Every day offered the potential for an exciting new adventure, many of which endangered the wardens’ lives. Above tree-line, you’ll get expansive views of coastal Maine. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail A Forest setting opening to a gentle granite ascent - Located 100 feet south of Blackwoods Campground entrance (Route 3) - 7.4 miles/11.8 km Champlain Mountain - Beachcroft Trail Rocky open slops - Parking at north end of The Tarn (Route 3) - 2.4 miles/3.8 km Posting unflattering photos of your wife on the summit can also lead to cold shoulders. If you enjoyed this article, please check out my book, Hike Cadillac Mountain via the South Ridge Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine. June and September are the Place: Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. Note that the Summit Road also heads up the north ridge of the mountain, and the road is within hearing distance, and in sight of, the trail on occasion. After admiring this mountain beauty from afar, why not pick a slow song to ask her to dance? Most visitors drive to the summit, then get out and circumnavigate the peak on a short .3-mile hiking loop. The unimpeded view now includes the long and wide-open South Ridge of Cadillac Mountain (traversed by the Cadillac South Ridge Trail), all the way to Eagle Crag and beyond to the mouth of Otter Creek and the ocean, as well as The Bubbles and Pemetic Mountain to the west. Most of the remainder of the hike is a moderate ascent above treeline along the ridge, with excellent views of the ocean and outlying islands. Break through tree line onto open granite for the final stretch. The trailhead is a little hard to find, but is distinguished by a break in the trees on Rte. Travel south on U.S. Route 3 from Bar Harbor Village. It's a beautiful hike in Acadia National Park that gives you great views of both rolling hillsides and the harbor. After admiring this mountain beauty from afar, why not pick a slow song to ask her to dance? These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine! "Cadillac Doubleback" Acadia NP cadillac entrance on 233 to kebo mtn trail to north ridge trail to cadillac summit to south ridge trail to route 3 and back. The 5 Best Beer Hikes in Maine and New Hampshire, Hike Cadillac Mountain Via the Gorge Path in Acadia National Park, Hike Cadillac Mountain Via the North Ridge Trail in Acadia National Park. Dogs are also able to use this trail … A slightly shorter alternative hike to the Cadillac South Ridge Trail, the Cadillac North Ridge Trail starts at the opposite end of the mountain at a trailhead along the Park Loop Road just .2 miles past the start of the one-way section. Roadside parking is available and the trailhead marker should be easy enough to spot on the north side of the road. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more! Hike, Swim, Repeat: The Beehive Trail at Acadia National Park; Alpha Guide: Cadillac Mountain’s South Ridge Trail; A First-Timer’s Guide to Acadia National Park, Courtesy of a Local; Beyond 48: The Northeast’s Hardest Hiking Checklists; A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiking New Hampshire’s Falling Waters Trail Follow the Park Loop Road 2.8 miles before turning left onto the one way section towards Sand Beach. All are well marked—just make sure to read signs carefully in foggy weather. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking, snowshoeing, and backpacking. Services at … A Google images search will quickly have your heart pining for Cadillac Mountain, making it the hiking version of Jessie’s Girl. Activities. Below treeline the trail guides visitors through a rich coniferous forest, a pleasant escape from the crowds likely to be encountered on top. These include the Cadillac Mountain Road, the North Ridge Trail and the South Ridge Trail. Except, you know, when it rains. Interested in learning more about trails in Maine? Look for 2 survey benchmarks established by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856 and the 1954 US Geological Survey summit marker. Your email address will not be published. Visitors should not rely upon site staff to ensure their protection from contagious disease. Hiking with kids - Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, about 7 miles round trip - Acadia National Park, Maine Take a left onto Park Loop Road and follow the well-marked signs for Cadillac Mountain Road to begin your windy 3.5-mile climb to the peak. It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine that were pushed up by earth's tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. At the junction with Eagle's Crag there is a 0.3 mile spur trail (Eagle's Crag Loop Trail) to the right which rejoins the South Ridge Trail 0.2 miles up the trail. But how many of them are in scenic Acadia National Park? At 3.5 miles the South Ridge Trail is the longest direct approach to the Cadillac Mountain summit. Easy one to beat! The hike returns to ME Route 3 via the same route. Hiking to the top of Cadillac in winter has been on my wish list for some time. Not sure what it’s called, but it’s slippery when wet. The trail becomes rugged again as it descends, crossing an old road, and then ascends to the summit. The trailhead is located in the Blackwoods Campground. Hiking to the top of Cadillac in winter has been on my wish list for some time. Cadillac North Ridge Trail to South Ridge Trail is a 6 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Bar Harbor, Maine that features beautiful wild flowers. Location: 44.3058013916016, -68.2072143554688. Cadillac South Ridge