Story:
This is a hike in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor in Maine. It is a loop that hits the sights of Featherbed, a secluded mountain pond, the not so secluded summit of Cadillac mountain, and then down, up, and over to neighboring Dorr mountain before heading back down Dorr's southern side. It's our longest hike to date at 6.3 miles, and quite breathtaking in sections. I found it to be pretty challenging, though that's at least partially because it's early in the season(only our second hike this year) and I'm very out of shape. However, I think most people would find themselves pretty winded after this one, but there are many places to take a breather along the way.
We had a lucky sunny day after two weeks of wet rainy weather, so the trail was somewhat muddy. While this also made the falls and rapids of Canon Brook absolutely stunning, it unfortunately made for some wet rocks that were somewhat treacherous to climb. Picking our paths carefully allowed us to avoid any extended time on slippery rocks.
The first section of the trail is a flat jaunt through the woods. As the trial turns west, however, it starts to get a little rougher. You'll pass Dorr Mountain South Ridge Trail(from which you will be descending on the return) on your right after a little over a mile. A tenth of a mile later, just past a pretty waterfall, you'll encounter the A. Murray Young Trail on your right. Here you have to cross Canon Brook and climb some stone steps to the left. The trail gets much steeper as you parallel the cascade up the side of Cadillac. This is one of the more strenuous sections of the hike, made easier since it's early on. You'll cross back and forth over the Canon Brook on some pretty sheer rock faces. You'll eventually get back into the woods and after about 1.8-1.9 miles you'll arrive at Featherbed, a pretty little pond with a nearby bench to take a rest upon.
Once you've caught your breath, hang a right and head up Cadillac. The ground here is pretty open and you get good views to both the east and west. The trail tries to skirt you around Cadillac Summit Road as much as possible, but you'll still see and hear signs of automobiles as you climb up. The grade is pretty forgiving here, making for a pretty relaxing climb. After about another 1.2 miles, you'll hit the summit of Cadillac and all the people and cars that entails. A good time for a bathroom break and to refill any water bottles. The trail to Dorr starts from off of the main summit loop path where people congregate, but it is as well marked as all trails in Acadia are.
The path down Cadillac's east face to Dorr is quite steep, but thankfully it does so in a series of switchbacks to keep it manageable. In addition, you hit the gorge between Cadillac and Dorr near its highest point, so neither the descent or ascent are out of control. In about 0.6 miles you'll be at the top of Dorr mountain, looking back at all the people on Cadillac.
Now turn south and head down the 1.3 mile South Ridge Trail. The descent is long and gradual, with few abrupt changes. When you hit Canon Brook Trail hang a left and head back to your car.
Tips:
To get to the trail: Drive south out of Bar Harbor on Route 3 about 3 miles. You'll pass the Tarn on your right, and then it's the second gravel pullout. It has a small paved parking area on the left side of the road.
To get to the trail: Drive south out of Bar Harbor on Route 3 about 3 miles. You'll pass the Tarn on your right, and then it's the second gravel pullout. It has a small paved parking area on the left side of the road.
Bring Bug Spray: Black flies and/or mosquitoes are going to be an issue throughout the season due to so much standing water on the route.
Rest stop: There are water fountains, bathrooms, and even a store at the top of Cadillac.
Can be slippery: The Canon Brook section can be pretty wet after heavy rains. This can be somewhat treacherous on the sections where you are walking up 45 degree smooth rock faces.
Comments (1)
This was a great hike! We went last week and the autumn leaves were amazing! Thanks for posting!
by kubi1204 on Oct 23, 2012
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