Hike Kurt Diederichs Climb

Kurt Diederichs Climb is a memorial trail at Sieur de Monts. It is a .4 mile steep ascent with many granite steps leading from the Tarn. It is one of the routes to reach Schiff Path, and eventually the summit of Dorr Mountain.

Kurt Diederich, and his daughter Elsa, lived in Washington D.C. after the death of his wife Sybil. They summered at his aunt’s cottage, Bowling Green, in Bar Harbor. Kurt died prematurely from anesthesia in 1913 at age 26. His aunt, Enid Hunt Slater, provided funds for a memorial path built in his honor. The sixth step up from the beginning of the trail at the Tarn is engraved with “Kurt Diederichs Climb.”

• Distance: .4 miles one way

• Terrain: Forested area with steep, rocky sections and many granite steps

Hike Description

• Start at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center.
• Walk towards the Abbe Museum and turn slightly left to follow the Jesup Path.
• Continue for .2 miles before reaching the intersection of Kurt Diederichs Climb and Kane Path.
• Turn right onto Kurt Diederichs Climb. Check the sixth step to see the engravement.
• Begin the quick and steep ascent for less than .4 miles on mostly granite steps.
• The trail ends at the intersection with Schiff Path.
  • To reach the summit of Dorr Mountain, follow Schiff Path for just over 1 mile.
  • To return to Sieur de Monts, retrace your steps back or take Emery Path or Homans Path. All three trails are quick, steep descent with granite steps. Use caution, especially when the rock is wet and slippery.

Details

Duration

20-30 Minutes

This hike is .4 miles one way. Duration, or how long a hike takes, depends on your pace, how frequently you stop, and the terrain. For an average pace, this hike takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. It is not recommended for pets, since the trail is very steep with granite steps.

Activity Fee

No

Although the activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Kurt Diederichs Climb

The Trailhead: Where to Begin

• Sieur de Monts

Getting to the Trailhead

• By car: Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and follow the Park Loop Road. Follow signs for start of one-way road towards Sand Beach. Continue for two miles and turn right at signs for Sieur de Monts. This area can also be accessed from Bar Harbor via Maine Route 3.

• By bus: Take the Island Explorer (mid-June to October) to Sieur de Monts. Check bus schedules for times and routes.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Kurt Diederich's Climb is not accessible. The trail has uneven footing, granite stairs, and steep sections throughout.

There is an accessible restroom at Sieur de Monts.

This profile is for one-way.

Trail Safety Tips

• Check trail elevation profile or a topographic map before hiking.
• Bring a map, water, snacks, compass, and extra layers for unpredictable changes in weather.
• Reduce the chance of picking up ticks by staying in the center of the trail, and not stepping on soils and away from brush.
• Always do a tick check after visiting the park.
• Closed-toe, good traction shoes recommended because most trail surfaces are very unlevel.