Gorge Path

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · River/Creek · Spring · Views

While it does start from the junction with the Kebo Brook Trail, most people start from the Gorge Path Parking Area on the Park Loop Road. From here, you'll descend off the road down stone stairs next to a huge stone arch that bridges the road.

A 0.5-mile easy trek through the woods will warm you up before the path starts uphill in earnest following the gorge between Cadillac and Dorr Mountains. The path is steep, more like running up a river of rock (you won't see much dirt on this entire run), with stone stairs and a small stream you'll be following. The trees provide nice cover, so even on a warm day, you won't have much sun exposure.

Once you reach the junction of the Gorge Path, Schiff Path, and A. Murray Young Path trails, hook a right and start climbing! It's all up steep rock faces to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the gorge you just completed and Dorr Mountain across the way to the east. If you look carefully, you can see the sign post denoting the summit of Dorr Mountain and sometimes other runners descending into the gorge down the Schiff Path.

When you summit Cadillac, save some breath for a haughty sniff at those who drove up (just kidding). In all serious, take time to enjoy your summit reward and revel in this classic Acadia view!

You'll encounter several evergreens and ferns on the forest floor and high-canopy trees that keep the air cool.