Double Traverse of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park 6/7/10

After anxiously waiting for two days, because of heavy rains, a window of opportunity presented itself on Monday (6/7/10) for us to traverse Cadillac Mountain from south to north. Our original game plan was to hike with Keith (KBMMBM) on Saturday by spotting two vehicles and crossing Cadillac Mountain. However, with only one vehicle available, we decided to traverse Cadillac Mountain twice using the South Ridge Trailhead (at Route 3, near the Blackwoods campground) as our starting point; summiting Cadillac Mountain, descend via the North Ridge Trail then reversing the hike and thus ending back at our van.

The trail starts with well constructed granite steps on the north side of Route 3.


Evidence from the previous day’s rain resulted in a blending of trail and stream.


We reached Eagles Crag in 1.3 miles where there were views towards Champlain Mountain.


Out next milestone was reached in another 1.1 miles at the Featherbed where we enjoyed eating muffins purchased at Two Cats in Bar Harbor.


We reached the summit of Cadillac Mountain around noon and after a short stop proceeded through the crowded parking lot to the North Ridge trailhead and our descent to the Park Loop Road.



We reached the halfway point of our hike at 1:30 and after a short break turned around and began our ascent.


We once again reached the summit at 3:15 after a steady climb of 2.2 miles.
The scramble up the North Ridge Trail made us quite warm but the cool ocean breeze made the top of the mountain very pleasant.


After refueling ourselves we once again headed back via the South Ridge Trail and uneventfully completed our 11.5 mile hike at 5:30; then, headed to Bar Harbor for dinner at the West Street Café and afterwards dessert at Ben and Bills.


SLIDE SHOW: http://jimmylegs.smugmug.com/photos...ntain-Traverse/12560939_mz5gk#901538913_NKjQp

Mike and Donna

M and D:
Excellent pics, as usual! You had to wait out some tough weather, but obviously worth the wait.

nice job folks! sorry we couldn't connect but mother nature doesn't always participate with our plans now does she?

Acadia!

We really have to get back here, it's been a few years. great pics!

KDT

That looks like an awesome trip!!! It's nice to see a TR of a different place than the typical NE mountains.

Thanks to all for your replies; it is most appreciated.

RICK: We most certainly were lucky to have a grand day on Monday and also on Tuesday.
3 consecutive days of rain would have a little hard to handle. You should plan a trip to Acadia soon.

KEITH: You are absolutely corrrect in that you can't argue with Mother Nature. We'll try again to hook up in Acadia on another trip.

REDSHORTS47: That was a very good idea spotting bikes on the other side of Cadillac. I wish we had thought about an ice cream on top.
Hope you get a chance to visit Acadia again.

KEVIN: Acadia is one of Maine's treasures. Even after 20 trips over the years, we haven't tired of it all.

TYLER: Variety is nice! Put Acadia on your "to do list."

Donna

The view from Cadillac is one of my top 5 favorite views because you look out over the Atlantic...there is something about looking out at large bodies of water from up high. Love it!

Nicely done. These reports you wrote up about Acadia make me want to go back and actually explore the area.

grouseking