You cannot miss this opportunity. South Ridge Trail is pretty simple and a nice way to ease into the more challenging parts of this hike. There is only one trail up to the top. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. It was hard to find the Cadillac-Dorr connector trail up there as there is no signage. 4mi, 2mi Before reality TV, GPS devices, and dashboard computers, there was a coming of age for the Maine Warden Service. Back to the Jeep by 12:45. The Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail is the shorter of the two and is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park. Enjoyed the longer distance of this one. The North Ridge Trail heads south and is blazed blue. • If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. 8.91 m Up Did not do the loop, we hiked the south ridge out and back, total 7.0 miles, plus a side trip to the Eagle Crag on the descent added 0.2. Trail. 404.49 m Down, 3.3 mi I would say you could even swim in the swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall! Longer Trails, like the South Ridge Trail will take just over 3 hours typically. This is one of the most amazing hikes I have ever done. Cadillac is the tallest mountain in the Acadia region, and it is one of the first places in the United States to receive light during the sunrise. Cadillac Mountain is one of the longest, best hikes in Acadia. The trailhead is located in the Blackwoods Campground. Overall this took us 6 hours of moving time. 04609 There is a road to the top, and it may be quite crowded during peak season (it's a popular destination for tourist buses). That part may be difficult for older dogs. We’re novice hikers but decently fit and were up for the challenge of this hike. Perfect weather, unparalleled views. NewEnglandTrailConditions.com: MA ... Cadillac Mountain , ME: Trails: Cadillac south ridge trail : Date of Hike: Friday, January 1, 2021: Parking/Access Road Notes: Along side road on rt. Crawling with tourists and big parking lot. At 1,530 feet Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The average individuals will take around 2.5 hours to hike to the summit. Activities. For the South Ridge Trail, park along Route 3, five miles south of Bar Harbor. Please explain. Cadillac Mountain’s winding 3.5-mile road is closed from December 1 through April 14. Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: 2.2 miles, one-way Hiking Time: 2–3 hours, one-way Elevation Change: 1,463 feet. Longer Trails, like the South Ridge Trail will take just over 3 hours typically. Hiked South Ridge Trail up from Blackwoods Campground to Cadillac Mountain summit. — Keep an eye out for the small wooden sign that reads "North Ridge Trail, Cadillac Mountain". Seasons: Hiked this in the dark at about 5:45 am to catch the sunrise at the Crag. The trail was very wet today after the rain last night, and pretty slick as a result. GO. The trail is wet and slippery rocks / roots but well worth the hike. There is a $10 car fee to enter the park. Hiking to the top of Cadillac in winter has been on my wish list for some time. It would be my fourth time on the top of Cadillac and the first time it wasn’t in a vehicle. 295' Down acadia_information@nps.gov. 1h 45m, 8.6mi The trail ends, of course, on the 1,528-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the park, and highest point along the eastern seaboard. As others said, not really worth going to the top because the views are better before summit. Something else? Because Cadillac Mountain is the highest point close to the Eastern shore in the U.S., the summit is also home to “the first sunrise in the U.S.” Park Loop Road Starting at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Park Loop Road, head about about 3.5 miles south to reach the trailhead for the North Ridge Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is best used from May until October. If starting from Bar Harbor, follow State ME Route 3 south of town. Length: 7.4 miles roundtrip. Zoo of people on top...lol. The average individuals will take around 2.5 hours to hike to the summit. The west loop is too difficult. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Part of a through hike starting with the Ladder up Dorr mountain then Cadillac and down to Bubble Pond, Raining and windy entire journey 9.8 km For the South Ridge Trail, park along Route 3, five miles south of Bar Harbor. There was still one spot where it was tough with the dogs, but just go slow and it's very doable. Look for 2 survey benchmarks established by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856 and the 1954 US Geological Survey summit marker. — Big boulder descent was a ton of fun and entirely manageable if you take your time. Frequent hikers can summit via North Ridge Trail, or West Face trail in under an hour and a half. The second to last leg (going around the loop, before heading back down) was the hardest part, but gorgeous views! Most visitors drive to the summit, then get out and circumnavigate the peak on a short .3-mile hiking loop. So unusual and great to see no vehicles in the lot at the top. Trailhead. 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 … 8 miles took us 4:20 which included a trail side lunch break. Then we rejoined South Ridge trail and headed back down with a detour over the short Eagle trail. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The trailhead is located on the one-way section of the Park Loop Road , about 3 1/2 miles south of the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Today was extremely windy, and the exposed rock portion of SRT was a bit tricky and at times the wind threw me off balance, but I am also petit. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is the “easiest” trail to the summit and also the longest trail in the national park. — The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is best used from May until October. 