Groundbreaking set for March 17 for new East-West Connector Trail designed to improve safety, expand accessibility, and protect fragile summit vegetation

BAR HARBOR, Maine – On March 17, Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park will break ground on a new accessible East-West Connector Trail at the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Funded by Friends of Acadia, the project will create a safe, accessible pedestrian connection between the summit’s two parking lots and visitor areas while helping protect the mountain’s fragile native vegetation.

The new trail will be suitable for wheelchairs and strollers and will allow visitors to more easily and safely enjoy the entire summit. Modeled after the Ocean Path, the paved trail will run parallel to the summit road and be separated from traffic by granite coping stones, making it safer and easier for people of all ages and abilities to experience Acadia’s highest peak.

“Anyone who has visited Cadillac in the summer knows how much this trail is needed. Currently, to move between the two summit parking areas, people of all mobility levels have to travel along the summit road itself—navigating moving vehicles, heavy congestion, and narrow shoulders, frequently in low light,” said Eric Stiles, president and CEO of Friends of Acadia. “This new trail will significantly improve safety for everyone visiting Cadillac’s summit and make one of Acadia’s most beloved places more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

Pedestrians walk along a busy Cadillac Summit Road during peak season. The new connector trail will prevent visitors from having to share the road with moving vehicles to get to either side of Cadillac Summit. (John Kelly/NPS Photo)

In addition to improving safety and access, the project will help protect Cadillac Mountain’s sensitive summit environment by guiding foot traffic onto a clearly defined pedestrian route.

“By concentrating foot traffic on a designated path, this trail will help reduce impacts on fragile native summit vegetation that can occur when people create their own trails to avoid walking on the road,” said Stephanie Clement, vice president of conservation at Friends of Acadia. “It is an important investment in both accessibility and stewardship at one of Acadia’s most visited destinations.”

Friends of Acadia is funding the project with support from many donors. The East-West Connector Trail is part of Friends of Acadia’s broader partnership with the park to enhance accessibility throughout Acadia. That work includes ongoing improvements to trails, carriage roads, and infrastructure, including the recently completed accessible boardwalk along the Hemlock Path at Great Meadow.

Construction on the East-West Connector Trail will continue through the spring, pause during the busy summer season, and resume in the fall. Visitors should check the Current Conditions page on Acadia National Park’s website for the latest information on road closures during the spring and fall phases of construction.

The East-West Connector Trail will provide a safe way for visitors to see everything Cadillac Summit has to offer. (Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)