North Ridge Cadillac Trail

Challenging Acadia Hiking Trails

The North Ridge Cadillac Trail travels up the longest ridge on the tallest mountain in Acadia National Park. It's one of the more challenging Acadia hiking trails you can do.

It's great terrain, but we like a bit more variety. Also, a large portion of the trail parallels the Cadillac Mountain Road, so road noise and visible cars detracts from the "wilderness" experience.

Still, if none of that bothers you, it is a great hike. It's just not one of our favorites. But, like all Cadillac trails, it offers the simply magnificent 360-degree view at the top!

Trail Description

Distance: 4 mi
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Where to Park: Park Loop Road near the Rte 233 entrance; parking area on the left, trailhead on the right

This trail parallels the Park Loop Road as it winds its way up Cadillac. It follows the same route as the Buckboard Toll Road that existed in the 1850s.

This road was originally an American Indian footpath that was later widened by European settlers to allow horses and wagons to ride upon it. During the resort era before Acadia became a park, wealthy residents used the Buckboard Road to travel to the top of Cadillac for picnic outings.

On the North Ridge Cadillac Trail, you will be climbing up smooth rock most of the way with some larger rocks and trees to scramble around towards the top of the trail. Look for cairns as you climb (large piles of rocks used to mark the trail) because there aren't many trees for trail markers to be painted on.

However, if you just keep following the ridge up, you'll soon find your way! At the top, take a few minutes to enjoy the view in all directions... you can see other peaks... wave to the people on top of Dorr Mountain across the gorge!... meadows, Eagle Lake, Somes Sound, and Frenchman Bay.

On your way back down the North Ridge Cadillac Trail, you will follow the same route. Be sure to keep your eyes on the trail markers. You should get down the trail a lot faster than it took to climb it, because it is all downhill at a very steady rate.

Insider Tips

• There's a bathroom at the top of the climb outside the gift shop so be sure to stop if you've been drinking lots of water!

• The gift shop also stocks some tasty treats so if you're in the mood for a candy bar or popsicle, go ahead and treat yourself. You'll burn it off on the climb back down!

• If you decide to stray off the path at the bottom of the trail, please be aware that the trail will suddenly drop off onto the Park Loop Road. See Sarah's story to find out more!

If you like the less challenging ridge hikes and want to experience Cadillac Mountain from top to bottom, the North Ridge Cadillac trail just might be your Acadia hiking trail of choice!

Top of North Ridge Cadillac page