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Great views of the southern shore of Mount Desert Island on the way to Cadillac's summit.


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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.5

KM

85%

Runnable

1,517' 462 m

High

149' 45 m

Low

1,473' 449 m

Up

142' 43 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Runner Notes

If you are running this trail as an out-and-back, be prepared for about a 7 to 8 mile round trip journey.

Description

For many people, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is the best route to the top of Acadia's tallest mountain. Like the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, it offers spectacular ocean views. But unlike the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, it never skirts the Park Loop Road, so you'll never have to listen to cars whizzing past.

The trailhead, located off Route 3 about 150 feet southwest of the turnoff to Blackwoods Campground, doesn't look like much, which might be why many people overlook this trail. After a slow start through the woods, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail climbs to higher elevations, and the views start to open up.

The higher you climb, the better the views become. Just before the junction with the Canon Brook Trail, you'll pass the Featherbed, a small pond that's a nice place to take a break. Past the Featherbed, the trail ascends a rocky ridge. Follow the cairns and blue blazes to the summit, and don't forget to turn around and enjoy the spectacular views of the Gulf of Maine along the way.

If you find yourself spending the night at the Blackwoods Campground, take note that this trail can be accessed from the southwest corner of the campground. If you're planning to watch the sunrise from the trail, this shortcut could save you valuable time.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Acadia, check out his .

Contacts

Shared By:

James Kaiser

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 44 votes

#58

Overall
  4.6 from 44 votes
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4 Star
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3 Star
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Trail Rankings

#4

in Maine

#58

Overall
9 Views Last Month
5,115 Since Sep 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Acadia National Park after the sunset.
Mar 30, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Mar 29, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Who knew?  Dogs on leash are allowed on all Acadia NP trails!
Feb 17, 2019 near Bar Harbor, ME
Cadillac South Ridge Trail views. with permission from E Koh
Mar 30, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Making our way back to Blackwoods Campground along the Cadillac Southridge Trail on an early hazy morning.
Jul 2, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME
Junction with Cadillac West Face Trail.
Mar 29, 2016 near Bar Harbor, ME

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