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Cadillac North Ridge Trail

Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (56)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. …Acadia National Park
  5. Bar Harbor
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“One of the best routes to the top of Cadillac Mountain, offering terrific views of Bar Harbor. ”

James Kaiser
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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

Point to Point

1,493' 455 m

High

407' 124 m

Low

1,086' 331 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

Family Friendly While the route is a bit ambitious, the short distance makes this strenuous route great for older kids, and provides a great sense of accomplishment at the top.

Description

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.

From the trailhead follow the blue blazes and rock cairns that mark the trail. Views of Bar Harbor will soon open up to the northeast. The higher you climb, the better the views become. You'll soon be treated to fantastic views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. In places the trail runs alongside the Park Loop Road, and you'll likely hear the sounds of passing cars. Thankfully, the final push to the summit is located away from the road, giving you plenty of peace and quiet - until you reach the summit, where you'll be greeted by a large parking area filled with tourists. Not to worry. By this point you'll have so many endorphins flowing through your brain that the crowds will hardly matter. To celebrate your achievement, take a quick stroll around the Cadillac Summit Loop.

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

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Acadia National Park

Shared By:

James Kaiser
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 56 votes

#1

in Bar Harbor

#23

Overall
  4.7 from 56 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Bar Harbor

#3

in Maine

#23

Overall
10 Views Last Month
8,233 Since Sep 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
15%
23%
62%
0%
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Photos

Sunrise on Cadillac.
Apr 7, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
View of Bar Harbor and Porcupine Islands from Cadillac Mountain.
Mar 23, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Mar 29, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Stone staircase, ascending
Oct 8, 2019 near Bar Harbor, ME
Descending the North Ridge Trail.
Jul 29, 2019 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 20 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 14, 2023
Kurt Steiger
Jan 20, 2023
Lara Verbecken
Oct 20, 2022
Alec Martin
Sep 11, 2022
Matthew Wolf
Aug 15, 2022
Justin Gorsuch
Aug 8, 2022
Jodi Schaefer
Strenuous climb on boulders, trails. Beautiful views of the porcupine islands 5mi
Jul 24, 2022
Sabrina Kucherov
5h 30m
Jul 17, 2022
Mia Capizola

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