1. Family Trail Guide
  2. Northeast
  3. Acadia National Park
Trail

Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail

Bar Harbor, ME
Length: 0.30 mi.
Type: Loop

About This Trail

[Total: 2    Average: 4.5/5]

This trail is easy, paved, and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs–and still offers incredible views from the top of Cadillac Mountain.

The trail starts from the parking lot next to a small gift shop, where you can speak with rangers, learn more about Acadia National Park, and get recommendations for some of the longer trails that explore the area. From there, the trail follows a gentle, paved path that circles the top of the mountain and offers incredible views of the surrounding harbor. There are plaques located along the path described the sights below, and ample opportunities for photo ops. Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places in the US the rising sun hits, making this an excellent sunrise option.

The weather at the top can be very windy, and at over 1500 feet above sea level will be several degrees colder than at the base of the mountain, so layers are encouraged. There are some places you can go off trail to climb on the rocks on the mountain, but pay attention to signage so you don’t go onto areas where foot traffic is prohibited. This is also a very popular trail, especially during peak tourist season during the summertime.

Share This Trail

Trail Features

Surface type Paved
Stroller friendly Yes
ADA accessible Yes
Water fountains Yes
Bathrooms Yes
Cell reception Excellent
Pet friendly Yes
Nearby convenience store Yes
Camping Nearby Yes
Emergency support
within 5 miles 		Yes

Trail highlights

Viewpoint and Visitor Center

The views are the highlight of this trail; with much of Acadia National Park being at or just above sea level, Cadillac Mountain is a must-see if you are in this area to take in the views of Frenchman Bay, Porcupine Islands, and the city of Bar Harbor. It is an incredible place to take in sunrise views, but be prepared for crowds at this time of day, especially during peak tourist season.

Trail Contributor

[Total: 2    Average: 4.5/5]

I am the Branch Ambassador for Hike It Baby Chattanooga. A native of Richmond, VA, I spent most of my adolescence and early adulthood hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and once my children were born started taking them on adventures with me! I am a portrait photographer and freelance writer, trying to hike my way through all the trails southeastern Tennessee has to offer.

Contact Stephanie

Weather

Trail Map

About The Guide

Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide is an online resource to help families with children source trails that little legs can hike and parents can feel comfortable with. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. Our contributors do their best to give you all the details they can, but if something is missed, you can reach out to the contributor and offer suggestions for them to add to make it a better trail description for all. This guide was built with a generous 3-year partnership with L.L.Bean. Like Hike it Baby, L.L.Bean believes that helping get families into nature from birth on is key to healthier, happier communities.
In partnership with
Trail Disclaimer
Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. Hike it Baby is not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the trails covered in this guide. Hike it Baby is a platform that helps connect families to federal, state and local parks nationwide.