1350-foot steady ascent to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain: Cadillac North Ridge Trail - Great views!!! It is one of the longest trails in Acadia. The grade is easy, gaining 325' in the first 3/4 mile. Very Challenging from Blackwoods Campground 2h 10m, 3.3mi The J boys. Starting at 180 feet above sea level, the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail weaves through picturesque Maine forest The summit road itself is 3.5 miles long, but you’ll need to add another 1.5 miles to that distance to get from the parking area to the start of the summit road. I recommend using poles(50+ Hiker). There is no parking area as such, but you can just pull over on the side of the road. 139.72 m Up GO. (Others below and the trail description mention the loop portion is very difficult for the dogs.) Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust : Recommended Equipment: 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!) Activities. it's about the journey not the destination...Enjoy! Fun, challenging and scenic. There is no road sign for the trailhead. Frequent hikers can summit via North Ridge Trail, or West Face trail in under an hour and a half. It's a beautiful hike in Acadia National Park that gives you great views of both rolling hillsides and the harbor. Break through tree line onto open granite for the final stretch. The trail ends on the north side of the summit parking lot. Incredible views. Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park, 9.0 mi Did as part of Acadia/New England/Maine/NB trip, during stop at Acadia (after dropping Jiaxin at bus station) August-September 2018. Was very wet and slippery today due to rain last night. Cadillac mtn nice views. 702' Up The wind on the exposed top 2/3 of the trail was constant and very strong but the terrain is great, smooth undulating granite with steady incline. Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the Atlantic coast (for the US at least) and it's also the first major sunrise that touches the continental US. Dis whole hike in 3 hrs. Visitor hiking Cadillac South Ridge Trail after sunrise . 348.15 m Up • Hustled down the road a bit and picked up the south ridge trail there to avoid the ice on the rebound. I really wanted to tackle a more strenuous hike with Sam and spending the day hiking the ridge-line fit the bill perfectly. It is the highest peak in Acadia National Park, and the highest point on the east coast of the United States. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on your condition. 457' Down Before reality TV, GPS devices, and dashboard computers, there was a coming of age for the Maine Warden Service. How Long Is the South Ridge Trail on Cadillac Mountain? 1,324' Up • North little more steep going up but shorter. Great longer loop, we started at 9:30am heading up the South Ridge trail all the way to the summit of Cadillac. 29' Up Being a jerk / offensive? National Park Service NOT OKAY! 8.55 m Down, 4.9 mi I did it in late September and there was a stretch of trail where you are walking through a beautiful forest of yellow-leaved birch trees and it was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. On a clear morning, I would actually recommend doing this instead of going to the top to avoid the crowd. For anyone looking to do this in wet conditions, definitely be careful. 5.5 km and makes a steady ascent to the summit. This was my favorite trail in Acadia. 5.5 km Gorge Trail/Dorr Connector was easy to find if you reference the maps and get yourself familiar with the shape of the loop ahead of time. NOTE: Although dogs are allowed on this trail, users have reported that there are some very rocky, steep sections that may be difficult for your dog. The rest of the year, Mars Hill Mountain in northern Maine is the first place to see the sunrise. • Acadia National Park Views are very nice. 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 South Ridge Trail delivers a kid-friendly, 7-mile round trip hike of Cadillac Mountain in Maine's Acadia National Park. 4.4mi. 14.5 km It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island, Maine formed by tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. Here's an English one for you: GO. Box 177, • If you continue north on this trail, you'll reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Views were much better anyway about a mile before the summit. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. You'll soon find yourself on an exposed ridge towards the top with spectacular views. My first solo hike. You should count on 4-6 hours to complete it, depending on your fitness level and the amount of time you spend enjoying the views. Took bus back to town from backwoods campground. Seasons. Another right takes you to the hike back up Canon Brook. There was one challenging section close to the top, big step with a rung; we had to pick our smaller dog up and thankfully our larger dog made it alright. Seasons. Loved the variety of terrain and topography. — 28' Down If you’re with a dog it’s best to treat this as an out and back. 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. One of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done...360 degree views of the park and ocean near the top, gorgeous fall foliage, a big waterfall (that you hike *up* for a mile or so) and often varying terrain and scenery. Cadillac Mountain , ME: Trails: Cadillac South Ridge Trail : Date of Hike: Sunday, December 27, 2020: Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked roadside at the ME route 3 trailhead. Amazing hike, cut it off before it got cray and saw the sun rise! If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Trail: South Ridge of Cadillac Mountain. Summit is super busy, gusty, and cold so we didn’t spend much time there. 1,327' Down Hikers should allow at least two hours—perhaps more—to make the trip one-way. Phone: (207) 288-3338 Look for two survey benchmarks established by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856 and 1954. 