Cadillac Mountain is infamous for it’s incredible views, and of course, the first point in the U.S. to see the sunrise. On Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park, this mountain offers fantastic hiking trails, as well as a short drive or bike ride up to the summit. In this article, we cover your cadillac mountain hiking options
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Trail Map | Trail Options | Weather | Directions
Height: 1,530 Feet (466 meters)
Distance: 4.4 miles (7.08 km) Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet (350.52 meters)
Duration: 2-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
Trail Maps
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Trails
North Ridge Trail – 4.4 Miles Round Trip | 1,530 Feet Elevation Gain
The North Ridge Trail is probably the most popular option up to the summit. It features a steady gain up Cadillac, gorgeous views, and is just an all around fun trail.
West Face Trail – 3.1 Miles Round Trip | 1,309 Feet Elevation Gain
This is the shortest and steepest route up Cadillac. It features extremely cool views of Bubble Pond and Eagle lake. This is a great quick option if you love rock faces and steeper hiking.
South Ridge Trail – 7 miles Round Trip | 1,350 Feet Elevation Gain
The South Ridge trail begins off of Route 3 across from the Blackwoods Campground. Hikers can choose to park here, and campers at the campground can follow a .7 mile path to the trailhead as well. This is one of the most common routes up Cadillac due to the diverse views. It is one of the longest trails in Acadia.
How Long Does It Take To Hike Up Cadillac Mountain?
The average individuals will take around 2.5 hours to hike to the summit. Longer Trails, like the South Ridge Trail will take just over 3 hours typically. Frequent hikers can summit via North Ridge Trail, or West Face trail in under an hour and a half.
Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain
The sunrise on Cadillac Mountain is absolutely gorgeous. With 360 degree views of the surrounding bays, lakes and mountains, it is a must for every traveler to watch. Be sure to time your hike correctly so that you make it before sunrise! Bring headlamps. If your feeling lazy, you can also drive up. Here is a great article on driving up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise.
Weather Forecast
Bar Harbor, ME
Overnight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind around 14 mph.
Friday
Partly sunny. High near 23, with temperatures falling to around 17 in the afternoon. West wind around 14 mph.
Friday Night
Isolated snow showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -23. Northwest wind 14 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 5. Wind chill values as low as -26. Northwest wind 14 to 17 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around -4. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 10. North wind 6 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night
Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 7. Northeast wind 6 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Directions
North Ridge Trail Directions:
South Ridge Trail Directions:
West Face Trail Directions:
West Face Trail Views
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
