HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Cadillac Summit Loop

0.5 midistance
40 ftelevation gain
10mmoving time
80 ft/miaverage climb

Cadillac Summit Loop is a 0.5 mi trail with 40 ft of climbing — about 10m of moving time before you stop for anything. Leashed dogs are welcome, and we rate it comfortable from age 4. About 5% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 Leashed dogs OK 🧒 Comfortable from age 4 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 5% shaded

Underfoot & overhead exposed summit

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Cadillac Summit Loop charges in hours, not miles.

0.5 mi and 40 ft of climbing work out to 10m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

10mmoving time, no breaks
0.1–0.2 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–10 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

80 ft per mile 5th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Acadia National Park
5% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Acadia National Park runs around 79°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

60°F · Areas Of Fog then Light Rain Likely · wind 7 to 13 mph

NOAA forecast for Acadia National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Avoid Water Contact at Sand Beach Lagoon (Not for Sand Beach)

Bacterial levels have exceeded public health standards at Sand Beach Lagoon and a Public Health Advisory has been posted. The public is advised against swimming at this beach until bacterial levels return to...

Live NPS alert for Acadia National Park
⚠️ Several Trails Close For Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season

Effective March 1, areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Penobscot East Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. The parking lot for the Precipice Trail is also...

Live NPS alert for Acadia National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Acadia National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Cadillac Summit Loop take?

About 10m of moving time for 0.5 mi and 40 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Cadillac Summit Loop?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.1–0.2 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Cadillac Summit Loop?

Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on Cadillac Summit Loop. Leashes (6 ft max) are required everywhere in Acadia National Park.

Is Cadillac Summit Loop good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 4. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Cadillac Summit Loop?

About 5% of the route is shaded, and Acadia National Park peaks around 79°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.