Charlie Schuessler
New member
May 30, 2004
North Ridge Trail – Cadillac Mountain
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Total Distance: 4.4-Miles Round Trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Sunny, 60°F (Average)
Special Required Equipment: Sunscreen & Windbreaker
Trip Report: The route consists of a single track trail beginning on the Acadia National Park Loop Road straight to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The trail is rock face for about the first 10%, then turns to gravel base with some exposed rock base to about 70% then is exposed rock above tree line to the summit. Periodically vantage points facing the different compass directions along the ridge points permitted inspiring views of Frenchman’s Bay, Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, other peaks, North East Harbor, Seal Harbor, the Cranberry Isles, sailing vessels, lobster boats, and soaring birds including Osprey, and many other sights.
The sun was out and the air temperature warm, the constantly base wind of at least 15-knots with double that in strong gusts were refreshing and enjoyable.
The summit loop trail, which permits a panoramic view of the island was loaded with auto road travelers that came up in/on cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and bicycles, speaking many different languages.
Stopping at the Summit Store before heading back down allowed us to obtain batteries for the camera, and the sunscreen we forgot at the Inn as well as a chance to buy some post cards.
We usually visit this trail during Memorial Day weekend, and it didn’t seem as busy. We saw no more than 24 or 25 people on the trail round trip.
Although some of the other trails are more challenging and much less crowded than Cadillac Mountain summit, we enjoy this trail for the simple pleasure of going to the top of the island and enjoying it with others who enjoy it as much as we do.
North Ridge Trail – Cadillac Mountain
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Total Distance: 4.4-Miles Round Trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Sunny, 60°F (Average)
Special Required Equipment: Sunscreen & Windbreaker
Trip Report: The route consists of a single track trail beginning on the Acadia National Park Loop Road straight to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The trail is rock face for about the first 10%, then turns to gravel base with some exposed rock base to about 70% then is exposed rock above tree line to the summit. Periodically vantage points facing the different compass directions along the ridge points permitted inspiring views of Frenchman’s Bay, Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, other peaks, North East Harbor, Seal Harbor, the Cranberry Isles, sailing vessels, lobster boats, and soaring birds including Osprey, and many other sights.
The sun was out and the air temperature warm, the constantly base wind of at least 15-knots with double that in strong gusts were refreshing and enjoyable.
The summit loop trail, which permits a panoramic view of the island was loaded with auto road travelers that came up in/on cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and bicycles, speaking many different languages.
Stopping at the Summit Store before heading back down allowed us to obtain batteries for the camera, and the sunscreen we forgot at the Inn as well as a chance to buy some post cards.
We usually visit this trail during Memorial Day weekend, and it didn’t seem as busy. We saw no more than 24 or 25 people on the trail round trip.
Although some of the other trails are more challenging and much less crowded than Cadillac Mountain summit, we enjoy this trail for the simple pleasure of going to the top of the island and enjoying it with others who enjoy it as much as we do.
