Getting There: A Central Peak Approach
The Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail climbs the rugged east face of Dorr Mountain in Acadia National Park, a central pillar of Mount Desert Island. It’s a short drive from Bar Harbor, nestled between Jordan Pond and Cadillac’s heights.
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 5 miles to the Jordan Pond parking lot.
- Continue 1 mile north on Park Loop Road to the Kebo Mountain/Dorr Mountain trailhead parking (near the Tarn).
Road Conditions
- Paved and smooth—Park Loop Road fits any car. Summer crowds (May-October) fill spots quick; a shuttle from Bar Harbor saves the hassle. Rain keeps it drivable, but granite steps get slippery.
From the trailhead, you’re in for a 3.4-mile round-trip hike—a steep, rung-aided ascent and a gentler descent via the North Ridge Trail.
What to Expect: A Ladder to the Summit
Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail is a strenuous climb—2-3 hours—with 1,100 feet of elevation gain packed into a mile. You’ll start in pine woods, then hit the ladders—iron rungs and granite steps bolted to a steep slope, some tilting near 45 degrees. Hands grip metal, boots edge stone, with views of the Tarn and Cadillac teasing below. The summit (1,270 ft) opens wide—Frenchman Bay sparkles east, Champlain Mountain looms south, a hard-earned sweep.
- The descent via North Ridge winds 2 miles through scrub and rock, easing the pulse with softer terrain.
- Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, these ladders honor Acadia’s trail-building legacy—rugged and unyielding.
- Wind cuts—bring a jacket. Pack a water bottle and snack; no springs flow on this rise.
Why Consider This Adventure?
Dorr Mountain isn’t a casual walk—it’s a granite test with a view that pays off. Here’s its pull.
- Ladder Thrill: Rungs and steps turn a steep hike into a hands-on challenge—Acadia’s vertical bite.
- Summit Reward: The top’s panorama—bay, peaks, forest—hits like a punch after the climb.
- Central Vibe: Near Jordan Pond and Cadillac, it’s a pivot point for a day of peaks.
- Maine’s Backbone: Granite meets coastal air—a climb that flexes Acadia’s rugged soul.
What You’ll Get Out Of It
This trail is a grind with a glow—a summit that sticks with you.
- Rush: Ladders underhand and granite below spark a surge—Maine’s wild pulse.
- Vista: The summit’s sweep—sea to ridge—melts the effort into awe.
- Pride: Conquering Dorr’s face leaves a quiet strength in your stride.
Final Thoughts
Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail is Acadia’s granite staircase—a rung-and-rock haul that balances thrill and triumph. It’s for those who’d trade flat trails for a vertical dance, where the forest yields to stone and sea. Summer’s mild (80°F tops in July-August), but crowds swarm—spring or fall thins the pack, though wet granite’s slick. Precipice claimed two lives in July 2023, lost in fog; this path’s tough but safer—go prepped. If you’re ready to scale Acadia’s heart, this trail’s your ascent.
Tips for the Journey
- Pack a water bottle and snack—fuel for the climb.
- Check weather—rain turns rungs slippery; dry’s best.
- Wear grippy shoes—granite steps demand traction.
- Start early—parking near the Tarn fills fast.
This isn’t a stroll—it’s a rise. Step up, and let Dorr Mountain lift you.
