Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
A significantly longer trail than most in the Park.
Plan Around Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Details
Rising gently at first, the trail climbs north through softwood forests becoming progressively more difficult. Before leaving the woods for open ledges at higher altitudes, the trail often diverges, giving way to short loop trails with great views to the east and southeast. Junctions with Canon Brook, The Pond Trail, and other Cadillac Mountain trails are also possible. If you hike the north or south ridge trails to the summit, you will need to hike back down as shuttle buses do not run from the top. Choose your timing wisely, as hiking on the Cadillac trails becomes very difficult during rain storms because the smooth granite faces become slick like sheets of ice. Weather on the summit is usually colder and windier than other lower parts of Acadia, so dress appropriately. Be sure to walk only on designated trails and on granite surfaces to avoid trampling slow-growing sub-alpine plants. Help protect the historic Bates cairn trail markers by not adding rock pile graffiti to them. Trailhead: from Cadillac Summit is behind the gift shop; from Route 3 across from Blackwoods Campground or from within campground.
Difficulty
High
Distance
3.5 miles
Estimated time
3 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
Compare nearby parks around Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Cadillac Mountain
A 7.1-mile moderate out-and-back hike along the South Ridge Trail.
0.4 mi away
Hunters Brook Trail
A seldom traveled, secluded trail through dense cedar, maple, and spruce forests.
0.5 mi away
Otter Creek Inn
This historic inn offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by Acadia's beauty, just a short distance from Bar Harbor's energy.
0.6 mi away
Blackwoods Campground
The ranger station is located just before the camping area.