1,142' Up This is about an injury or accident The true summit is to the left where the South Ridge Trail opens onto the gravel access road. 215.31 m Down, 6.1 mi The sunrise on Cadillac Mountain is absolutely gorgeous. 213.88 m Up Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, Acadia National Park The trailhead is located on Route 3, only 100 feet (30 meters) south of the entrance to the Blackwood Campground. The entire hike itself is moderate but can become slick. • 299' Up Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Cadillac Mountain via South Ridge Trail for sunrise; First time or Unregistered Users. While it’s commonly assumed that Cadillac Mountain’s summit is the first place to see the sunrise on the East Coast, it’s only true for part of … Starting roughly only 180 feet above sea level, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail heads north through pleasant forest scenery, making a gradual yet steady ascent. See the FAQ for instructions. Most visitors drive to the summit, then get out and circumnavigate the peak on a short .3-mile hiking loop. Did this as an in and out instead of the loop since we had two dogs. 7.8 km If you are in average condition this is a moderate hike. • Had a lot of fun on this one. Very well marked. The 30/40 mph wind gusts hit us hard as we came out above the ‘tree-line’. Ocean Path: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove, Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail, Beehive, Gorham Mountain and Ocean Path Loop, Beehive, the Bowl, Gorham Mountain, Ocean Drive Loop, Abandoned Triad Pass and Hunters Brook Loop. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Bar Harbor, Maine that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Cadillac Mountain – North Ridge Trail. 5.3 km The South Ridge Trail delivers a kid-friendly, 7-mile round trip hike of Cadillac Mountain in Maine's Acadia National Park. At the 3/4 mile point the trail connects with the road to Cadillac Mountain's summit for the first time. 12h 00m, Started from Route 3; up and back took a little over 3 hrs, not including a 1-hr stop at the summit, mileage is out and back 2.2K likes. Was a great hike until the summit. This is … Steep boulders on the way down but really fun. 91.11 m Up If you feel like turning around at that point, you’re not missing much at the top! 7.4mi, Create Recommended Route or Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Lots of great ridge walking and ever changing scenery. 8mi. There is only room for a couple of vehicles at the Gorge Path trail head; the North Ridge Trail has parking for about a dozen vehicles. Like the, Hiked down from the summit in scattered showers. Trail Type: Out and back ; Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Hike though forest and stop at the Featherbed, a small glacial pond, for a peaceful snack before joining the crowds on the summit. Fantastic hike from Blackwoods Campground to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The South Ridge Trail is a gradual climb, but it has the advantage of not coming close to the Cadillac Summit Road until the end. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Canon Brook was steep but with good hiking boots, the friction will keep you grounded. 90.04 m Down. We were essentially alone on the entire hike and had the summit all to ourselves. Spam? Continue for 0.1 miles to complete the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. When coming back up the Canon Brook trail, be extremely careful - I hiked it after a few days of rain and it is dangerous in spots when wet. Of all the hiking trails on Cadillac Mountain, the 3.5-mile South Ridge Trail is the longest and gentlest, gradually climbing the mountain’s long, south ridge, which is … 2h 43m. Follow the blazes across paths and exposed granite while you steadily climb. 139.43 m Down, 3.4 mi Both the North Ridge Trail and Gorge Paths are reached prior to the fee gate. Photo by Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia, NPS. Check Out My Book!!! Amazing view from the many open balds on the way up to see the sunrise. About one mile into the hike you'll join up with the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. From mid-September to mid-March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. 3h 57m, Beautiful hike from Blackwoods campground in the park. 458' Up Trail itself was in great condition and only ran into ice the last .2 miles near the summit. For many people, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is the best route to the top of Acadia's tallest mountain. Recommend going up north ridge and descent down south ridge. Did this trail as an out & back with our two dogs. • 56 reviews of Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail "Can't believe this place only has one German review. Right next to it will be a few stone steps that start the trail up the mountain. 348.19 m Down, 3.4 mi For many people, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is the best route to the top of Acadia's tallest mountain. we started this trail from Blackwoods Campground. Start heading up. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. • Enjoy the views out over the Atlantic from this open summit. Then we took a right on to the A. Murray Young path which was part boulders, part neatly built rocks and very quiet. The top was a zoo, full of people and we just cut right through due to wind. Beautiful views from the top. The Cadillac North Ridge trailhead is located along the Park Loop Road, 1/3 of a mile past the Y-intersection where the Park Loop Road becomes one-way. Cadillac Mountain , ME: Trails: Cadillac South Ridge Trail : Date of Hike: Sunday, December 27, 2020: Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked roadside at the ME route 3 trailhead. Credit: Tim Peck Sunrise Bonus Points . Wear shoes with good traction as the waterfall segment can be slippery, especially if it’s rained recently. The trailhead will be on the right side of the road across from the beginning of the parking area. —