Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park
Come to Acadia and you'll earn your lobster.
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Earn your lobster on the South Ridge Trail, which climbs sharply to Cadillac’s broad ridge crest. There, nonstop views of Acadia’s peaks, the surrounding ocean, and a constellation of islands accompany you all the way to the park’s highest summit. The hike is 7 miles out and back from the trailhead on ME 3, near Blackwoods Campground. Start well before dawn and you’ll beat the crowds and catch a spectacular summit sunrise.
drive time: Portland: 3 hours
guides:New England Hiking, by Michael Lanza ($20). Trails Illustrated map Acadia National Park/Isle au Haut #212 (800-962-1643; www.backpacker.com/mapstore; $10).
Contact: Acadia National Park, (207) 288-3338; www.nps.gov/acad