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Cadillac Mountain Hike in Bar Harbor

MainePosted by Kacy

21 Jul

One of the biggest highlights of our New England Road Trip had to be our Cadillac Mountain in Bar Harbor with my stepmom and sister-in-law, Melissa, who is doing the 52-hike challenge this year. As soon as we booked our hotels for the trip she started sending us information about this hike and planned the whole thing. I love it when someone else takes the planning reigns and I can just tag along and enjoy.

sister hike

That’s Melissa, standing normally while I look ridiculous.


Cadillac Mountain, part of Acadia National Park, is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. There are several hikes you can choose on Cadillac Mountain ranging from very easy to strenuous. We knew we wanted a good workout and good views so the Cadillac North Ridge Trail was the perfect choice.
Cadillac North Ridge TrailThere is a small parking lot at the trailhead of this hike, but to be on the safe side we had my dad drop us off. Adventure started early with a scolding from park police (be sure to pull over to a designated drop point if getting a ride), the spotting of a few deer in a clearing (so cute) and a phone-breaking incident (so sad). But we were not to be deterred.
hikersMelissa was in charge of navigation and did an excellent job. The trail was also very clearly marked with blue blazes in case we had any doubts.
Maine hikeThis is a hike up a mountain, so it’s definitely a steep climb – good for lifting that tush! And, to my heart’s delight, we discovered that the views were excellent pretty much the entire way up.
Cadillac Mountain hike first overlook
Lis Bar Harbor vertical

Thanks to Melissa for this beautiful shot!


The majority of the hike is spent walking over these huge granite formations, which was pretty cool. Melissa is a geologist so she had a plethora of rock knowledge to impart upon us.
Bar Harbor hikeEvery time we came to a clearing, we gasped at the scenery. It felt like being at the edge of the world almost.
View of porcupine islands from Cadillac Mountain hiking Cadillac MountainWe didn’t time ourselves, but I believe it took us around two hours to hike the 2.2 miles up to the top including stops for marveling at the view (and catching our breath). This seemed like a completely respectable time until a dude we had encountered running down the mountain at the beginning of the climb came racing past us going back up. He was training for the Pike’s Peak Marathon. I think he ran up and down three times. Crazy!
bar harbor viewsBy the time we neared the top, the views became more sweeping and the trail more crowded. Several fellow hikers encouraged us to keep going, as we were only about ten minutes to the top.
almost to the top
Cadillac Mountain vistaFinally, we made it! We were sweaty and panting, but it was absolutely one of the most rewarding hikes I’ve ever done.
Cadillac Mountain hike view from the topI was so glad I got to do it with family, we had so much fun talking on the way up and encouraging each other when we got tired. I loved every minute of it.
Cadillac Mountain hike finishedIf you’re not up for the hike, the main overlook at Cadillac Mountain can be reached by car. It’s also the first place to see the sunrise in the United States, a major bucket list item for some. Melissa, my dad and stepmom did so the next morning while the rest of us party poopers stayed in bed. It certainly looks like the early wakeup was worth it. Wow.
Lis Bar Harbor sunriseThis hike was by far one of my favorite travel memories so far, one I’ll never forget. No matter how you do it, a visit to Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park is definitely a must-see if you’re in Bar Harbor.
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Cadillac Mountain Hike

Packing my Suitcase

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9 Comments

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Comments

  1. Ray says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    That’s an absolutely stunning sunrise photo you took there. I was going to ask where this hike ranks in your previous travel moments, but you already answered my question at the end of your post. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 10, 2016 at 5:01 pm

      Melissa actually took that photo! I was so proud of them for getting up for the sunrise while the rest of us slept in 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ruth says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    Oh my! What a beautiful hike. I have to follow your sister-in-law’s example and participate in some sort of physical challenge.

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 10, 2016 at 5:10 pm

      I’m with you there. I’m so jealous of all the hikes she’s taken as part of the challenge, I’d love to find that kind of motivation.

      Reply
  3. Ava @ My Meena Life says

    August 2, 2016 at 3:38 am

    How lovely! I’m adding this to my list of things I’ll do when I finally visit that area!

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 10, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      It’s definitely a must while in Bar Harbor!

      Reply
  4. Packing my Suitcase says

    August 11, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Congratulation for making it to the top! What a stunning place,those views are incredible, and your pictures are beautiful!
    Thank you for joining #MondayEscapes 😉

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 16, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Thank you! Making it to the top is ALWAYS a great feeling 🙂

      Reply

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