2014-07-22 Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail - a masterfully crafted stairmaster

Our days off the week of July 13 were rained out, so no hiking or exploring - spent our days off running errands, laundry and cleaning. Ugh. So this week with 2 sunny days off , I was eager to do some more hiking. Gary had worked 6 days so he stayed home to rest and relax for a day.

I opted for one of the "less dangerous" (but not necessarily easier) ladder trails - Dorr Mountain. There are no scary cliff edges, or drop-offs, only about 5 miles for the loop, but it is a tough climb. One of our campground guests called this the "stairmaster from hell". Yes, it was a workout, especially on a warm, humid day - including about 3/4 mile of granite steps (like climbing a 65 story building, a 1000ft elevation gain in about 1/2 mile), followed by steeply sloped granite to the summit. The remainder of the loop down Dorr south ridge was an easy stroll on open granite ledges with fabulous views and occasional stretches through pitch pine and plentiful blueberries. (I think I ate about 1/2 pound of berries - somehow they are so much better when plucked right from the bush.) Another fun hike!

From Sieur de Monts, it's .3 miles through woods to the start of the Kane Path

 

Kane Path runs 1/2 mile along the shore to the meet the ladder trail leading up Dorr to the right.



There are countless tadpoles and frogs ...

And a beaver lodge in every body of water

The Kane Path follows the shore on easy granite steps

An easy scenic path along the shore

At the south end of the Tarn, the Dorr Ladder Trail begins

Granite steps at the start

More granite steps

And still more granite steps

 

Then begin the long stairway hugging the granite cliffs

These stairs go for at least 1/2 mile along the cliffs

A squeeze through a fissure in the granite, sharp right turn

The first little ladder climb

View from the ledge at the top of the first ladder

Approaching the second ladder

The second short ladder

Looking back at the rung at the top of the ladder

 

View across the Tarn at Huguenot Head and Champlain Mtn

The third little ladder

Nothing scary on these ladders

And still more steps up

Dorr Mtn Ladder Trail meets Schiff Path leading to the summit

and still more steps

Path thru the blueberries - finally ripe for the picking!

Approaching the top of Dorr, Huguenot and Champlain across the way

View of the Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay



Summit of Dorr (biggest rock stack in the park), with big brother Cadillac in the backgroun

Long scenic walk down the granite ledges of Dorr South Ridge



Thru the blueberries all the way



Junction with Canon Brook Trail, heading back to the Tarn