Getting There: A Summit Drive-In
The Cadillac South Ridge Trail ascends Acadia National Park’s highest peak, Cadillac Mountain (1,530 ft), on Mount Desert Island’s central spine. It’s a scenic start from Bar Harbor, near Dorr and Jordan Pond’s quieter trails.
Route from Bar Harbor, Maine
- Drive south on Main Street (ME-3) for 1 mile from downtown Bar Harbor.
- Turn right onto Schooner Head Road, then left onto Park Loop Road for 7 miles to the Blackwoods Campground entrance.
- Continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking on the right (signed for Cadillac South Ridge Trail).
Road Conditions
- Paved and smooth—Park Loop Road fits any car. Summer crowds (May-October) pack parking; a shuttle from Bar Harbor or early arrival helps. Rain keeps it drivable, but the trail gets slick.
From the trailhead, you’re in for a 7.1-mile round-trip hike—a steady climb to Acadia’s rooftop with views that stretch to the horizon.
What to Expect: A Ridge to the Top
Cadillac South Ridge Trail is a moderate trek—3-4 hours—with 1,350 feet of elevation gain across a 7.1-mile round-trip (3.5 miles up to the summit, 3.6 miles back down). You’ll start in pine woods, winding past boulder fields and granite outcrops, the path rising gently at first. The ridge opens midway—exposed rock with scrambles, offering teases of Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic. The summit (1,530 ft) crowns the climb with a 360-degree sweep—distant islands, coastal cliffs, and on clear days, Mount Katahdin’s faint outline.
- Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the trail traces Acadia’s rugged legacy, blending forest and exposed stone.
- No rungs here, just grit—watch your step on wet rock.
- Wind’s fierce—bring a jacket. Pack a water bottle and snack; no springs dot this ridge.
Why Consider This Adventure?
Cadillac South Ridge isn’t a quick dash—it’s a rewarding haul to Acadia’s highest point. Here’s its call.
- Summit Glory: At 1,530 ft, the top’s the park’s king—ocean, islands, and peaks in one vast gaze.
- Ridge Rhythm: The mix of forest and open rock keeps it dynamic—steady effort, big views.
- Central Pulse: Near Dorr and Jordan Pond, it’s a central link for a day of Acadia’s highs.
- Maine’s Crown: Granite meets sea air—a climb that crowns Acadia’s wild coastline.
What You’ll Get Out Of It
This trail is a slow build to a breathtaking peak—a journey that lingers.
- Awe: The summit’s expanse—sea to horizon—hits like a wave, grounding you in Acadia’s scale.
- Flow: The ridge’s rise and fall syncs your breath with the land’s pulse.
- Satisfaction: Topping Cadillac’s height leaves a quiet pride, legs strong with the climb.
Final Thoughts
Cadillac South Ridge Trail is Acadia’s highest haul—a granite grind to a summit that rules the coast. It’s for those who’d trade flat walks for a ridge-top reign, where the sea’s breath meets stone’s endurance. Summer’s mild (80°F tops in July-August), but crowds swarm—spring or fall thins the pack, though wet rock’s a slip risk. Precipice claimed two lives in July 2023, lost in fog; this path’s gentler but demands care. If you’re ready to claim Acadia’s crown, this trail’s your ascent.
Tips for the Journey
- Pack a water bottle and snack—fuel for the ridge.
- Check weather—rain slicks granite; dry’s safer.
- Wear grippy shoes—loose rock needs traction.
- Start early—parking fills by mid-morning.
This isn’t a sprint—it’s a rise. Step up, and let Cadillac lift you.
