Cadillac Cliffs Path

Cadillac Cliffs Path is a roughly quarter-mile, one-way branch off Gorham Mountain Trail. From the large boulder with the Waldron Bates plaque, it follows the old sea cliffs and climbs back onto the main route farther along. The rough section takes about 20–30 minutes by itself; add the gradual 0.2-mile approach from the Gorham Mountain parking area. Take it for the cave, stonework, and scrambling; stay on the main Gorham route if you want easier footing.

Granite ledges and boulders make this a slow, watch-your-step section rather than a quick detour. It passes a sea cave and two slabs leaning against the cliff, then uses iron rungs to cross rough rock before a steep granite stair climb rejoins Gorham Mountain Trail. There are short scrambles, and the path is not accessible. It has no summit viewpoint; continue on the larger route for Gorham Mountain’s summit and broader coastal views.

Built in 1906, Cadillac Cliffs is one of Acadia’s examples of early hand-built cliff paths. Waldron Bates chaired the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association’s roads-and-paths committee from 1900 to 1909; the park credits his work with introducing stone stairways and iron rung ladders on steep ground. The memorial plaque marks the branch from Gorham Mountain Trail. Turn right there for the rougher cliffs path, then continue on the main route after it rejoins.