Hike Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop

The Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop features panoramic views of Mount Desert Island from the top of Dorr Mountain and offers a strenuous beginning climb with a long descent through the forest.

• Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
• Terrain: Forested path, granite ridgeline, uneven surfaces, iron rungs and ladders

Hike Description

• Start at the parking area off Maine Route 3, just past the Tarn and Sieur de Monts Entrance.
• Follow signs for the Ladder Trail. Continue to the intersection with Kane Path.
• Continue straight on the Ladder Trail. Begin a steep ascent for .4 miles up granite boulders, steps, and a series of iron rungs. This section can be very slippery when wet. Use caution.
• At the intersection with Schiff Path, continue straight (up) towards Dorr Mountain.
• The trail remains fairly steep for .4 miles as you ascend the cliff face.
• At the trail junction, turn left and continue for .1 miles to reach the summit of Dorr Mountain.
• Begin the descent down Dorr South Ridge Trail for 1.2 miles through a forested area.
• At the base of the mountain, turn left at the intersection with Canon Brook Trail.
• Continue for 1 mile along a fairly level path.
• At the intersection with Ladder Trail and Kane Path, turn right and return to the parking area.

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

This hike is 3.2 miles round trip. Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. For an average pace, this hike takes 1 to 2 hours.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed, due to the iron rungs, ladders, and many steep sections.

Activity Fee

No

Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Dorr Mountain

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Ladder Trailhead

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: From Hulls Cove Visitor Center, proceed to the four-way intersection. Turn left and then right at the stop sign onto ME Route 3. Follow ME Route 3 south and turn left onto Mt. Desert Street. Turn right onto Main Street and continue on ME Route 3 through Bar Harbor for 2 miles. Pass Jackson Labratories, the entrance to Sieur de Monts, and the Tarn. Parking for the Ladder Trail and Dorr Mountain is on the right.

• By bus: Take the Island Explorer (mid-June to October) to Sieur de Monts and follow Kane Path to connect to Ladder Trail. Check bus schedules for times and routes.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Dorr South Ridge Loop is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing, steep sections, stairs, and iron rungs.

There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile before hiking.
• Bring a map, water, snacks, compass, and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather.
• Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
• Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
• Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.