Kurt Diederichs Climb

Kurt Diederichs Climb is a steep, forested stair route 0.4 mile one way, from the Tarn to Schiff Path. Retrace the same steps for 0.8 mile total; allow roughly 45–60 minutes for the climb and return. From Sieur de Monts Nature Center, the Jesup Path approach adds about 0.2 mile each way before you reach the climb. The summit of Dorr is a separate, longer continuation beyond Schiff Path.

From the north end of the Tarn, Jesup Path reaches the Kane Path junction; turn onto the climb there. Uneven granite steps rise steeply through the woods, and the path ends at Schiff Path. The first stretch is worth a pause: the sixth step above the Tarn is engraved with the climb's name. Granite can be slippery when wet, especially on the descent. Emery and Homans paths offer longer return choices; those are separate, steep routes rather than part of the climb itself.

Look back toward the Tarn and Huguenot Head as you climb. Near the upper junction, the forest opens toward Great Meadow and the Porcupine Islands. For a photo, frame the stairway looking back down toward the Tarn so the stonework and the landscape sit together.

The path honors Kurt Diederichs, who died during anesthesia in 1913 at age 26. His aunt, Enid Hunt Slater, funded the memorial path. A local history account dates its construction to 1915 and credits George B. Dorr with building it; the engraved sixth step makes the memorial tangible on the route.

Start at Sieur de Monts Nature Center and follow Jesup Path about 0.2 mile to the climb; an accessible restroom is available in the Sieur de Monts area, off the trail. A park entrance pass is required year-round, with no separate activity fee for this walk. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet, though the steep, irregular steps make this a poor fit for many pets. The staircase is not accessible for visitors who need even footing or a step-free route.