Dorr Mountain Cannon Brook Loop Trail

The moderate loop or out and back Ladder Trail offers great views along a steep granite step and iron ladder climb to the top of Dorr Mountain in Acadia National Park. Hike up the long row of steps that hugs the cliffs. Then come to a set of three ladders, none of which are as exposed as the ladders and iron rungs on Beehive or Precipice. More steps take you to the Schiff Path, aka the Dorr Mountain East Face Trail / Dorr Mtn. trail to continue up the mountain climbing along more moderate exposed rock slopes (not recommended when wet). Once at the trail intersection near the top of Dorr Mountain, a left on the Ridge Trail leads to the summit at 1,270 feet, with awesome panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, the ocean, and the outer islands.. The summit offers 360 degree with the taller Cadillac Mountain to the west. To complete the loop hike, one good option is to continue hiking down the Dorr Mountain South Ridge Trail. This route descends at a moderate rate. Once the trail reaches the base of the mountain take a left on the Canon Brook Trail and another turn at the Kane trail (aka The Tarn Trail) back to the trailhead. Alternatively you can go down the Schiff trail. The Ladder Trail terminates at the junction of the Schiff Path. Continue with the Schiff/East Face trail to the next right turn which descends to the Tarn trail running along the Tarn back to the Ladder trailhead and parking area. The Ladder Trail is one of the oldest stone step trails in the park and offers a great workout. The trail was build by Waldron Bates, chairman of the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Paths and Trail Committee.