Schiff Path

Schiff Path is a 1.1-mile point-to-point trail on Dorr Mountain’s east face, connecting the Sieur de Monts approaches with the upper ridge. It is a short but steep climb for hikers who want a rugged way onto Dorr. Allow about an hour on the named path. The 1.1-mile figure is one way and covers Schiff Path itself; reaching it from the Nature Center adds an approach trail, and the mapped line ends before the summit spur.

Park by Sieur de Monts Spring and the Nature Center, then choose Emery Path, Homans Path, Kurt Diederichs Climb, or Ladder Trail to reach Schiff. Those approaches differ in distance and footing. Ladder Trail has iron rungs, so take another approach if you want to avoid that section. There is a restroom at the Nature Center, and the Island Explorer serves Sieur de Monts from mid-June through October.

The lower route follows a ridgeline with views of Frenchman Bay and the Tarn. After the Ladder Trail junction, it climbs steeply for about 0.4 mile, gaining roughly 400 feet over exposed granite with uneven footing and stone stairs. At the upper junction, a 0.1-mile spur leads left to Dorr Mountain’s summit; continuing straight reaches Gorge Path. For a photo, keep some granite steps in the foreground so the climb reads against the wooded ridge and water beyond.

The path honors Jacob Henry Schiff and was built between 1924 and 1930 as part of the memorial trail network associated with George B. Dorr and the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet, but the steep stairs make this a poor choice for many pets.