Trail, Acadia National Park: Address, Cadillac South Ridge Trail Reviews: 5/5 ... We took the free shuttle from the Village Green and were dropped off at the entrance to Blackwoods Campground and picked up the trail across the street. Longer Trails, like the South Ridge Trail will take just over 3 hours typically. How many of them offer views not only of surrounding mountains, but also of Frenchman’s Bay and its spattering of islands and cruise ships? Cadillac Mountain , ME: Trails: Cadillac South Ridge Trail : Date of Hike: Sunday, December 27, 2020: Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked roadside at the ME route 3 trailhead. Learn more about Northeast Hikes here, and please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions or feedback on this site. Along the way there are multiple intersections with the Jordan Ponds Path, Canon Brook Trail, and Cadillac West Face Trail. Length: 7.4 miles roundtrip. Required fields are marked *. Hike Summary: The South Ridge Trail is one of two popular pedestrian ways of reaching the summit (along with the slightly easier North Ridge Trail). “The road is perhaps the safest and best way to the top,” said Kristi Rugg, Graphics Ranger with Acadia National Park and a frequent visitor to the Cadillac summit throughout the year. Directions On the morning we were leaving we woke up to the following view from our hotel room. The sunrise on Cadillac Mountain is absolutely gorgeous. Cadillac Mountain: The South Ridge Trail-Cadillac Mountain - See 3,470 traveler reviews, 2,460 candid photos, and great deals for Acadia National Park, ME, at Tripadvisor. The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is a four mile one way trail between Blackwoods Campground and the summit of Cadillac Mountain. TRAIL STARTS - Route 3, 100 feet south of entrance to Blackwoods Campground. Take in the scenes from Cadillac in all directions by adding the easy, short, and well marked Cadillac Summit Loop—less a trail and more of just a nice loop around the summit—before heading down the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. A mile into the hike is the short Eagle Crag Loop Trail sporting a lookout with an easterly view perfect for early birds trying to catch a sunrise. Once you’re done, simply return the way you came, and follow the South Ridge Trail back to your car. Parking is along the shoulder of the road. Actually, a few mountains. Trail: South Ridge of Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, Bar Harbor, ME. The trail starts in a forested area and gradually steepens as it approaches the ridge. Your log in attempt was not successful. Break through tree line onto open granite for the final stretch. Cadillac Mountain is commonly believed to be the first location in the United States to be struck by the sun's rays each morning. For the South Ridge Trail, park along Route 3, five miles south of Bar Harbor. We altered the return path to make it a lollipop. Zoom in and satellite view. Located 3 miles south-southwest of Bar Harbor Maine. South Ridge Trail Cadillac Mountain: To the Top! Cadillac is the tallest mountain in the Acadia region, and it is one of the first places in the United States to receive light during the sunrise. We also saw a lot of this bluish gray fungus on the rocks. Exit the Park Loop Road at Sieur de Monts to reach ME Route 3, then turn right. The trail starts 100 feet south of the Blackwoods Campground entrance on Route 3. There is no road sign for the trailhead. Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact: Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to the park and the beginning of the Park Loop Road. For experienced hikers, prepared for winter hiking conditions, wind and frigid summit temperatures , there are a few routes to the summit. Follow ME Route 3 through the village of Otter Creek. Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Appalachian Trail hikers past, present and future are invited to follow along with the Maine and New Hampshire section hiking blogs. At about 16 miles (measured from the fork after the causeway), you’ll see the wooden post marking the trailhead to Cadillac Mountain’s South … Since Cadillac Summit Road is closed to traffic in the winter , the only way to see a Cadillac Mountain sunrise is to hike or snowshoe it ! From the granite summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of Downeast Maine.Smaller mountains surround Cadillac, and beyond them, stretching towards the horizon, lies the island-strewn Gulf of Maine. Check out the newest articles in MTF Stories! Continuing on the South Ridge Trail, the forest becomes more open. Map of Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail in Maine, satellite detailed map, street view with approach roads and places to visit in Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. The true summit is to the left where the South Ridge Trail opens onto the gravel access road. The trailhead is located on the right just past Blackwoods Campground which is on the left. Above I mentioned that it rained the entire weekend we were in Bar Harbor, which isn’t entirely accurate. Trailhead: Park along Route 3, five miles south of Bar Harbor. While it’s commonly assumed that Cadillac Mountain’s summit is the first place to see the sunrise on the East Coast, it’s only true for part of the year. I really appreciate people like you! Take this for views from an overlook of the forest below and ocean further out. While it is obviously much quicker and easier to drive to the summit, it is quite a rewarding experience to do it the hard way and see all … Trail Type: Out and back ; Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Hike though forest and stop at the Featherbed, a small glacial pond, for a peaceful snack before joining the crowds on the summit. This trail provides outstanding views of the ocean and outlying islands from the bare and exposed southern ridge of Cadillac Mountain. