Dorr Mountain

3.2 miles; ~1,200 ft gain; iron rungs and ladders test your grit.

Insider tip

Consider ascending Ladder Trail and descending via South Ridge for a moderate return and new perspective.

Insider tip

Start pre-8 AM to avoid crowds and heat.

When to come

May–October; start before 8:00 AM on weekends to dodge crowds. Island Explorer runs mid-June to October, stopping at Sieur de Monts for connections to the Kane…

Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.7

The Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop runs about 3.2 miles round-trip with roughly 1,100–1,270 feet of gain. It relies on the Ladder Trail and Schiff Path in places, featuring granite steps, iron rungs, ladders, and boulder fields. It’s a true lung-buster that rewards focus with a high-adrenergic ridge and coastal vistas at the summit. Enter prepared: strong boots, water, and a plan for the ascent and descent.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
3.2
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Strenuous - advanced difficulty (Ladder Trail section)
Elevation Gain Feet
1200

Trail profile

Distance Miles
3.2
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Strenuous - advanced difficulty (Ladder Trail section)
Elevation Gain Feet
1200
Estimated Time
1-2 hours at a steady pace; 2-3 hours on the Ladder climb; 3-5 hours for the full loop
Trail Surface
Forested path, granite ridgeline, uneven surfaces with iron rungs, ladders, granite steps, and boulder fields
Trail Features
  • iron rungs
  • ladders
  • granite steps
  • boulder fields
  • ridge exposure
Trail Highlights
Summit with panoramic coastal views over Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the Atlantic; dramatic granite ridge with exposed sections

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Ladder Trailhead, off Maine Route 3, just past The Tarn and Sieur de Monts Entrance
Parking Lot Size
Gravel roadside parking along Route 3 shoulder near The Tarn; no formalized lot; parking is limited
Parking Fill Time
Busy weekends fill by late morning; arrive before 9:00 AM if possible; otherwise consider an alternate trail
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Island Explorer bus (mid-June to October) stops at Sieur de Monts and connects to Kane Path toward Ladder Trail; private paid shuttles to Cadillac Mountain also available

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Park entrance pass required May 1–October 31. Obtain at online portals, park visitor centers, campgrounds, gift shops, or chambers of commerce; fees: Individual 7-day $20, Private Vehicle 7-day $35, Annual $80
Fees
Individual 7-day $20; Private Vehicle 7-day $35; Annual $80
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow generally off by late spring; mud season possible; fall foliage is best in Sep–Oct; ticks are present; plan accordingly

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Dry trail; carry all necessary water
Accessibility
Rooty and steep in places; not stroller-friendly; ladders and exposed sections require caution

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Slippery granite and iron rungs when wet
  • Steep drop-offs on Ladder Trail
  • Exposure on the summit ridge
  • Ticks on the trail
  • Mud on granite sections
Hazard Details
Slippery conditions on granite and iron rungs when wet; hand-over-hand climbing required in ladder sections; steep drop-offs on the Ladder Trail; summit exposure
Cell Service
Spotty in the park
Crowd Level
High use, especially on weekends; can be a conga line
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends, 9 AM–4 PM
Best Season
Late spring to early fall (May–October)
Best Time To Visit
May–October; start before 8:00 AM on weekends to dodge crowds. Island Explorer runs mid-June to October, stopping at Sieur de Monts for connections to the Kane Path.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2L+ water.
  • Wear sturdy boots with good traction.
  • Start before 8 AM on weekends.
  • Bring a map and compass.
  • Trekking poles help on steep sections.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the Ladder Trail.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Maine
Trail Markers
Signage at Ladder Trailhead; use a map for navigation; maintain awareness along the ridgeline
Dogs Allowed
Not allowed on Ladder Trail
Biking Allowed
Not specified for Ladder Trail; biking not advised on ladders and granite sections
Shade Level
Mixed; forested sections; summit and ridgeline exposed to sun
Emergency Contacts
Park rangers (NPS) or dial 911 in emergencies
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow typically cleared by late spring; winter access limited
Mud Season
Mud season can render granite and ladders slippery
Fall Colors Peak
Fall foliage occurs in Sep–Oct
Bug Season
Ticks present; mosquitoes more likely in warmer months
Insider Tips
  • Consider ascending Ladder Trail and descending via South Ridge for a moderate return and new perspective.
  • Start pre-8 AM to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Not suitable for very young children; dogs not allowed on Ladder Trail.
  • Map, compass, and waterproof layers are non-negotiable; bring trekking poles for stability on steep sections.
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for very small children or anyone afraid of heights due to steep drop-offs and ladder sections
Nearby Facilities
Facilities nearby at Sieur de Monts; trailhead lacks restrooms; plan for breaks in villages or visitor centers nearby
Review Summary
The climb demands focus and grit; the ladder sections punch above their weight, and exposure is real on the ridge. Weekends can feel crowded, but the payoff is a broad coastal panorama and a sense of accomplishment that sticks with you.

Location

Dorr Mountain overlook along the trail in Acadia National Park reveals expansive coastal views of the Atlantic.Dorr Mountain trail at Acadia National Park features a rugged rock setting with a small waterfall.Snow-dusted summit of Dorr Mountain in Acadia National Park, with granite slabs and frost-covered spruce along a windswept trail.Moss on rocks along the Dorr Mountain trail in Acadia National Park, with green moss and lichen clinging to rugged granite.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears a concern on Dorr Mountain?

Bears are present in Acadia; stay loud, keep food secured, and know routes. Use bear-aware practices and backcountry etiquette.

Is this trail safe for kids?

Not recommended for very small children due to steep drops and ladder sections.

Do I need a park pass to hike here?

Yes. A park entrance pass is required May 1–October 31. Obtain online or at park facilities.

Are restrooms available at the trailhead?

No restrooms at the Ladder Trailhead; plan for sanitation stops at Sieur de Monts or nearby facilities.

Is there a best direction to hike the loop?

Strategy: ascend via Ladder Trail for a challenging start, descend via South Ridge for a more moderate finish and better overall line of sight.

Schoodic Point

2.5-mile loop: scrambling on granite; quiet coastal payoff.

Beehive Trail

Hard loop with iron rungs and cliff exposure; big payoff at the summit.

Acadia Mountain

Loop hike with granite scrambling; coastal views reward your grit.

Wonderland Trail

Flat gravel loop. No excuses. Coastline tide pools reward the effort.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.