West Face Cadillac Trail

A Wonderful Combination of Great Challenge & Beauty

The West Face Cadillac Trail is another favorite, which climbs one of the harder routes up Cadillac Mountain from Bubble Pond.

The West Face Cadillac Trail is not for the faint of heart. It starts going nearly straight up from the gentle, lapping shores of sparkling Bubble Pond. Quite a contrast. You climb quickly and almost within minutes you are far above the Pond.

Climb with agility and care... the rewards are many, both along the way and once you get to the top of the West Face Cadillac Trail!

Trail Description

Distance: 6.3 mi
Type of Hike: Loop
Where to Park: Bubble Pond Parking Lot

The West Face Cadillac Trail is extremely steep! Make sure you’ve got the right footwear, plenty of water and some snacks that will give you energy before setting out – or up. Originally formed by Native Americans, this trail maintains much of its original quality, as it is one of the less traveled trails in the park, which we find hard to believe, as we think it's so much fun.

You will begin your hike at peaceful Bubble Pond. The trail immediately climbs up steep rocks and slopes, with one straight-up section that climbs 1100 feet in one mile. If you stop to rest, be sure you’ve got secure footing and something to grab on to... in case you start to slip.

The West Face Cadillac Trail intersects with the South Ridge Trail towards the top and you will follow it to the summit. Once you get there after the steep climb over flat rock, it's quite a relief, as the slope becomes much more gentle. You can even do it standing upright, instead of crawling like a crab!

This trail will lead you over what feels like miles of flat rock and into a small patch of woods. After a bit, you will exit the trail right beside the Cadillac Mountain gift shop at the top of the mountain. Take some time there to rest and take in the gorgeous views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman's Bay and the Porcupine Islands.

When you are well rested and ready to head back down, follow the South Ridge Trail markers again. However, this time when you get to the crossroads of West Face Cadillac Trail and South Ridge Trail, you are going to continue on the South Ridge Trail, which turns left slightly. Follow the numerous stone cairns as the trail gradually drops down over smooth rock to the Featherbed, a small marshy pond.

Take the trail to the right of the Featherbed, which is called the Featherbed Trail... oddly enough. It begins flat, but quickly drops 400 feet in about two-tenths of a mile.

You will be climbing over loose stones and roots. Be careful – this section can be extremely slippery. You'll also find iron rungs, stone steps, and handrails that were rebuilt in the early 1990s.

The South Ridge trail crosses a brook and a swamp (where we once saw what we thought were bear tracks) and then connects with a carriage road. Follow the road around Bubble Pond as it leads you back to where you started.

Insider Tips

• The gift shop at the top of Cadillac Mountain is a great place to stop in to get a refreshing popsicle (or other goodies). You deserve a nice reward after the first half of a rather challenging hike!

• When you get back to Bubble Pond at the end of the trail, I'm sure your feet will be screaming. Take a second, in a secluded area of course, to pop your hiking boots off and soak your feet. Just a warning, it's very cold!
  
  Now technically, you're not supposed to bathe or swim in Bubble Pond, Jordan Pond, or Eagle Lake, because they are the water supply for the residents of Mount Desert Island. But it's extremely hard to resist those sparkling, clear waters at the end of a long, dusty hike. Let your conscience be your guide, but we always stick our toes in for at least a few blissful moments.

• This is a great trail to hike and talk at the same time. Because it's so long, you'll have plenty of time to tell your hiking partner everything that's on your mind without other people listening in!

So, if you are craving a climbing challenge with tons of rewards, the West Face Cadillac Trail just might be the perfect choice for you!

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