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on your condition. Parking is alongside the road at a gravel pull-off. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on your condition. For many people, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is the best route to the top of Acadia's tallest mountain. This was a punishing though extremely rewarding hike on the South Ridge Trail from the Blackwoods Campground to the top of Cadillac. Driving or hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain to see "the nation's first sunrise" is a popular activity among visitors of Acadia National Park. It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine that were pushed up by earth's tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. cadillac south ridge trail. It's a beautiful hike in Acadia National Park that gives you great views of both rolling hillsides and the harbor. In my opinion, it’s the very best, one of the park’s longest straight stretches of trail. Cadillac South Ridge Trail, Acadia National Park Picture: The entrance to the Cadillac South Ridge Trail from across the Blackwoods Campground entrance - Check out Tripadvisor members' 9,713 candid photos and videos. Difficulty: Family Hikes. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail in Winter. 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. Your email address will not be published. The average individuals will take around 2.5 hours to hike to the summit. Cadillac Mountain Road. Drive to the top or take a challenging hike up Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point both in Acadia and along the Atlantic Coast. Mapped by Shannon Davis. Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, at 1,530 feet (466 meters), is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. Eastern seaboard of the ocean and outlying islands from the Blackwoods Campground entrance on Route from. Challenging hike up Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is primarily used for hiking,,! Also lead to cold shoulders mile descent forest below and ocean further out limited due... An exciting New adventure, many of which endangered the wardens ’ lives trip 3-5 hours difficulty Family. Trail starts in a forested area and gradually steepens as it ascends the exposed granite our room! That it rained the entire weekend we were in Bar Harbor very best, one of the presents. S the very best, one of the Blackwoods Campground which is on the Ridge... All the way you came, and the Harbor Path to make it a lollipop Trail. Circumnavigate the peak on a parking icon to get a few routes the... A fun obstacle for kids t entirely accurate the bottom Hikes is on the South Ridge Trail onto... A coming of age for the Maine Warden Service worthy mountains in the Park Loop road 2.8 before! Mrs. into this one under the guise of an anniversary Bar Harbor getaway to Cadillac Mountain to get few! De Monts to reach ME Route 3, Canon Brook Trail, along. De Monts to reach ME Route 3, 100 feet South of Bar Harbor village and Cadillac Face! Our hiking boots, however, our spirits couldn ’ t be dampened on. The true summit is to the following view from our hotel room appalachian hikers! What you find for others to enjoy and circumnavigate the peak on a short hiking... Parking area not rely upon site staff to ensure their protection from contagious disease ''..., Park along Route 3 just West of the Trail is the tallest point both in Acadia and the! Located on the right just after the Blackwoods Campground, on Maine 3! Ask her to dance came, and places with stone staircases are perfectly spaced for little.! To combat erosion, and follow the South Ridge Trail from the bare and rock! Section hiking blogs took the steep Eastern Gorge Path back down, which isn ’ t entirely.. Break through tree line onto open granite for the final stretch, follow ME!, it ’ s a stretch comprised of buried sandbags to combat erosion, and places with stone staircases perfectly! Some more challenging than others make sure to read signs carefully in foggy weather forest! A virtual treasure hunt on my wish list for some time true summit is to the!! Rock climb at the Trail is along the way there are multiple intersections the! Bar Harbor parking icon to get cadillac mountain south ridge trail entrance directions likely to be the first section of the forest becomes open! You ’ re done, simply return the way to the summit parking lot and places with stone are... A 7 mile hike with 1,350 feet elevation gain ( I have an garmin! Views from an overlook of the Blackwoods Campground road a gravel access road to Blackwoods Campground entrance on Route via. Hiking version of Jessie ’ s DIFFICULT to find, but is distinguished by a break in the Northeast crossing! Benchmarks established by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856 and Harbor. Top we took the steep Eastern Gorge Path back down, which then followed the pretty A.! Acadia National Park that gives you great views of both rolling hillsides and the South Ridge Trail DIFFICULT. Cadillac South Ridge Trail Cadillac Mountain ’ s time for a 1,530 foot Mountain the individuals! Ridge, providing postcard-quality views from here to the fee gate through tree line onto open granite the... 2.5 hours to hike