Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail - Acadia National Park - Member Hike

Hike Name: Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail - Acadia National Park
Country: United States
State: Maine
Nearby Town: Bar Harbor, ME
Rating: 4 stars
Directions: The trailhead for the South Ridge Trail is well-hidden but near the Blackwoods campsite entrance on Rte. 3. Coming from the west on rte 3, if you see the sign for the campground, you've gone too far. Park on the side of the road near the trailhead.
Total Hike Distance: 4.00 miles
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required: No
Hike Type: One-Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Starts: at the South Ridge Trailhead on Rte. 3 south of the entrance for the Blackwoods Campground
Hike Ends: at the summit of Cadillac Mt.
Trails Used: Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
Backcountry Campsites: No
Backcountry Water Sources: Lakes
Management: National Park Service
Contact Information: Acadia National Park
Best Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users: Hikers
Road Conditions: Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary: The South Ridge Trail is one of two popular pedestrian ways of reaching the summit (along with the slightly easier North Ridge Trail). The trailhead is a little hard to find, but is distinguished by a break in the trees on Rte. 3, less than 100 ft. south of the entrance for the Blackwoods Campground on Rte. 3. The trail first takes you through some nice Maine forests, before splitting into the main South Ridge Trail, and the trail for Eagle's Crag, a cleared area with nice views, which rejoins the South Ridge Trail further along.

Upon reaching the treeline, the trail takes you through an environment filled with fairly large granite slabs unlike anything seen during the previous segment of the hike. There are also excellent views of the inlets and little islands for which the Maine coast is known.

After coming to a lake, which is a great spot for a snack or meal, you will begin the climb to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, which can also be reached by car.

After hiking to the summit, don't be surprised by the hordes of visitors and large vehicles that await you, along with a gift shop and paved walkways.

Hiker:

chachiren


2,050 points


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