Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail

Cadillac is the tallest mountain in the Acadia region, and it is one of the first places in the United States to receive light during the sunrise. It's a beautiful hike in Acadia National Park that gives you great views of both rolling hillsides and the harbor. Starting at 180 feet above sea level, the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail weaves through picturesque Maine forest on a well maintained trail. There is a trail junction about a mile in; follow the sign's direction toward Cadillac Mountain (an additional 2.5 miles) and continue up some rock stairs. Follow the marked trail and the many cairns up to a long rock face. Continue on the rock face as it slopes up and down, taking in an idyllic pond called the Featherbed. It's a great place for a rest! Push past the Featherbed and follow the blue paint blazes up toward the summit. Continue on the flat rock, which is clear due to the lack of trees. Enter a small cedar grove forest, scramble through some narrow rocks, and you'll soon begin to hear the road. This means you're almost there! Past the cedars is a clearing where you'll see the summit and a bustling parking lot across from you. There is a road that takes you directly to the summit of Cadillac, but don't let that discourage you once you've hit the top. Take in the views, enjoy a snack, and head back down the way you came.