Top 10 Hikes in 2017

2017 is nearly in the books, and it’s been a banner year for Live and Let Hike. Viewership reached new heights (roughly 85,000 visitors and 167,000 page views in 2017), and I added 76 new posts this year that covered hikes, scenic byways, and other destinations in 11 different states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, …

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Cadillac Mountain (Acadia National Park, ME)

At 1,529 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the tallest peak in Acadia National Park and has no equal on Mount Desert Island that matches its panoramic views. Three arduous trails climb the mountain, though most opt to drive the winding road to the summit. Being one of the easternmost mountains in the United States, visitors flock …

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The Beehive Loop (Acadia National Park, ME)

With its sweeping views and hair-raising ascent, the Beehive Trail is one of Acadia National Park’s most iconic hikes. Along with the Beech Cliff Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, and Precipice Trail, Beehive is one of the park’s four “iron rung routes”: strenuous climbs that require negotiating ladders, iron aides, and steep staircases to mount exposed …

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Acadia Mountain Loop (Acadia National Park, ME)

The Acadia Mountain Loop is a challenging hike on Acadia National Park’s quieter west side that affords fantastic views of Mount Desert Island, Echo Lake, and Somes Sound. Granite outcrops make for excellent vantage points—but also significant obstacles—on this 2.9-mile stem-and-loop. After summiting the mountain, the trail drops 600 feet to the banks of Somes …

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Beech Cliff Trail & Canada Cliffs Trail Loop (Acadia National Park, ME)

The Beech Cliff Trail, situated in Acadia National Park’s peaceful western section, is one of the park’s four “iron rung routes”: strenuous climbs that require negotiating ladders, iron aides, and steep granite staircases to mount exposed cliff sides. Compared with the other three, the Beech Cliff Trail is arguably the least harrowing: the biggest obstacles …

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