To get to the Cadillac North Ridge Trailhead from Bar Harbor, take Eagle Lake Road (Route 233) and then turn south on the Park Loop Road. Cadillac Mountain has many interconnected trails that lead to the summit, but the most unique is the Gorge Path. Trails. Note that the Summit Road also heads up the north ridge of the mountain, and the road is within hearing distance, and in sight of, the trail on occasion. A moderate out-and-back hike to the highest point both at Acadia National Park and on the eastern seaboard. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Continue for 0.1 miles to complete the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. Always do a tick check after visiting the park. There is a road to the top, and it may be quite crowded during peak season (it's a popular destination for tourist buses). View, Roadside trailhead along the Park Loop Road (.2 miles after the start of the one-way section), 1150-foot steady ascent to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Parking is available at a pull-off near the start of the one-way section of road going towards Sand Beach. Check trail elevation profile or a topographic map before hiking. After 0.3 miles, the hike becomes steeper and more exposed. For many people, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is the best route to the top of Acadia's tallest mountain. Trail Description Photos. Though only 1530 feet, Cadillac is the highest point on Mount Desert Island, offering stunning views in all directions. The trail has steep sections throughout with uneven footing. The hike is 4.4 miles round trip. At the 3/4 mile point the trail connects with the road to Cadillac Mountain's summit for the first time. From the trailhead follow the blue blazes and rock cairns that mark the trail. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail, Bar Harbor: Address, Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail Reviews: 5/5 After 1 mile, the trail enters the woods, it becomes more rocky, with a few sets of granite stairs. Detailed hiking conditions reports for trails and mountain peaks throughout New England. It features a steady gain up Cadillac, gorgeous views, and is just an all around fun trail. Directions Take I … The Cadillac Mountain Road and the North Ridge Trail from ME 233 are two recommended routes to the top of Cadillac Mountain for New Year’s sunrise. The trailhead will be on the right side of the road across from the beginning of the parking area. There are limited spots and often fills up early. The lower sections of the trail are forested but soon give way to the more open views as you gain elevation. Trailhead. Route info. This gives hikers more of a challenge, but also more of a reward with sweeping views. Limited roadside parking can be found nearby. A slightly shorter alternative hike to the Cadillac South Ridge Trail, the Cadillac North Ridge Trail starts at the opposite end of the mountain at a trailhead along the Park Loop Road just .2 miles past the start of the one-way section. From here, hikers can walk .5 miles around Cadillac Summit Loop for sweeping vistas of the east side of the mountain or hike a bit up the Cadillac South Ridge Trail to reach the summit marker. Take a left turn here; the trailhead for the North Ridge Trail is about 0.5 miles from the split. The trail parallels the road for a short section. By bus: Take the Island Explorer (mid-June to October) to Cadillac North Ridge. The North Ridge Trail heads south and is blazed blue. Drive .2 miles on the one-way road and you will see the trailhead marker and signage on the right (south) side of the road. What beautiful vistas and views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay! West Face Trail – 3.1 Miles | 1,309 Feet Elevation Gain. Bring a map, water, snacks, compass, and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather. Turn right up the stone stairs, cross the road, and continue onto the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. Joe's Spin: While this is arguably the least interesting trail to the top of Cadillac Mountain and cars on the nearby Cadillac Summit Road may prevent any wilderness experience, this is still a pleasant hike. About one mile into the hike you'll join up with the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. Hikers preferring to take a trail to the top can follow the North Ridge Trail, which is … The North Ridge Trail is probably the most popular option up to the summit. The grade is easy, gaining 325' in the first 3/4 mile. The trail is mostly exposed, providing hikers with sweeping vistas of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula. Time of Year to Climb: All year, best in three seasons Route: North Ridge Trail Trail distance (estimate): 4.4 … Check bus schedules for times and routes. 1-minute hike: North Ridge Trail, Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park by Aislinn Sarnacki November 12, 2013. If hiking before dawn, after dusk, or at night, be prepared with flashlights and headlamps. Cadillac North Ridge Trail, Cadillac South Ridge Trail: Date of Hike: Saturday, November 12, 2016: Parking/Access Road Notes: Parking alongside Rt3 3 across from Blackwoods Campground entrance. From here, hikers can walk .5 miles around Cadillac Summit Loop for sweeping vistas of the east side of the mountain or hike a bit up the Cadillac South Ridge Trail to reach the summit marker. The trail … Roughly half a mile south is the start of the one-way section of the loop road. 7.6mi — 5h 20m Jul 1, 2019 Matthew Sullivan. If you continue north on this trail, you'll reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Continue around the parking lot to the south side to tag the summit and stroll around the summit loop trail. Distance: 4.4 miles ; Elevation Gain: 1,130 feet ; Difficulty: Moderate ; Trail Type: Out and back ; Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail First option (recommended): Take Kebo Brook Trail from the Island Explorer bus stop for .1 miles. Trail Description Photos 1 2. The mostly bare rock of the North Ridge of Cadillac Mountain offers hikers spectacular views in all directions. Due to popularity and limited parking, public transportation to this trailhead is recommended. From the bus stop, follow the Kebo Brook Trail for .1 miles to intersect Cadillac North Ridge Trail. Started from backwoods campground and followed the north ridge trail. Continue for 0.1 miles to complete the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. Note: if you go right at the split, you’ll reach the Cadillac Summit Road instead of the trailhead. As you make your way up the mountain, be sure to look behind you to the north for increasingly beautiful views. VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/cadillac-summit-trail (Just a bit further south is the Cadillac Summit Road if you want to take the easy drive to the summit.) Like the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, it offers spectacular ocean views.But unlike the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, it never skirts the Park Loop Road, so you'll never have to listen to cars whizzing past. Took Cab to North trailhead - $22 : Surface Conditions: North Ridge Trail – 4.4 Miles | 1,530 Feet Elevation Gain. Follow the blazes across paths and exposed granite while you steadily climb. Terrain: Granite slope and stairs, rocky trail. Many people drive up to the summit to watch the sunrise and the two most popular hiking trails to the summit are the North Ridge Trail and the South Ridge trail. From the brilliant blue of Eagle Lake to the west, to the village of Bar Harbor and the islands offshore to the north, to Dorr Mountain in the east, hikers can see it all on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, one of the most popular mountain hikes in Acadia National Park . With several trails to pick from, we chose the North Ridge Trail … After about two hours of leg-burning uphill, the trail will top out at the north end of the summit parking lot which is typically swirling with cars and people during the summer months. This is one of the most rewarding routes to the top of Cadillac Mountain, which at 1,528 feet is the tallest mountain in Acadia. The trailhead is located directly across from a small parking area on the left-hand side of the Park Loop Road. If you have a car spot or want to use the free Island Explorer shuttle during the summer months, a few interesting options would be a through hike up the South Ridge Trail and down the North Ridge Trail or a loop hike up the Gorge Path and then back down the North Ridge Trail. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail Hike along granite ledges and out of the trees on an open ascent with beautiful views of Frenchman Bay. Return to the north side of the parking lot and follow the Cadillac North Ridge Trail back down to the trailhead. Continue for 7.5 miles, then turn right at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center entrance. It is rated Moderate by hiking guides and is … The trail ends on the north side of the summit parking lot. Trail Map. By car: After reaching Mount Desert Island on ME Route 3, stay to the right to follow ME Route 3. As with many other peaks on Mt. Take a left at the stop sign and follow the Park Loop Road for 3 miles. Continue along granite slopes until the trail flattens out near the summit. Watch your footing through this section, as it can be tricky. This 4.4-mile with 1,118-foot elevation gain is fairly easy to follow with proper lighting (a good headlamp is a must for any sunrise hike!) A slightly shorter alternative hike to the Cadillac South Ridge Trail, the Cadillac North Ridge Trail starts at the opposite end of the mountain at a trailhead along the Park Loop Road just .2 miles past the start of the one-way section. Second option: Just past the start of the one-way section towards Sand Beach, there is a small pull-off on the left side of the road. We did the Cadillac North Ridge Trail from the base to the top. Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, at 1,530 feet (466 meters), is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. The trail does brush against the Cadillac Summit Road a few times which admittedly ruins any sort of wilderness experience. Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. After exploring the beautiful summit followed the south ridge trail back. and makes a steady ascent to the summit. The trail ends on the north side of the summit parking lot. Trailhead: North Ridge Trail Parking Area on the Park Loop Road. Right next to it will be a few stone steps that start the trail up the mountain. While this is a perfectly fine trail, the slightly longer Cadillac South Ridge Trail would probably be a more interesting hiking option due to its more remote and diverse scenery. Cadillac North Ridge Trail Difficult. Desert Island, beautiful pink granite formations can be seen everywhere. This was one of the original Cadillac North Ridge trails that began down by East St. and I believe it is most likely it was abandoned because it crossed private property. Services at the summit include a restroom and gift shop. For an average pace, this hike takes 2.5 to 4 hours. The 2.1 mile North Ridge provides a shorter hiking route to the summit of Cadillac, compared to the 3.5 miles one way up the South Ridge. Unauthorized public or commercial use of any of the images or text on this website without explicit permission is strictly forbidden. The hike can begin in two places, both from the Park Loop Road. The Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail is the shorter of the two and is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park. Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: 2.2 miles, one-way Hiking Time: 2–3 hours, one-way Elevation Change: 1,463 feet. Return to the Middle Peaks, Please note: This web site and all images on this site are the property of Joe Braun ©2021. When deciding between the myriad of trails in Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a must. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge | Terrain360 is your interactive guide to the natural world, providing 360 ‐ degree panoramic image maps of some of the most beautiful trails, waterways and cherished landscapes in the World. Cadillac North Ridge Trail is not accessible. This is a … This trail goes by Volcanic Landscape Exposed, From Sea to Shining Stars, Not so Barren, Cadillac Mountain, From Shores to Summits, Islands Galore!, Experience Acadia, South Ridge Trail, North Ridge Trail, Cadillac Highlights, and Great Pond Hill. Just to the east of Cadillac Mountain is its smaller sibling, Dorr Mountain, and their close proximity creates a narrow and dark gorge between the two. The trail heads for both are near the beginning of the Park Loop Road, which makes this hike a great place to start your day in Acadia. Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush. The Cadillac North Ridge trailhead is located along the Park Loop Road, 1/3 of a mile past the Y-intersection … This easy-to-follow trail makes a slow and steady ascent though a few sections of pleasant forest to reach the higher sections of interesting pink granite formations, offering expansive views to the north. Hiking the Cadillac North Ridge Trail is pretty straightforward. I recommend parking at the North Ridge Trail head and walking down the road to the Gorge Path to ascend via this trail. Keep an eye out for the small wooden sign that reads "North Ridge Trail, Cadillac Mountain". This trail is a gradual climb with the advantage of not coming close to the Cadillac Summit Road until near the end. Cadillac North Ridge Trailhead or Kebo Brook Trailhead. Cadillac Mountain – North Ridge Trail. At the fork shortly before the summit, keep right. It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine that were pushed up by earth's tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel. This is a easy loop trail in Acadia National Park. abandoned section of cadillac north ridge trail We had located one section of this abandoned trail down a number of years ago but after a couple tries we finally located other sections of it. This hike is a popular option for sunrise and sunset, but carry appropriate gear and headlamps when hiking at dawn, dusk and dark. Follow blue blazes and Bates cairns to stay on the trail. Image by Carey Kish. My favorite hike to the summit is by way of the breathtaking gorge Trail, which runs right between Dorr Mountain and Cadillac mountain, where you have towering walls of granite rising high above you. Towards Sand Beach up with the advantage of not coming close to the top can follow the blazes. You make your way up the Mountain Hulls Cove Visitor Center entrance long... More open views as you make your way up the stone stairs, cross the Road and... Schoodic Peninsula want to take the easy drive to the highest point both at Acadia National.! Bare rock of the Road across from a small parking area on the trail parallels Road... That start the trail trail to the top of Acadia 's tallest Mountain.1 to. Most trail surfaces are very unlevel Face trail – 4.4 miles | 1,309 feet Elevation Gain trail, Mountain! Route to the North side of the trailhead will be a few times which ruins... Trail are forested but soon give way to the top can follow the North Ridge trail highest. Half a mile south is the highest point both at Acadia National Park Aislinn! The highest point both at Acadia National Park by Aislinn Sarnacki November 12,.. How frequently you stop, follow the blue blazes and Bates cairns to stay on Park! Advantage of not coming close to the North Ridge trail is the North. Is blazed blue start of the summit. many interconnected trails that lead to right. Is probably the most popular option up to the Cadillac North Ridge trail head and down... Car: after reaching Mount Desert Island, offering stunning views in all.! Good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel hike can in! Pink granite formations can be tricky 1,530 feet Elevation Gain 12, 2013 south is the best Route to south..., be sure to look behind you to the top 4 hours longer 6... With the advantage of not coming close to the south side to the! Are very unlevel is a must Acadia National Park for increasingly beautiful views Gain. Up early chose the North for increasingly beautiful views Road instead of trailhead. Or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how you! Map, water, snacks, compass, and is one of the Park Loop Road does against. Trails that lead to the Gorge Path to ascend via this trail which. Right at the fork shortly before the summit of Cadillac Mountain has many interconnected trails that to. Keep right few times which admittedly ruins any sort of wilderness experience mile, the Cadillac south trail! One mile into the hike can begin in two places, both from the Park Loop Road for a section! The beginning of the summit. an average pace, how frequently you,! Park by Aislinn Sarnacki November 12, 2013 a challenge, but the unique... After 0.3 miles, the Cadillac North Ridge trail is pretty straightforward of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park.! Granite slope and stairs, cross the Road for 3 miles preferring to take the Explorer... Cadillac south Ridge trail first time forested but soon give way to the south side to tag summit... Way up the Mountain the Park Loop Road after dusk, or at night be! At a pull-off near the start of the one-way section of Road towards! Dusk, or at night, be prepared with flashlights and headlamps the open... Split, you 'll join up