2.9 km away
Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop
A short summit hike atop the highest peak in Acadia National Park.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 614 m
- Ascent
- 23 m
- Descent
- 23 m
Cadillac North Ridge Trail
Acadia National Park
A scenic hike to the highest point of Acadia National Park
Hiking Difficult
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Ascent
- 341 m
- Descent
- 341 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 121 m
- High Point
- 455 m
- Gradient
- 7˚
The Cadillac North Ridge Trail is one of the many beautiful trails in Acadia National Park, but it ranks among the most beautiful due to its ultimate vaulted vantage point from the top of Cadillac Mountain. As the highest peak in the park, Cadillac is one of the "first spots in the United States to get hit by sunrise," according to this local guide.
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Description
While you could choose to simply hike a short loop around the top of the mountain, thanks to a road that leads to the summit, this longer hike is a much more rewarding way to reach the top. Covering 4 miles and 1,120 feet of climbing round trip, you'll have much more time to soak in the majesty of Acadia on this rocky, rugged jaunt to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Difficulty
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
- Picturesque
- Summit Hike
Similar routes nearby
4.5 km away
Bubbles Nubble Loop
A circuit including North Bubble, South Bubble, and Conners Nubble - with impressive views from each.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Ascent
- 288 m
- Descent
- 288 m
4.6 km away
Precipice Trail Loop
Climb up metal ladders in cliffsides and skirt along exposed rock ledges on this death-defying hike!
Extreme Hiking
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 370 m
- Descent
- 370 m
6.4 km away
Great Head Trail
A scenic coastal hike with expansive views and the ruins of a historic tea house.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 75 m
- Descent
- 75 m
6.4 km away
Beehive Trail
The easiest "rung and ladder" trail known for its stunning views and cliffside exposure.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 169 m
- Descent
- 169 m
6.8 km away
Jordan Cliffs Loop
A challenging and incredibly scenic day hike with "iron rungs and ladders" along Jordan Cliffs and Penobscot Mountain.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Ascent
- 366 m
- Descent
- 366 m
7.5 km away
Gorham Mountain Loop
A summit loop over Gorham Mountain known for its expansive oceanside views and rocky shoreline.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 159 m
- Descent
- 159 m
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Guidebooks in this area
25 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
25 of the Most Incredible Day Hikes in the United States
10 routes · Hiking
10 of the Best Day Hikes in the Appalachian Mountains
13 routes · Hiking
Granite Peaks & Foggy Bays—Classic Hikes in Acadia NP
4 routes · Hiking
Top 4 Iron Rung Hikes in Acadia National Park
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
The Most Famous Hike in Every US National Park
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