Cadillac North Ridge Trail
A steady granite-ridge ascent to Cadillac Mountain with broad island and ocean views.
Route overview
Follow blue blazes southward up the north ridge to Cadillac summit and return by the same trail.
Cadillac North Ridge follows open granite and low forest to Acadia's highest summit. The grade is sustained but less rugged than several alternative summit routes. Fog, wind, ice and exposed granite can transform an otherwise moderate hike, and the summit can be crowded with road visitors.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Distance
- 7.1 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 3–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- approximately 350 m
- Best season
- Spring through autumn; winter requires traction and advanced condition assessment
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No hiking permit; vehicle reservations apply only to driving Cadillac Summit Road when required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Fog, wind, slick granite, limited parking, summit traffic and winter ice
Highlights
Cadillac Mountain summit, Frenchman Bay, Porcupine Islands, open granite ridge
Why find a buddy
Helpful for pace, fog navigation and shared decisions when summit weather deteriorates.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.