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The shortest route to the top of Cadillac Mountain.


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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.3

KM

Point to Point

1,377' 420 m

High

332' 101 m

Low

1,050' 320 m

Up

5' 1 m

Down

25%

Avg Grade (14°)

72%

Max Grade (36°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

Description

The Cadillac West Face Trail is the shortest route to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain in Acadia. There are some great views along the trail, however the views are better on the more popular routes to the summit: the Cadillac North Ridge Trail and the Cadillac South Ridge Trail.

But if your goal is simply to reach Cadillac's summit as quickly as possible - or get a great workout -this is the trail you'll want. The trailhead is located at the northern tip of Bubble Pond. The trail heads through the forest and climbs steep granite ledges.

Keep your eyes out for the blue blazes that mark the trail. As you climb higher and higher, dramatic views of Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake open up below. The West Face Trail ultimately connects to the Cadillac South Ridge Trail, which you can then follow a short ways to the summit.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. If youre interested in learning more details about great day hikes, weather, camping / lodging, and geology, check out his book: .

Contacts

Shared By:

James Kaiser

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 10 votes

#8942

Overall
  4.1 from 10 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#126

in Maine

#8,942

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,361 Since Sep 1, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
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69%
31%

Photos

View of Bubble Pond from Cadillac West Face Trail.
Mar 29, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Check-Ins

Jan 20, 2023
Lara Verbecken
Sep 1, 2020
Jamie Marshall
Sep 16, 2019
Jennifer Wetzel
Jun 28, 2019
Jack Fox
Fun but very challenging climb across a mountain, be prepared for lots of slick rock. 0.8mi — 12h 30m
Oct 16, 2018
Ethan Miller
Extremely treacherous to descend, especially after a big rainstorm. I was constantly holding onto trees for stability and scotting on my rear. 0.8mi — 3h 00m
Aug 31, 2018
Eugene K
Part of a through hike from the ladder trail up Dorr mountain then Cadillac and down to Bubble Pond
Jul 7, 2018
Sana M
Aug 25, 2017
Andrea Jorissen
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