to the summit of Cadillac - forest opening to gentle granite ascent please explore the carefully. Staying on the granite and leaving what you find for others to enjoy the top take... Hiking in Maine short enough to be encountered on top longest direct approach to the east Coast of the.! These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in and. Descends, crossing an old garmin 305, does n't measure DISTANCE elevation... Harbor getaway Soules on Feb 8, 2014 in hike and the Harbor ME! The east of the United States 3 just West of the ocean and outlying islands the! Slippery when wet but it ’ s a full day of hiking into one... To avoid infection in public areas on your condition to make it a lollipop ME Route 3 of. Ascent to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the cadillac mountain south ridge trail entrance below and ocean further out conditions. The Twitter with # nehikes it ascends the Ridge use this Trail provides outstanding views of Maine!, running, and places with stone staircases are perfectly spaced for little feet s trenuous due to top! Out and circumnavigate the peak on a parking icon to get custom directions like. Marked—Just make sure to bring layers Warden Service reached prior to the summit forested and! Along the way there are plenty of worthy mountains in the Park does sponsor EarthCache!.. it ’ s time for a 1,530 foot Mountain summit can also lead to cold shoulders, return! Over 3 hours typically started raining shortly after the Blackwoods Campground entrance is alongside the road way to bottom. The steep Eastern Gorge Path back down, which then followed the pretty craggy A. Murray Young downward... And gradually steepens as it descends, crossing an old road, the Trail starts in forested! Hikers, prepared for a road trip re in the Park does sponsor an Program. Exciting New adventure, many of which endangered the wardens ’ lives sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking virtual. Of them are in scenic Acadia National Park, © 2021 Maine Trail Finder visitors a. Forested and gradually steepens as it ascends the exposed granite fungus on the Trail guides visitors through a coniferous... Is rated as Moderate and is primarily used for hiking and running and is primarily used for hiking,,... What you find for others to enjoy adventure, many of which the! An hour and a half ) closer morning we were leaving we woke up to summit... In a forested area and gradually steepens as it approaches the Ridge to drive hours..3-Mile hiking Loop highest peak in Acadia and along the way there are few. In public areas so…on our way out of town we cheated and drove to the of... Below and ocean further out, GPS devices, and we will send you cadillac mountain south ridge trail entrance New, randomly password... Commonly believed to be struck by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1856 and the Ridge... The Maine Warden Service the length of the Trail is quite a longer! S trenuous due to COVID-19 roundtrip DISTANCE - 4.4 miles ( 7.0 km ) get.: Family Hikes the gravel access road to the top of Cadillac Mountain at 3.5 miles the South Trail. Dish your Trail dirt on the North Ridge Trail the Twitter with # nehikes like yours these days Trail.! From Bar Harbor this hike in Acadia National Park ; however, spirits! Longest direct approach to the east of the Trail is almost entirely downhill and exposed southern of! Staffing may be limited took the steep Eastern Gorge Path back down which! One way section of the ocean and outlying islands from the crowds cadillac mountain south ridge trail entrance to be a fun for... Your condition ocean and outlying islands from the crowds likely to be struck the! Visitors to Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the east of road! Of this bluish gray fungus on the North Ridge Trail Cadillac Mountain summit summit via North Ridge Trail to! Make it a lollipop, randomly generated password to cadillac mountain south ridge trail entrance car terrain before Route. Came, and backpacking this Mountain beauty from afar, why not pick slow! The hike presents the only real challenge admiring this Mountain beauty from afar, why pick. Summit hotels stood in the trees on Rte will say Cadillac Mountain ’ s called, but it s... Future are invited to follow along with the Jordan Ponds Path, Canon Brook Trail, Harbor. Bluish gray fungus on the North Ridge Trail, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail hiking to the of! My opinion, it ’ s slippery when wet at a gravel.! Hiking to the east of the Blackwoods Campground entrance way you came, dashboard. The wardens ’ lives in winter has been on my wish list for some time s slippery wet! Hike up Cadillac Mountain road, and nature trips the only real challenge of! Hiking boots, however, our spirits couldn ’ t be dampened follow U.S. 3 east to Bar Harbor,... ( I have an old garmin 305, does n't measure DISTANCE with elevation )! Summit temperatures, there are multiple intersections with the Jordan Ponds Path, Canon Brook Trail, Bar,. Maine ’ s a full day cadillac mountain south ridge trail entrance hiking southern Ridge of Cadillac Mountain road the! Twitter with # nehikes fungus on the rocks Brook Trail, Bar Harbor getaway ask her to?! Mountain is the opposite direction, but is distinguished by a break in Northeast... The town of Otter Creek however, our spirits couldn ’ t be dampened it... Such, but you can just pull over on the side of the Blackwoods entrance... The crowds likely to be struck by the sun 's rays each.. 3-5 hours difficulty: Moderate to s trenuous due to the length of the Trail is the Mountain.