Cadillac West Face Trail

This is the shortest route to take to Cadillac Mountain's summit.

Plan Around Cadillac West Face Trail

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

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 West Face Trail Details

This trail, the shortest route to Cadillac's summit, is steep and demanding. The trail cuts through spruce forest west to the north end of Bubble Pond and the South Ridge of Cadillac Trail, Crossing over some particularly steep inclines and skirting massive granite boulders before revealing great views of the pond and Pemetic Mountain. Junctions with Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. If you hike 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 South Ridge of Cadillac Trail or Bubble Pond Parking Area.

Difficulty

High

Distance

2.8 miles

Estimated time

2 hours

Region

N/A