The Perpendicular Trail climbs over 300 hand-cut granite steps with a few iron rungs and a short ladder section. The steps can be slippery when wet, and the trail is steep throughout. Dogs are not allowed. Do not attempt in rain or icy conditions.
Acadia’s Best-Kept Secret on the Quiet Side
Most visitors to Acadia National Park never make it past the east side of Mount Desert Island. They hit Sand Beach, drive up Cadillac, maybe brave the Beehive, and call it a day. Meanwhile, the west side of the island sits there, practically empty, with some of the finest trail craftsmanship in the entire national park system.
The Perpendicular Trail is the crown jewel of this quiet side. In just over a mile of uphill hiking, you climb more than 300 hand-laid granite steps that the Civilian Conservation Corps carved and placed into the cliff face of Mansell Mountain in 1933 and 1934. Each step was quarried, shaped, and fit into the mountainside by hand. Almost a century later, they are still perfectly solid underfoot.
Standing at the top of the staircase, looking back down through the spruce forest toward Long Pond, you feel less like you hiked a trail and more like you walked through a piece of American history. The fact that you probably shared the trail with fewer than a dozen other people makes it even better.
A Monument to the CCC
The Perpendicular Trail is one of the finest surviving examples of CCC craftsmanship in Maine and arguably in the entire National Park system. During the Great Depression, young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps were dispatched to national parks across the country. In Acadia, they built trails, carriage roads, and infrastructure that still form the backbone of the park today.
On the Perpendicular Trail, their work borders on art. The steps are not just functional; they are elegant. Large slabs of Cadillac granite were split, dressed, and placed with a precision that modern trail crews openly admire. Retaining walls, drainage channels, and carefully positioned stepping stones keep the route stable through Maine’s brutal freeze-thaw cycles. The fact that nearly every step remains intact after ninety years of weather and foot traffic says everything about the quality of the work.
Trail Sections
Long Pond Trailhead to Base of Steps
The trail begins from the south end of the Long Pond pumping station parking area. A flat, well-marked path follows the western shore of Long Pond through mixed forest. The walking is easy here, with packed dirt and some roots. After about a quarter mile, you reach the base of the boulder field and the first signs of CCC stonework. Enjoy the flat ground while it lasts.
Boulder Field and Lower Steps
The trail enters a dramatic boulder field and immediately starts climbing. The CCC steps begin here, threading between house-sized boulders and through narrow gaps in the rock. The craftsmanship is immediately apparent: each step is solid, level, and placed with intention. The forest canopy thins as you gain elevation, and shafts of light cut through the spruce.
Iron Rungs and Ladder Section
This is the steepest section. The granite steps get taller, a few iron rungs help you up short cliff bands, and one brief ladder section takes you over a rock face. The exposure is far less dramatic than what you would find on the Beehive or Precipice, but you are definitely using your hands. The steps are narrower here and the drop-offs behind you become more noticeable. Take your time.
Upper Ridge to Mansell Summit
Above the steepest section, the trail mellows into a forested ridge walk. The footing transitions from granite steps to packed dirt and exposed bedrock. The trees open up as you approach the summit of Mansell Mountain at 949 feet. Views extend south toward the Cranberry Isles and east across Long Pond. A small clearing with flat rock makes a natural rest spot.
The Loop Option: Razorback Trail
One of the best things about the Perpendicular Trail is how well it combines with the Razorback Trail for a 2.6-mile loop. From the summit of Mansell Mountain, follow the ridge south to the junction with the Razorback Trail, which descends a narrow spine of rock back toward Long Pond. The Razorback is less steep than the Perpendicular but has its own character: open ledges, thin ridgeline walking, and good views of the Western Mountains.
Going up the Perpendicular and down the Razorback is the standard direction, and it is the right call. The Perpendicular steps are much easier to climb than to descend, and the Razorback provides a more gradual way back to the parking area.
When to Go
Spring
Trail opens in April but upper sections may be icy into May. Mud season makes the lower trail slippery.
Summer
Dry conditions, long days. The quiet side stays uncrowded even in peak season. Morning light is best.
Fall
Foliage around Long Pond is stunning. Fewer visitors. Cool temps make the steep climb more comfortable.
Winter
Not maintained. Ice on the granite steps and iron rungs makes this trail extremely dangerous.
The Long Pond pumping station parking area is small, maybe 15 spots, but it rarely fills even in peak season because most visitors stay on the east side of the island. Arrive by mid-morning and you will be fine. There are no restrooms at this trailhead. The nearest facilities are at the Acadia National Park Seawall picnic area, about ten minutes south on Route 102.
What to Bring
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support (the steps are tall)
- 1-2 liters of water (no water sources on trail)
- Small daypack (hands need to be free for rungs and ladder)
- Snack or lunch for the summit
- Light layer for wind on the ridge
- Camera (the CCC stonework is remarkably photogenic)
- Park pass ($35/vehicle or America the Beautiful)
Leave trekking poles at the car. The ladder and rung sections require both hands free, and poles will only get in the way on the narrow stone steps. Proper hiking boots are essential here; trail runners do not provide enough ankle support for the tall, uneven steps.
Why No Dogs?
The Perpendicular Trail does not allow dogs, and this is one case where the restriction makes complete sense. The iron rungs, ladder section, and steep stone steps are simply not navigable for most dogs. Even athletic trail dogs would struggle with the ladder, and carrying a dog on the rung sections would put both of you at risk. If you are hiking with a dog, Acadia Mountain on the quiet side is a better choice, or try Flying Mountain for a shorter option with views.
Combining with Other Hikes
The quiet side of Mount Desert Island has a cluster of excellent trails within a few minutes of each other. After the Perpendicular Trail, consider adding Beech Cliff Trail for dramatic cliff-top views over Echo Lake, or drive a few minutes north to Acadia Mountain for one of the best pound-for-pound views on the island. Flying Mountain is the shortest of the group and makes a good warm-up or cool-down hike with views of Somes Sound.
FAQ
How hard is the Perpendicular Trail?
It is rated hard due to the sustained steep climb and the ladder/rung section. However, the CCC steps provide excellent footing, so it feels more manageable than the Beehive or Precipice despite the greater elevation gain. If you can climb stairs for thirty minutes straight and are comfortable with a short ladder, you can do this trail.
How long does the Perpendicular Trail take?
Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the out-and-back, or 2 to 3 hours if you add the Razorback Trail loop. The steep sections slow most hikers down, and the summit views are worth lingering over.
Is the Perpendicular Trail as scary as the Beehive?
No. The exposure on the Perpendicular Trail is much less dramatic. There are a few iron rungs and one short ladder, but you are climbing well-built steps most of the time, not traversing open cliff faces. If the Beehive intimidates you, the Perpendicular is a great alternative that still delivers a rewarding challenge.
Can I do the Perpendicular Trail in the rain?
It is not recommended. The granite steps become very slippery when wet, and the iron rungs lose their grip. The trail is steep enough that a slip could result in a serious fall. Wait for dry conditions.
Getting There
The trailhead is at the Long Pond pumping station parking area on the west side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. A $35 vehicle entry fee applies (good for seven days), or use your America the Beautiful annual pass.
From Southwest Harbor: Head north on Route 102, then turn left onto Long Pond Road. Follow it to the pumping station parking area at the south end of Long Pond. About five minutes from the center of town.
From Bar Harbor: Take Route 233 west to Route 198 south, then Route 102 south through Somesville to Long Pond Road. About 30 minutes.
Parking: The pumping station lot has roughly 15 spaces. No restrooms at the trailhead. Cell service is spotty throughout the hike.
