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
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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
