4.4 miles round trip
2-ish hours
Difficulty: Family Hike
Good for: families, nature lovers, casual hikers
There are some hikes that just have to be done. When deciding between the myriad of trails in Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a must. Though only 1530 feet, Cadillac is the highest point on Mount Desert Island, offering stunning views in all directions.
With several trails to pick from, we chose the North Ridge Trail for our ascent on a rainy day in October. In my mind, May and October are the only two months worth hiking Acadia. Any time in between and you risk being overrun by human locusts more commonly known as tourists.
The North Ridge Trail is a good one for children in fair weather. The climb is gradual and most of the trail is easy going on exposed granite. There was only one spot I used my hands to pull myself up and this was no more difficult than climbing into a full-size truck. In all seriousness, the most difficult spot just might be the initial bank off the road.
The trail features numerous scenic lookouts over Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor, as well as interesting groves of stunted pine fit for a hobbit. The one negative is that the trail often parallels Cadillac Mountain Road and the peaceful soundtrack of Mother Nature is frequently remixed by the whirl of passing cars. In one spot the trail passes within camera shot of the tourist paparazzi at a scenic lookout.
The tree line on Cadillac is much lower than inland mountains and a good portion of the final ascent is all open rock face. I kept expecting a last steep climb to the summit but it never came. You’ll know you’ve reached the top when you get to the parking lot, unfortunately. From here there is a short loop trail around the summit. There are also a couple of connecting trails on the summit, with connections off the connections, providing an array of options for continuing throughout the park. We chose to descend via the Gorge Path.
Of course, taking a pedestrian route to the top means you’ll have guilt-free calories to replace. I recommend the create-your-own mac and cheese at the Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor.
A great view of Frenchman Bay from the very beginning of the trail.
Frantastic’s trail goatee. Important to note that no wildlife was harmed in the making of this blog post.
A typical stretch of trail near the tree line. Even with all the rain, the trail wasn’t very slippery. The exposed rock surface was more rough and honeycombed than smooth.
Into the great white ocean. Even a cold and rainy day on the North Ridge Trail beats a warm Bar Harbor pub with a seasonal pint, burger, fries, football on TV…wait, what’s my argument again?
Gotta love national parks…and stupid people.
Maybe it’s just me, but the Cadillac Mountain summit view seemed overrated.
Directions
Take I-95 in Maine to exit 182A and merge onto I-395 east. From I-395 take exit 6A and merge onto U.S. 1A east to Ellsworth. From Ellsworth follow U.S. 3 east to Bar Harbor. The entrance to Acadia is well marked, and upon entering the park follow signs for the Park Loop Road (not the Cadillac Mountain Road). The North Ridge Trail head is reached prior to the fee gate. Parking at the trail head is limited so arrive early, especially in the summer.
If you’re planning a full day of hiking in Acadia, it’s best to stop at the visitor’s center to purchase the “Hiking and Biking Trail Map.” It is more detailed than the free park map and worth the $4.95 investment.
What are your favorite hikes for families around Acadia and Schoodic Point?
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I loved your post on hiking Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail! The detailed trail descriptions and stunning photos really inspired me to plan my trip. I can’t wait to take in those panoramic views—thanks for sharing your experience!
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What an informative post! I’ve been wanting to hike Cadillac Mountain and your detailed descriptions of the North Ridge Trail really motivate me to plan my trip. The tips on what to bring and the scenic highlights were particularly helpful. Can’t wait to experience the views from the top! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this detailed guide on hiking Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail! The tips on what to expect and the stunning photos really inspire me to tackle this hike soon. Can’t wait to experience the sunrise from the summit!
I recently hiked Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail, and it was an incredible experience! The views from the summit were absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunrise. Thanks for the detailed guide – your tips on the trail conditions and what to expect were super helpful. I can’t wait to explore more hikes in the Northeast!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
I loved your post about hiking Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail! The tips you provided on timing for sunrise were super helpful, and the photos really captured the beauty of the trail. Can’t wait to try this hike myself! Thank you for the inspiration!
Loved your detailed description of the North Ridge Trail to Cadillac Mountain! The photos really capture the breathtaking views—especially that sunrise shot. Can’t wait to try this hike myself! Thanks for the tips on what to pack!
What an inspiring post! I’ve always wanted to hike Cadillac Mountain, and your detailed description of the North Ridge Trail makes it sound so inviting. The tips on what to bring and the best times to visit are super helpful. Can’t wait to plan my hike!
What an inspiring guide! The North Ridge Trail sounds like an incredible way to experience Cadillac Mountain. I love the detailed tips you provided on what to expect along the hike. I can’t wait to try it out and catch that breathtaking sunrise! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
I just finished hiking Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail, and it was absolutely stunning! The views from the summit are breathtaking, especially at sunrise. Thank you for the detailed tips in your post; they definitely helped me prepare for the trek! Would love to hear more about your favorite spots in Acadia National Park!
Great post! The North Ridge Trail sounds like an incredible hike, and the views from Cadillac Mountain must be breathtaking. I love the detailed tips you provided. Can’t wait to give it a try on my next visit to Acadia National Park!
This blog post really captured the beauty of hiking Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail! The detailed tips and stunning photos have me eager to hit the trail soon. I can’t wait to experience that sunrise view myself! Thanks for the inspiration!
I just hiked the North Ridge Trail to Cadillac Mountain and it was absolutely breathtaking! The views of the sunrise from the summit were worth every step. Thanks for sharing such detailed information about the trail—your tips on what to bring and the best time to go really helped make the experience even better! Can’t wait to explore more hikes in the Northeast!
I just finished the hike up Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail, and it was absolutely breathtaking! The views from the summit were worth every step. Thank you for the detailed trail description and tips; they really helped me prepare for the adventure! Can’t wait to share my experience with friends!
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Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
What a great read. The North Ridge Trail on Cadillac Mountain looks incredible, and the tips about the best viewpoints and trail conditions are constructive. For anyone planning a trip to Acadia National Park, this guide will make the hiking experience much easier and more enjoyable. Maine’s landscapes really offer something special for outdoor enthusiasts.
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This trail sounds like such a rewarding experience, especially for families looking for something accessible yet scenic. One challenge with popular hikes is often finding a route that balances manageable terrain with beautiful views, and it seems like the North Ridge Trail does exactly that.
The chance to enjoy Frenchman Bay while avoiding overly strenuous climbs makes it a perfect solution for travelers who want both comfort and adventure. Definitely adding this to my Acadia itinerary!
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