Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is a short drive along the Park Loop road although parking is challenging. The mountain is actually the remnants of an old volcano. Use the first lot at the top and walk the short distance to the summit.  Make sure to have a jacket as it is windy and the temperature can be surprisingly colder.  There are numerous easy paths around the summit with beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside and water. Make sure to follow Middle Peak Road (behind the small store) for about 50-100 yards to reach the official summit which is marked by a US Geological Society marker on a rock.

The easiest way to hike up is the North Ridge Trail.  The trailhead is near the start of the one way section of Park Loop Road and has limited parking so be prepared for someone to have to drive to the top.  Even at a relaxed pace, you can reach the top in under 2 hours. The trail is well marked even if you only use the cairns (stone markers) to find your way.  Be prepared to stop and take lots of pictures only to realize that you haven’t reached the top.

A round trip bike ride from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center can be done in under an hour with the actual Cadillac Mountain climb taking 20 minutes.