliviamikaniewicz8439]

I already hiked this trail and I'm 11

[@grantjonsson3641]

Great job Olivia. Since I worry quite a bit that America is becoming a country of wimps, I am always greatly encouraged when I come across young people, like you, who are tough.

[@AdnanKhan-gh3gq]

Unboring exploring I am only 12 and I climbed precipice

[@UnboringExploring]

Very impressive!

[@oliviab9840]

Unboring Exploring I climbed the beehive trail about a month ago and I'm also 12- did u see that hike? It also has rungs and is about the scariest thing I've ever done!

[@greenwich1754]

Nothing wrong with Krysti!

[@miketriz3100]

Now THAT is a Jersey girl! 2:25 is the attitude

[@UnboringExploring]

😆😆Thanks for tuning in, Mike!

[@forevermarkel]

Def recommend gloves for the climb. If you are still packing for a trip: Throw them in the bag!!

[@heyy7042]

I did this and I’m 9

[@Freezetyle]

THE DOG

[@moosefactory133]

And here I though the trail up to the top of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale was tough. I now feel like a sissy

[@UnboringExploring]

I've actually done that trail! Honestly, Camelback is comparable in terms of difficulty - so you're no sissy! It's the extended exposure that makes this hike so intimidating ;)

[@jshepard152]

Wow! I want to be ledge-ndary.

[@FORKJDM]

Great commentary 😂

[@UnboringExploring]

Glad you appreciate my humor 😅!

[@FORKJDM]

@@UnboringExploring absolutely! Hey I just got back from hiking the beehive trail again! I know my way around the roads allot better now!

[@UnboringExploring]

@@FORKJDM That's awesome! Haven't tackled that one myself, yet, but hear it's a good one :)

[@jeffsmith1284]

Would that we were all more hortatory and exclamatory! Huzzah!

[@Minimumholloway]

Can i hike with you 😘

[@findyourpark271]

Thanks for sharing your video from the national parks! Don’t forget to submit a video (if under 2 minutes) to our Find Your Park: Press Play contest in partnership with Mashable at findyourpark.com/share#pressplay. We’re looking to feature the nation’s best adventures from the national parks. Winning stories will get tickets to this years’ Playlist Live in Orlando and their video featured on Mashable.com. Be sure to include #contest and #findyourpark in the description on KZbin to be eligible.

[@CAVEDWELLER007]

love the video, but anyone attempting to do this hike should stop and read the warning signs as a number of people have fallen to their death on this trail.

[@dmpme951]

yes

[@alexisblack5216]

I hate it when people stack rocks... it is actually disrespectful to the wildlife because those rock might have been a marker on how to get back to their living area..... and they are ugly

[@danwagner5524]

Gotta be the most annoying voice I've ever heard.

[@brianog5267]

That is one irritating voice

[@shanesmaineshop]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@UnboringExploring]

Thank you!