2014-06-24 Cadillac Mountain's South Ridge Trail - possibly the most view-rich trail I've ever hiked

After hiking up North Ridge, I met up with Gary getting off the Oli's Trolley (lazy man's way up the mountain!) and we proceeded down the mostly open rocky ridge path of the South Ridge Trail. The combination of North Ridge up (quick and relatively painless though certainly a workout) and South Ridge down (slow and easy descent with the most fantastic views) was a terrific hike - total trip about 6.5 miles. This is much shorter than many hikes we have done to reach one single view point in other parks - whereas this offers spectacular views nearly all the way...outstanding!



Gary celebrating reaching the summit - by Trolley!

Starting down

The first 100 yards are the only tricky footing



And one big step with a metal rung

Then it is granite walking for miles down



And magnificent views



Junction with West Face Trail - we're continuing to Blackwoods

Rock cairns lead the way

Rocky ridge heading down to Blackwoods Campground

 

Approaching "The Featherbed" - a trail junction



Featherbed intersects with Canon Brook Trail and Jordan Pond Path



Nice bench for our lunch break at the Featherbed

back up a small incline to the next ridge



over the next ridge and down all the way



Beautiful pond on the South Ridge Trail



This reminds me of Alaska and the Yukon - subalpine vegetation

Looking back towards the summit of Cadillac

Enjoying the last grand view before our final descent to Blackwoods



And down we go again...

Fragrant pitch pine forest

A rare section of roots on this trail

Heading to that distant point on the water

Gary is having fun

All smiles as we approach the finish

Older growth forest as we approach Blackwoods

Cedar planks in the lowlands

At the end of our hike - trail head for South Ridge Trail