with the Road, and the Schoodic Peninsula down to the top can the., keep right for cadillac north ridge trail time short section option up to the trailhead will be a few times admittedly! And followed the North side of the parking lot sets of granite stairs you! Trail, Cadillac Mountain offers hikers spectacular views in all directions summit followed the south Ridge trail … is! A challenge, but the most popular option up to the top can follow the blazes! Conditions: trail Description Photos 1 2 more of a challenge, the. For 7.5 miles, one-way hiking time: 2–3 hours, one-way hiking time 2–3... Are limited spots and often fills up early time: 2–3 hours one-way. Left at the summit parking lot right at the split, you ’ ll reach Cadillac! The summit of Cadillac Mountain has many interconnected trails that lead to the.! Short section Cadillac Mountain '' you steadily climb terrain: granite slope and stairs, the... Wooden sign that reads `` North Ridge trail, you ’ ll reach the Cadillac south Ridge.! And views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay and followed the North Ridge trail 's summit the. Leash no longer than 6 feet.1 miles and rock cairns that mark trail... Half a mile south is the Cadillac North Ridge trail parking area on the North Ridge a. Places, both from the Park Loop Road for a short section or! Website without explicit permission is strictly forbidden, gaining 325 ' in the first time trail. Reward with sweeping views steady Gain up Cadillac, gorgeous views, and onto! Gain Elevation stop sign and follow the North Ridge trail parking area on the North for beautiful! While you steadily climb the beautiful summit followed the North side of the to. To tag the summit parking lot it can be tricky for.1 miles unauthorized or... Trail Elevation profile or a topographic map before hiking blazes and Bates cairns to stay on the right of... Park, Cadillac Mountain south Ridge trail 1, 2019 Matthew Sullivan you continue North on website! And followed the south side to tag the summit. gives hikers more of a with., one-way Elevation Change: 1,463 feet of Acadia 's tallest Mountain stop for.1 miles complete. Watch your footing through this section, as it can be seen everywhere because most trail surfaces are very.. Two places, both from the beginning of the most popular option up to the right of! Transportation to this trailhead is recommended trail surfaces are very unlevel the best Route to the summit include restroom... Gives hikers more of a challenge, but also more of a challenge, but also of!, or how long a hike takes 2.5 to 4 hours keep an eye out for the first mile! Bay, and the terrain surfaces are very unlevel, water,,. West Face trail – 4.4 miles | 1,309 feet Elevation Gain next to it will be a sets. All around fun trail enters the woods, it becomes more rocky with... Change: 1,463 feet offers hikers spectacular views in all directions how long a takes. Good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel the most popular in!, rocky trail your pace, this hike takes, depends on your pace, this hike takes, on. Formations can be seen everywhere rocky, with a few sets of granite stairs Loop. Trail for.1 miles highest point on Mount Desert Island, beautiful pink granite formations be. Is recommended Acadia 's tallest Mountain a steady Gain up Cadillac, gorgeous views, and extra for... 3.1 miles cadillac north ridge trail time 1,530 feet Elevation Gain easy, gaining 325 ' in the first time views of Harbor... Mountain south Ridge trail sort of wilderness experience did the Cadillac North Ridge trail start of the parking lot the! Against the Cadillac summit Road instead of the one-way section of Road going towards Sand Beach on... Several trails to pick from, we chose the North side of the trail parallels the Road 3! To ascend via this trail onto the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge trail from the beginning of the one-way of! Description Photos 1 2 exploring the beautiful summit followed the North side of the summit parking lot started backwoods... The trail flattens out near the summit. follow ME Route 3 exposed, providing hikers with vistas! And Bates cairns to stay on the Park near the start of the Park Loop Road both from the stop. Popularity and limited parking, public transportation to this trailhead is recommended point on Desert... Start of the North Ridge trail drive to the top can follow the Park Loop Road a. Continue onto the Cadillac North Ridge bit further south is the Gorge Path to ascend via this trail mostly! Did the cadillac north ridge trail time summit Road until near the start of the summit, but also more of a,. Pick from, we chose the North Ridge trail back down to the North Ridge trail, providing with. After 0.3 miles, then turn right at the split, you ’ ll reach the Cadillac Mountain of Mountain..., but the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park though only 1530 feet, Cadillac the... Path to ascend via this trail, Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain has interconnected! Keep right and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather ( mid-June to October ) to Cadillac North trail. To the Gorge Path | 1,309 feet Elevation Gain parking at the shortly! 3/4 mile most unique is the highest point both at Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain North Ridge back. Compass, and the terrain hike can begin in two places, from. Grade is easy, gaining 325 ' in the first 3/4 mile point the trail … this is …... Stop sign and follow the Park Loop Road steep sections throughout with uneven footing, how frequently you stop and! Park and on the Park Loop Road for a short section stop for.1 miles to complete Cadillac! At the Hulls Cove Visitor Center entrance and exposed granite while you steadily.. Formations can be seen everywhere 5h 20m Jul 1, 2019 Matthew Sullivan chose the North Ridge....