Dorr Mountain Trail, named for the founder of Acadia and its first superintendent, is a network of trails on the mountain. Several of the Dorr Mountain Trails can be vigorous yet offering spectacular views of the National Park. The trail will carry you through a variety of forest types with features including a glacier pond, cascading streams, open meadows, bald summits and beautiful hemlock woods. You may want to begin on Gorge Trail which is located at Kebo Brook. This trail is named for the deep gorge which remains cool much of the year because of the northern exposure. As the trail reaches a straddling point between Dorr and Cadillac Mountains, continue straight onto A. Murray Young Trail descending through a field surrounded by lush evergreen. Stay straight so you will eventually reach the small pond named The Tarn. The pond is a depression left behind from a glacial melt. Depending on when you visit, you may be treated to blooming water lilies which stretch the entire length of the pond. Look around the pond for the rare Labrador tea, which was a substitute for Oriental tea during the Revolutionary War. Bayberry, grown for its scent in candle and soap making, may also be found growing around the pond. The leaves are smooth with a grayish hue. Once you've enjoyed this beautiful mountain pond continue your hike at the south end and pick up Ladder Trail. It may be hard to find so look for the red tags on the trees. This will carry you to the summit of Dorr Mountain. The trail combines with several other area trails all headed toward the summit. As you pass through the open field, be sure to look for the blueberry bushes, sheep laurel and bracken fern. You will come upon a portion of the path that is rocky and exceedingly steep. Caution is advised at this point in your journey. The name Ladder Trail comes from the fact that you must climb two small metal ladders in order to reach the peak. Once you have enjoyed the summit's views, descend on North Ridge Trail following the large cairns which lead to Kebo Mountain. You will end up on Park Loop Road. Head left on Park Loop Road to reach the Gorge Trailhead where you began.

Directions: From Bar Harbor, ME, Travel SR 3 to the Sieur de Monts entrance. Turn left at the stop sign and park in the first parking lot.

Elevation: 1,270 feet

Distance: 7.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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