Everything you Need to Know About Visiting Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park
Due to the federal government shut down, Acadia National Park is currently operating at limited capacity. Vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain are still required. Daytime reservations are available, sunrise and sunset reservations are not available at this time.
Cadillac Mountain is one of Acadia National Park’s most iconic landmarks—a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. From late spring through early fall, thousands of visitors drive (and hike!) to the summit to watch the sunrise and sunset and take in the breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands.
In this blog post, we share everything you need to know about visiting Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park— including how to access Cadillac Mountain, how to make vehicle reservations, parking information, trail descriptions, sunrise and sunset information, and more.
History of Cadillac Mountain
Pre-European Contact (Thousands of Years Ago)
The Wabanaki people, including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq tribes, live seasonally in the area. They call the region “Wapuwoc” or “the dawn land” and use the mountain for hunting, gathering, and spiritual ceremonies.
1604 – French Exploration
Samuel de Champlain explores the area and names the island “Île des Monts Déserts” (Mount Desert Island) because of its barren-looking peaks.
1700s – Colonial Era
European settlers begin arriving and referring to the peak as “Green Mountain” due to its dense forestation.
1916 – Acadia Becomes a National Monument
President Woodrow Wilson establishes Sieur de Monts National Monument, later expanded and renamed Lafayette National Park, laying the foundation for what becomes Acadia National Park.
1918 – Renamed Cadillac Mountain
Green Mountain is officially renamed Cadillac Mountain to honor Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, a French explorer and adventurer who had ties to the region.
1929 – Acadia National Park Established
Congress officially renames Lafayette National Park to Acadia National Park, solidifying Cadillac Mountain as its most iconic summit.
Today
Cadillac Mountain remains one of the park’s most visited destinations, known for being one of the first spots in the U.S. to see sunrise and for its stunning views over Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands.
How to access Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is located off the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. To enter the park, visitors will need to purchase a park pass. There is no public transportation or bus system that goes to the top of Cadillac Mountain—so visitors need a car to access the mountain. The island explorer stops at several of the hiking trailheads for Cadillac Mountain (keep reading for hiking info)—so if you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike to the summit.
Note that vehicles over 21-feet long, recreational vehicles, and trailers are all prohibited from the Cadillac Summit Road.
Parking at Cadillac Mountain summit
When driving the Cadillac Summit Road, you will notice there are several scenic turn-outs along the road. You are welcome to stop at any of these to enjoy the unique views. There are two well-sized parking lots on Cadillac Mountain—the first lot you’ll come across provides western-facing views. If you continue driving, you will come to a larger parking lot that provides mostly eastern-facing views. Please park within the lines of a singular parking space so there are enough spots for everyone.
Why vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Mountain
Due to its rising popularity, Acadia National Park implemented a reservation system to limit the amount of people that can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. This helps limit human impact on precious ecosystems that exist in the park and to provide a more positive experience for visitors. If you are driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain between the months of May-October, you will need a vehicle reservation.
How to make a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Mountain
Before making a vehicle reservation, it is helpful to know which day(s) you would like to visit Cadillac Mountain, what time of day you would like to visit, and how many reservations you will need, as each car requires its own reservation.
Vehicle reservations cost $6 and must be purchased online. Visitors must also purchase an Acadia National Park entrance pass, which can be purchased online or at the visitors center. Reservations can only be purchased in advance—they are not available for purchase at the park.
Cadillac Summit Road sunrise and daytime vehicle reservations can be made up to ninety days in advance of the reservation date—just keep in mind that only a certain percentage (30%) of Seventy percent of the Cadillac Summit Road Sunrise and Daytime vehicle reservations are available for purchase at 10:00a.m.(Eastern Time) two days in advance of the reservation date.
Cadillac Mountain vehicle reservation tips
30% of vehicle reservations are available 90-days in advance—the remaining 70% are available two days in advance of the reservation date.
Sunrise vehicle reservations have a 90-minute entry window.
Daytime vehicle reservations have a 30-minute entry window.
For more information on Cadillac Mountain Reservations, click here.
Cadillac Mountain hiking trails
If you would prefer to hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, there are four recommended hiking routes. If you are new to hiking in Maine, be sure to check out our blog posts on the 10 Maine hiking essentials and check out our favorite hiking products.
North Ridge Trail (4.4 miles, moderate)
Parking
There are two very small roadside parking lots located on the North end of the Park Loop Road. If you don’t want to worry about parking, three of the free Island Explorer shuttle buses (3-Sand Beach, 4-Loop Road, and 5-Jordan Pond) stop near the North Ridge trailhead. Click here to view the bus routes for the free island explorer shuttle.
The trail
The trail begins with a very gradual ascent on a dirt trail. After the first mile, the trail becomes rocky and then more steep and exposed. Be sure to follow the blue blazes and cairns to stay on the trail. The trail continues along granite slopes until coming to a fork that brings hikers to the official summit. The summit provides hikers with gorgeous views of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean.
