North Ridge Trail, Cadillac Mountain

Hike to top of Acadia National Park in Maine

Sure you can drive to the top easily, but why not hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain – and the top of Acadia National Park in Maine – in less than 5 miles round trip?

At 1,528 feet in elevation, Cadillac doesn’t sound like much to write home about. However, check this out: The summit of Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in Acadia, the highest point on Mount Desert Island, the highest point in Maine’s Hancock County, and the highest point within 25 miles of the shore on the entire Eastern seaboard of the U.S.

That surely adds a little flavor to an otherwise modest 1,500-foot summit.

But there’s more. Because Cadillac Mountain is the highest point close to the Eastern shore in the U.S., the summit is also home to “the first sunrise in the U.S.”

Park Loop Road

Starting at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Park Loop Road, head about about 3.5 miles south to reach the trailhead for the North Ridge Trail.

The trail begins on the south side of the road, starting out with a climb through a moderately rocky section before opening up a bit.

Wind your way up

The trail climbs at a steady clip, running close to the paved auto road in some spots. The trail doesn’t cross the auto road, staying to the east of the road while heading mostly south.

Continue to follow the well-marked trail south / southeast as you make your way to the top of Acadia. Nice views will begin to open up as you ascend, but don’t waste too much time – the views are that much better at the summit.

Summit

A little under 2.25 miles from the trailhead, you’ll arrive at the summit to see all of the people who took the easy drive up strolling around snapping some selfies. There’s a gift shop and some other amenities up there.

Take in some incredible views before turning around to complete the loop. You may even be able to spot Maine’s highest mountain (and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail) Mount Katahdin – to the north.

If you do opt for a pre-dawn hike to catch the famous “first sunrise in the nation,” don’t forget that headlamp.

Getting to Cadillac Mountain’s North Ridge Trail

Access this hike from Acadia’s Park Loop Road. Park Loop Road is a 27-mile road that winds its way around Mount Desert Island. The road begins at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, which is near Route 3 on the northern side of the island.

After approximately 3 miles on Park Loop Road, the road splits. Take a left turn here; the trailhead for the North Ridge Trail is about 0.5 miles from the split. Note: if you go right at the split, you’ll reach the Cadillac Summit Road instead of the trailhead.

Route info

Time of Year to Climb: All year, best in three seasons
Route: North Ridge Trail
Trail distance (estimate): 4.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation change (estimate): 1,200 ft

Photos from this route