Dorr Mountain North Ridge Trail

Why hike it

If you want Dorr’s summit without the iron rungs, this is the clean, no‑nonsense way up. The North Ridge is a steady granite climb with classic stone steps, shifting from shaded forest to open ledges as you gain the ridge. It’s 0.8–0.9 miles one way with about 970 feet of gain—short but punchy—and it delivers wide views toward Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and neighboring Cadillac and Champlain.

Trail notes

Expect sustained climbing on rock and granite steps. The route is non‑technical, but it’s steep and will work your lungs. Good traction helps on the granite, especially if it’s damp. Intersections with other trails (Hemlock, Schiff, Ladder, Emery) come up near the ridge and summit—well marked, but it’s smart to carry a map or GPS if you plan a loop. Many hikers ascend the North Ridge and descend via Hemlock or stitch together a longer circuit using Schiff or Emery. Compared to the Ladder Trail, the North Ridge feels less exposed and more about cardio than scrambling.

Views and vibe

Near the top, the trees thin and ledges open up. The summit area is broad and breezy with sightlines over Frenchman Bay and back to Cadillac. It’s a rewarding summit that often draws fewer crowds than Cadillac itself.

Getting there

Start near the Sieur de Monts Nature Center. Parking exists but fills fast in peak season; arriving early or using the Island Explorer bus keeps it painless.

Best time to hike

Late spring through early fall is prime. Summer crowds thin out early morning or late afternoon when temps are friendlier and light is better. Fall brings standout foliage. The trail is open in winter, but ice can make the granite treacherous—microspikes and extra caution are wise.

Tips

• Bring more water than you think—parts of the ridge are exposed and warm on sunny days.
• Watch the wind on upper ledges and the summit.
• With a dog? This trail is fine on leash; avoid the nearby Ladder Trail if you’re building a loop.

Geology and setting: You’re walking over Acadian granite sculpted by glaciers, with pockets of stunted spruce and pine clinging to the ledges. You’ll also pass examples of the park’s historic stonework if you extend your loop via adjacent paths.