South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles, moderate)
Parking
Parking for the South Ridge Trail is located on Route 3, just down the road from the Blackwoods Campground. If you don’t want to worry about finding parking at the trailhead, the 10-Blackwoods free Island Explorer shuttle bus stops at the Village Green in Bar Harbor and Sieur De Monts before stopping at Blackwoods Campground. Click here to view the bus routes for the free island explorer shuttle.
The trail
The South Ridge trail “officially” starts at the Blackwoods Campground, but the parking lot is located off Route 3. After one mile of forested gradual incline, hikers will encounter Eagles Crag Loop Trail. Another steady incline will bring hikers to the intersection of South Ridge Trail, Canon Brook Trail, and Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path. Hikers will find a small pond known as “The Featherbed” located next to this intersection. Continue straight, ascending up a steep, exposed section of trail along the ridge. The trail briefly descends before crossing an old road and then rises for one final incline before reaching a gravel road that ends at the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Gorge Path Trail (3.8 miles, moderate)
Parking
Parking for the Gorge Path Trail is located on the North end of the Park Loop Road. There is a small roadside parking lot. If you don’t want to worry about parking, take one of the free Island Explorer shuttle buses (either 3-Sand Beach, 4-Loop Road or 5-Jordan Pond) to the North Ridge trailhead and then walk 0.7 miles on the Kebo Brook Trail and you will arrive at the Gorge Path Trail. Click here to view the bus routes for the free island explorer shuttle.
The trail
***This trail is very rocky and shaded and therefore is not recommended to hike during or after wet weather.
The Gorge Path Trail follows the shady, rocky gorge located between Cadillac Mountain and Dorr Mountain. There are a few stream crossings and a lot of granite steps on this trail—making it unsafe for hiking in wet conditions. After 0.5 miles, the trail intersects with the Hemlock Trail, which goes to Dorr Mountain and Sieur De Monts. Continue straight for another mile, ascending past gorge walls and granite steps before intersecting with the Cadillac-Dorr Connector Trail. Turn right to continue on the Gorge Path Trail. A steep, 0.4-mile incline will bring you to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Cadillac West Face Trail (3 miles, hard)
Parking
Parking for the West Face Trail is located at Bubble Pond, which is situated on the Western side of the Park Loop Road. If you don’t want to worry about parking, take one of the free Island Explorer shuttle busses (4-Loop Road or 5-Jordan Pond) to Bubble Pond. Click here to view the bus routes for the free island explorer shuttle.
The trail
***This trail is very rocky and steep and therefore is not recommended to hike during or after wet weather.
The West Face Trail ascends up the rocky western face of Cadillac Mountain. The challenging 0.9-mile ascent provides great views of Pemetic Mountain, Eagle Lake, and Bubble Pond. After the steep incline, the trail merges with the South Ridge Trail before making the final ascent to the summit.
Watching the sunrise and sunset on Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is known for being the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise every morning from May to October—due to its location in Eastern Maine and its elevation. Watching the sunrise over the horizon and seeing the varying hues of orange, pink, and red reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean is such a beautiful experience, which is why it has become a popular outing among visitors of Acadia National Park.
What to wear to watch the sunrise and sunset on Cadillac Mountain
Maine is known for its unpredictable weather—so be sure to prepare accordingly!
During the cooler shoulder months (May, September, and October) I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes (sneakers are best), pants, a sweater or sweatshirt, an insulated windproof jacket, a warm hat, and mittens.
During the warmer months (June, July, August) I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes, a windproof jacket and bringing an extra layer like a fleece or sweatshirt in case you get cold.
Regardless of the time of year, bringing a warm drink and a blanket to sit on can help make the experience extra special and comfortable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about visiting Cadillac Mountain
Are there bathroom facilities on Cadillac Mountain?
Yes, there are bathroom facilities located near the gift shop on the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
How many vehicle reservations can I buy?
There is a limit on how many vehicle reservations you can purchase. One person can only make one sunrise reservation per seven days and one daytime reservation per day.
Do you need a park entrance pass in addition to the vehicle reservation?
Yes, any time you are inside Acadia National Park, you are required to purchase and display a park entrance pass for that day.
Can you cancel or change your reservation?
You can cancel your reservation for a full refund up to 48 hours before your reservation time. For example, if your reservation is for 6:00a.m. on October 6th, you must cancel before 5:59a.m. on October 4th.
Are pets allowed on Cadillac Mountain during sunrise/sunset?
Dogs are allowed but they must be on leash at all times and you must pick up and properly dispose of their poop.
What time should I arrive for sunrise and sunset?
Arriving 30 minutes to an hour before sunrise or sunset allows you time to park, explore, and take plenty of pictures.
How long can I stay on the summit?
Vehicle reservations provide one timed entry, but do not require a departure time until 9 pm, when the road closes to vehicles.
Leave no trace at Cadillac Mountain
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild Maine we love.
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