Acadia National Park Hiking Guide | Gorham Mountain and Cadillac Cliffs Trail

Gorham Mountain Trail
Distance: 1.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 429 Feet
Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Gorham has become one of my favorite hikes on the Island, largely because it has a bit of everything. Rock scramble, stairs, rungs, caves, cliffs, great views of Beehive, Otter Point and Sand Beach on the ascent and of Cadillac and Dorr at the top.

Gorham Mountain Acadia National Park

During the summer, the Park closes a stretch of the Park Loop Road that goes past Sand Beach unless you have a reservation. You can always park at the Fabbri Picnic Area and walk along the coast away from Otter Cliffs to the trailhead. 

Gorham Mountain Acadia National Park

I should say here that, if you’re out hiking alone, I really recommend letting someone know where you are and when they should hear from you. Since most days have been hovering around freezing at sea level, elevation promises tracts of ice hidden under snow or leaves. Best to have the right gear, too, like cleats.

Gorham Mountain Acadia National Park

I always take the Gorham Mountain Trail up and Cadillac Cliffs down.

Cadillac Cliffs at Gorham Mountain

Big rock faces with deep crevasses. 

Gorham Mountain Acadia National Park

As soon as you get back among into the trees, you get this golden speckled forest. 

Gorham Mountain Acadia National Park

I'll admit, some of the ice isn't so well hidden.

Gorham Mountain Acadia National Park

The end of the Cadillac Cliffs detour is full of narrow passageways, some small caves. I always feel like I'm in the Shire, about to turn the corner and see a hobbit pop out of a round doorway. 


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