PSA: That endless line for the Precipice Trail climb has me debating worth versus wait.

I stood in a three-hour queue just to start the Precipice Trail in Acadia last weekend. One view says the crowd control prevents erosion and keeps hikers safe on the steep parts. Another view is that it turns a wild hike into a theme park ride, with all the spontaneity gone. I watched a group give up and leave after an hour of waiting. Sure, without the line, the narrow ledges might get risky with too many people. But is trading hours of your day for a controlled experience really what hiking is about? Where do you stand on this?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_alice1mo ago

Read an article last fall about how parks are dealing with too many people. They talked about Zion's permit system for Angels Landing and how it felt like getting a concert ticket. I see the need for the line on Precipice, that stuff stops erosion and pile-ups on the cliffs. But it does kill the vibe, turning a cool adventure into just another thing you wait for. Makes you wonder if there's a better way, like maybe more trails to spread folks out. Does that help at all?

the_keith1mo agoMost Upvoted

More trails just spread the crowds thinner.

oliviab441mo ago

Actually, more trails can help a bit, but they don't really fix the main issue. The problem isn't just not enough space, it's that everyone wants to see the exact same famous spots. Building a new trail is crazy expensive and takes years of planning (way harder than people think). So even if you add one, most folks will still line up for the iconic hike they saw online. It's a supply and demand thing, but the demand is for a specific view, not just any walk in the woods.