Acadia National Park - Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop

The Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop features panoramic views of Mount Desert Island from the top of Dorr Mountain, while offering a beautiful hike along a stream and forested valleys.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
6.00 miles, Network
Difficulty
Advanced
Town
Bar Harbor
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

HIGH USE TRAIL:

This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Maine Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail. 

After crossing a small stream, the Ladder Trail intersects the Kane Path. The hike continues to the left on the Kane Path which terminates at the junction of the Canon Brook Trail. The hike continues straight on Canon Brook through a wooded area. Some sections of this trail are on wooden planks to avoid wet areas around the beaver ponds. At the junction of the Dorr South Ridge Trail the hike turns right. The South Ridge Trail is a moderately steep climb to the summit of Dorr Mountain at 1,270 feet. Throughout the hike there are panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, the ocean, and the outer islands.

Continuing past the summit, the trail junctions with the Schiff Path and the North Ridge Trail. The hike turns left and is a steep and rugged descent into the valley between Cadillac and Dorr Mountains. At the junction known as The Notch, the A. Murray Young Path is to the left (see note below).

Before descending, the trail offers spectacular views of the ocean and offshore islands in the distance. The descent becomes rugged as it drops over large rocks and boulders, becoming more gradual as it follows a stream through the forest. Historic stone paving and steps along the way provide a moderate to easy walk. The trail terminates at the junction of the Canon Brook Trail. A left on Canon Brook leads through the forest and past the Dorr South Ridge Trail junction. To complete the hike, retrace the route back to the parking area.

Note: As an option at The Notch, stay straight for a steep side trip up Cadillac Mountain to the Summit Loop Trail and parking area (0.4 miles one way). Return to this point to continue following the A. Murray Young Path.

Other Information

Due to the difficult terrain at the top of the A. Murray Young Trail, this hike may not be suitable for dogs. There is a bronze memorial plaque for Andrew Murray Young located on a large boulder next to a stream crossing near the base of the trail.

Geocaching is prohibited within Acadia National Park; however, the park does sponsor an EarthCache Program for those seeking a virtual treasure hunt!

Trail Manager

Visit Acadia National Park online for more information or contact:

National Park Service, Acadia National Park

National Park Service, Acadia National Park
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-3338
acadia_information@nps.gov

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Tell someone your plan and when you’ll return, just in case.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Starting from ME Route 3, turn off at the Hulls Cove Entrance to the park and the beginning of the Park Loop Road. Follow the Park Loop road 2.8 miles before turning left onto the one way section toward Sand Beach. Exit the Park Loop Road at Sieur de Monts to reach ME Route 3, then turn right. The parking is along the shoulder just past (south of) a small body of water called The Tarn on the right. There is no sign for parking or for the trailhead. Look for the Ladder Trail marker along the brush line.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…