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Cadillac South Ridge Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (44)
  1. Areas
  2. ME
  3. …Downeast Maine and Acadia
  4. Acadia National Park
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“Great views of the southern shore of Mount Desert Island on the way to Cadillac's summit. ”

James Kaiser
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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.5

KM

Point to Point

1,517' 462 m

High

149' 45 m

Low

1,473' 449 m

Up

142' 43 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Description

For many people, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is the best route to the top of Acadia's tallest mountain. 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.

The trailhead, located off Route 3 about 150 feet southwest of the turnoff to Blackwoods Campground, doesn't look like much, which might be why many people overlook this trail. After a slow start through the woods, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail climbs to higher elevations, and the views start to open up.

The higher you climb, the better the views become. Just before the junction with the Canon Brook Trail, you'll pass the Featherbed, a small pond that's a nice place to take a break. Past the Featherbed, the trail ascends a rocky ridge. Follow the cairns and blue blazes to the summit, and don't forget to turn around and enjoy the spectacular views of the Gulf of Maine along the way.

If you find yourself spending the night at the Blackwoods Campground, take note that this trail can be accessed from the southwest corner of the campground. If you're planning to watch the sunrise from the trail, this shortcut could save you valuable time.

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

  4.6 from 44 votes

#3

in Acadia National Park

#59

Overall
  4.6 from 44 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
32%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#3

in Acadia National Park

#4

in Maine

#59

Overall
9 Views Last Month
5,115 Since Sep 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Acadia National Park after the sunset.
Mar 30, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Junction with Cadillac West Face Trail.
Mar 29, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Mar 29, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Who knew? Dogs on leash are allowed on all Acadia NP trails!
Feb 17, 2019 near Bar Harbor, ME
Cadillac South Ridge Trail views. with permission from E Koh
Mar 30, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Making our way back to Blackwoods Campground along the Cadillac Southridge Trail on an early hazy morning.
Jul 2, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 26, 2023
Ray O
Aug 5, 2023
Alexander Woelkers
Jul 13, 2023
Jamie Lynch
Oct 3, 2022
Brittany De Leon
4/2022
Sep 13, 2022
Magdalena Straub
9mi
Aug 15, 2022
Melissa Sparrow
Jun 22, 2022
Sean Brumble
Apr 10, 2022
Sbby York
Didn't do the whole trail, started at route 3, ended above tree line (not the summit, but still a great view!) 4.5mi

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