Hike Schiff Path

Schiff Path is a popular trail that runs along the east face of Dorr Mountain and provides views of Frenchman Bay and the Tarn. It acts as a link between several trails starting at Sieur de Monts and the summit of Dorr Mountain. 

Schiff Path is named after Jacob Henry Schiff. He was the senior partner of the New York investment banking house Kuhn Loeb and gained prestige in business and philanthropy. It is one of the memorial trails built at Sieur de Monts by George Dorr, in conjunction with the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association.

• Distance: Varies

• Terrain: Forested, rocky path, granite steps, steep inclines, exposed ridgeline

Hike Description

• To reach the Schiff Path, start on either Emery Path, Homans Path, Kurt Diederichs Climb, or Ladder Trail from Sieur de Monts. These trails are comparable in length, steepness, and amount of stairs (with the exception of Ladder Trail, which also contains a few iron ladders).
• Continue onto Schiff Path as it gently rises along a ridgeline and enjoy views of Frenchman Bay and the Tarn below.
• At the intersection with the Ladder Trail, turn right.
• The trail begins a steep ascent for .4 miles, gaining 400 ft over exposed granite sections.
• At the junction, either turn left for .1 miles to reach the summit of Dorr Mountain or continue straight to intersect the Gorge Path (Dorr West Face Trail) towards Cadillac Mountain.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

This duration varies due to which trail is being taken to connect to Schiff Path. For a shorter duration, start at Kurt Diederich's Climb or Ladder Trail. For a longer duration, start on Homans Path or Emery Path.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. It is not recommended for pets, since there are many steep sections and stairs.

Activity Fee

No

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

Location

Schiff Path

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Sieur de Monts

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and follow the Park Loop Road. Follow signs for start of one-way road towards Sand Beach. Continue for two miles and turn right at signs for Sieur de Monts. This area can also be accessed from Bar Harbor via Maine Route 3.

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

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Schiff Path is not accessible. The trail and connector trails have uneven footing, rocky, steep sections, and granite stairs throughout.

There is an accessible restroom at Sieur de Monts.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile or a topographic map 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.