Hike Kurt Diederichs Climb
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The granite steps become dangerously slick when wet — morning dew, fog, and rain turn this into an ice rink. Save it for a dry day or at least wait until mid-morning when the stone has dried.
Despite the wheelchair-accessible tag at the trailhead area, the climb itself is extremely steep with tall, uneven stone steps — it is not accessible beyond the base.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Sieur de Monts entrance near the Nature Center rather than the Park Loop Road — the parking is easier and you get the Tarn as a warm-up before the climb begins.
Trekking poles are more hindrance than help here. The granite steps are tight and irregular, and you'll want both hands free to grab rock edges on the steepest sections.
Use this as a connector route to Dorr Mountain's summit via Schiff Path — the full out-and-back from the Tarn to Dorr's peak and back is one of the quietest summit routes on Mount Desert Island.
Photos
NPS
