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
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. South wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind 10 to 14 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Southeast wind around 12 mph.
Tuesday Night
A chance of rain between 9pm and 3am, then a chance of rain and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Southeast wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday
Rain and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Southeast wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Rain and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 40. South wind 7 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Thursday
Rain likely before 7am, then rain showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 9 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Directions
North Ridge Trail Directions:
South Ridge Trail Directions:
West Face Trail Directions:
West Face Trail Views
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, 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. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about