Cadillac South Ridge Trail Hiking Guide
The South Ridge Trail is the long, scenic approach to Cadillac Mountain, starting on Route 3 by Blackwoods Campground. It climbs through forest, passes a small pond called the Featherbed, and then runs for a long stretch above the trees with the Atlantic and the outer islands in view. Budget a half day; it is the longer of the two standard ridge routes to the summit.
Permit: Acadia requires an entrance pass year-round: $35 per private vehicle or $20 per person on foot or bike (age 16+), each valid 7 days, or a $70 Acadia annual pass. Non-US residents 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person unless entering on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The $6 Cadillac Summit Road vehicle reservation is for drivers only; hikers on the South Ridge do not need it.
Distance and Effort
The park puts the out-and-back at 7.1 miles; AllTrails lists it at 7.0 miles with about 1,580 feet of gain. NPS suggests 2 to 4 hours at an average pace, which is optimistic for anyone who stops for the views. The footing is rocky and uneven throughout, and there is one iron rung, so wear real hiking shoes.
The Route
The trail starts in woods and steepens gradually toward the ridge. At the Eagle's Crag junction, a 0.3-mile loop on the right climbs to an overlook and rejoins the main trail, a worthwhile detour. Farther up you reach the Featherbed, a small pond with a bench, then a steep pitch that brings you out above treeline on bare granite. The ridge dips, crosses an old road and rises again to the summit, where a gravel access road leads to the top parking area. You can go back the same way or drop down the North Ridge or Gorge Path and ride the bus back.
Parking by Blackwoods
Coming from the Park Loop Road, exit at Sieur de Monts to Route 3, turn right and drive through Otter Creek; the trailhead is on the right just past the Blackwoods Campground entrance. There is no road sign, and parking is on the road shoulder, with space tight from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in summer. The Island Explorer serves Blackwoods Campground in season, roughly late June to mid-October, which also makes a one-way traverse possible.
Fees on This Side of the Park
Even though the trailhead sits on a state highway outside the Loop Road fee station, Acadia expects a valid pass for anyone hiking in the park: $35 covers a carload for a week, or $20 per walker or cyclist age 16 and up. Buy it online before you arrive or at Hulls Cove Visitor Center. The summit road reservation does not apply to you as a hiker.
Dogs, Weather and Season
Leashed dogs are allowed; NPS flags the single iron rung on the route. The upper ridge is fully exposed, so turn back if storms or fog roll in, and remember that the rock gets slick when wet. From December to mid-April, ice is routine on Acadia's granite; the park advises traction devices and poles, and says hikes that are challenging in summer are often ill-advised in winter.
Hiking tips for Cadillac South Ridge Trail
- Take the 0.3-mile Eagle's Crag spur on the way up for an early overlook.
- Park legally on the Route 3 shoulder and arrive before 9 a.m. in summer.
- Carry at least a liter of water, the park's minimum, and more on warm days.
- Plan a one-way hike down the North Ridge and catch the Island Explorer if your timing fits the bus season.
- Watch the blue blazes on open granite in fog, where the route is easy to lose.
Nearby trails to explore
- Cadillac North Ridge Trail
- Gorham Mountain Loop
- Ocean Path (Acadia)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Seven miles of ridge goes faster with good company. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Cadillac's South Ridge in Acadia. Download the TrailMates app to connect.