Hike Gorge Path

Gorge Path drops you into a slot between two of Acadia's heavyweight mountains — Dorr and Cadillac — and the scenery earns every bead of sweat. You'll pick your way up hand-laid granite steps that date back over a century, ducking under cliff walls while small cascades tumble beside you. The trail stays shaded for most of its length, which is a blessing in July but means the rocks hold moisture well into midmorning. Stream crossings come at you on flat stepping stones, and the gorge narrows enough in places that you can almost touch both walls. At the top, connector trails fan out toward either summit, so the hike becomes a choose-your-own-adventure. This one rewards hikers who like puzzle-piece footing and don't mind using their hands on a few steep pitches — think scramble-lite with a side of waterfall.