Summit of the highest peak on the US East Coast, overlooking Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay
Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the US East Coast at 1,530 feet, located within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine. From early October through early March, its summit is among the first places in the continental United States to receive sunlight at dawn — a distinction that draws visitors before first light throughout the autumn and winter months. The summit is reached via a 3.5-mile paved summit road (the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road) that winds up from the Park Loop Road, and also by three hiking trails: the North Ridge Trail (4.4 miles round trip), the South Ridge Trail (7 miles round trip), and the shorter but steeper Gorge Path from Tarn. The South Ridge Trail is the most scenic, ascending through open granite slabs with expanding views over the island before emerging onto the bald summit. From the top on a clear day, the panorama encompasses the entirety of Mount Desert Island with its patchwork of lakes, forest, and the town of Bar Harbor directly below, Frenchman Bay dotted with smaller islands, and on exceptional days, the coastline extending far into Maine and New Brunswick. The summit is open ground of pink granite, lichens, and wind-stunted blueberry bushes; in September the blueberry leaves turn brilliant red and contrast with the pale granite. A small gift shop and accessible restrooms are at the summit parking area. During the peak sunrise season from late September through October, a Cadillac Summit Sunrise Vehicle Reservation is required in addition to the standard Acadia park entrance; these are released on recreation.gov beginning in January for the coming season and sell out within hours.
Highlights
- Watch one of the first sunrises in the continental US from the summit from October through March
- Hike the South Ridge Trail through open granite slabs with expanding views to the summit
- See panoramic views over Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and Frenchman Bay from the bald summit
- Visit in September when summit blueberry bushes turn brilliant red against the pale pink granite
Tips for visiting
- Sunrise vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain are required from May through October — released on recreation.gov in January and selling out within hours
- Bring warm layers for the summit even in summer — wind and temperatures drop considerably above treeline
- The summit road opens as early as 5:30 AM on summer mornings to allow sunrise viewing
- Hiking to the summit avoids the reservation requirement — the North Ridge Trail begins near the summit road
- Book Bar Harbor accommodations early; the town has limited rooms and books out during fall foliage season
When to visit
Late September through October combines peak fall foliage color with the early-sunrise window and is the most visually spectacular period. Summer mornings offer full panoramas in clear weather. Secure sunrise reservations as early in January as possible for autumn visits.
Accessibility
The Cadillac Mountain Summit Road is fully accessible by vehicle, and the summit area has accessible parking spaces, accessible restrooms, and a paved path around the immediate summit area with excellent views. The hiking trails to the summit involve open granite slabs and are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation to drive to the Cadillac Mountain summit?
Yes. From late May through late October a Cadillac Summit Sunrise Reservation is required for sunrise-time vehicle access. These are released on recreation.gov beginning in January for the full season and sell out very quickly. The standard Acadia park pass is required in addition.
When exactly is Cadillac Mountain among the first places to see sunrise?
Cadillac Mountain is among the first sunrise points in the continental US from early October through early March, when the sun rises far enough north-northeast to clear the summit first. In summer the sun rises further north and other coastal points in Maine and Canada see sunrise first.
Can I hike to the Cadillac Mountain summit without a vehicle reservation?
Yes. The hiking trails to the summit — including the North Ridge and South Ridge routes — do not require a vehicle reservation. Hikers can access the summit on foot at any time with only the standard Acadia park entrance pass.
How cold is it at the Cadillac Mountain summit?
The summit is consistently 10 to 20°F cooler than Bar Harbor below, and wind chill can be significant at any time of year. Even on warm summer days, the summit can feel cold in the wind; winter sunrise visits require serious layering, with temperatures potentially below 0°F.