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Cadillac Summit Loop

Easy Easy
 4.4 (22)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. Acadia National Park
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“A loop trail leading to stunning views from the top of Cadillac Mountain. ”

James Kaiser
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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Loop

1,506' 459 m

High

1,458' 445 m

Low

47' 14 m

Up

45' 14 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views

Family Friendly An easy trail with spectacular views.

Description

The Cadillac Summit Loop is an easy, paved path that wraps around the summit of Cadillac Mountainthe tallest mountain in Acadia National Park. The loop provides nearly 360-degree views of Downeast Maine.

From the northern part of the parking area follow the trail clockwise around the summit. (Be sure to stay on the paved path to protect the fragile plants that grow here.) To the northeast you'll see Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island's biggest town. The Porcupine Islands lie just offshore in Frenchman Bay.

Keep wrapping around the summit, and you'll see the tip of Schoodic Peninsula directly to the east. A bit further down the trail, the Cranberry Isles, which lie directly south of Mount Desert Island, come into view. Southwest of the Cranberry Isles are Swan's Island, Frenchboro, and Isle au Haut.

Be sure to check out the elevated lookout area, which has some interesting informational plaques, before looping back to the parking area. If you're hungry or thirsty, head to the small gift shop near the entrance to the parking area. Bathrooms and water fountains are also located there.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Acadia, check out his .

Flora & Fauna

Fragile alpine plants grow alongside the trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park

Shared By:

James Kaiser
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 22 votes

#10

in Acadia National Park

#443

Overall
  4.4 from 22 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#10

in Acadia National Park

#13

in Maine

#443

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,288 Since Sep 1, 2015
Easy Easy
84%
11%
5%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

The sun rises over Cadillac Mountain and the archipelago.
Mar 30, 2017 near Bar Harbor, ME
Not Alone
Mar 26, 2020 near Bar Harbor, ME
cloud wall
Mar 26, 2020 near Bar Harbor, ME
Hiking the Cadillac Summit Trail with views of the Cranberry Isles in the distance.
Mar 15, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
View from the Cadillac Summit Loop.
Mar 15, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
View of the bay
May 17, 2018 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 21, 2024
Stephanie Gagnon
Sep 21, 2023
Brittney Luchene
Sep 21, 2023
Lori Francisco Botkins
Sep 5, 2023
Katie Banchek
Sunrise this morning!
Aug 27, 2023
Tracy Champagne
Aug 20, 2023
Private User
Aug 16, 2023
Matthew Kiss
Panoramic view of the region. Easy exploring over uneven rocks. — 2h 00m
Oct 9, 2022
Nathaniel DeLong

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