Dorr South Ridge Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

This is a rocky trail - not to mention that it's fairly steep. So tackle this one only if you are a very experienced trail runner.

Dorr Mountain sits just to the east of Cadillac Mountain and is the 2nd highest peak in the eastern part of Mount Desert Island, topping out at 1,270 feet. Although several people label this as a “moderate” trail, and view the path as fairly gradual, do not underestimate the strength needed to negotiate the full route; it has more than 950 feet of elevation change over the course of only 1.4 miles! When you summit rocky Dorr, you’ll get some fantastic views of the water and islands to the east, not to mention a striking look at the town of Bar Harbor to the northeast.

Dorr Mountain takes its name from George Dorr, “The Father of Acadia” - the person most responsible for helping to create the national park. This trail runs from the summit of the mountain to its southern base. Although you can take this path in either direction, most people choose to descend it in a southerly direction after having summited via the rugged and heavily laddered Schiff Path, which rests on the steep eastern face of the peak. Three paths intersect with the northern end of this trail at the top of the mountain, including the Schiff Path, the Dorr Northern Ridge Trail, and the Gorge Path, which connects to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Because it links up with Dorr Mountain’s three other major trails, this path offers numerous route choices. The trail alternates between open rocky areas and fairly-forested sections. As already noted, most people attack this trail by summiting Dorr from the east, after they began their journey from the Kane Path or the Tarn Trail.

There are several places you can park to access this trail. Your best bet is to consult a map and plan accordingly. Whichever direction you choose to travel, you’ll experience some fantastic views at the top of the mountain as you gaze out over the water and islands to the east.

Pine forests alternating with rocky exposed areas.