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    Cadillac Mountain

    4.8 (55 reviews)

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    Reviews With Photos - Cadillac Mountain

    Jason P.

    A must visit while in Acadia. At 1,500+ feet of elevation at its summit...it offers some of the best views of the Gulf of Maine and North Atlantic Ocean from the northeast. The highly-demanded sunrise tickets ($6) are accessible either by car via reservation which are offered months in advance OR 72 hours in advance...both options, particularly during peak season, are very difficult to get. I tried to book a sunrise tickets for our mid-week, late August trip 72 hours in advance. They are offered at 10am...I signed on exactly at 10am and was able to click the time...but while I checked out (10 seconds or so later) the tickets were gone. As we were unable to snag a sunrise ticket...we made reservations for later in the day (also $6). Daytime reservations are still required to visit...there is a both at the base of the mountain, where they check your timed ticket, as well as the Acadia Park ticket ($35). You will need BOTH to access via car. Alternatively, you can enter Cadillac Mountain and hike/walk/bike up...this does NOT require a reservation. Google estimated a 40-minute bike ride up and a 90-minute walk up if you decide those methods. There is a 3.5-mile, 10-12-minute drive up to the summit from the base of the mountain. There are some sharp turns going up along the side of the mountain...so be mindful of your speeds on your way up and down. We made our way up along the mountainside taking in the amazing views. There are a few places along the way where you can stop off. Once at the top, there were lots of parking spaces available...this is likely due to the limitations in vehicle passes available....great planning on their part. The view from up there are great from all sides. There are a few steps and some rocky terrain...you may have to climb a little bit to get to the peak viewing locations. There are some flat inclined paths to get to those locations...so be on the lookout for those. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Acadia.

    Dale S.

    Cadillac mountain is the highest peak on the eastern seaboard and definitely a notable stop. We made sure to make a reservation to visit while we were in Acadia National Park. I understand the need for time management and having been to a lot of national parks at this point I know they can be very crowded. Still the reservation system and the extra cost to do this definitely takes away from the experience itself. Timing and conditions also really matter here. When we visited it was very overcast and the winds at the summit were whipping around like crazy. Once we climbed up to the top, the views were very nice in all directions (except the parking lot) but the cold constant gusts made it uncomfortable to linger and the skin on my face was stinging. The dark and sky is definitely dimmed expansive views and we walked around a bit but didn't stay long. The summit is rocky and exposed and there are paths that kind of encourage you to climb around and explore different vantage points which is nice in theory but in practice it's just kind of more of the same. I think that lighter winds and sunny skies might have made the experience better and I definitely don't regret going. I can appreciate the significance of the location, especially from a geographic and historical standpoint. I'm sure if you're able to get your reservation and you have great weather this is probably a five-star stop even if it only lasts a short time.

    John B.

    This site is in the national park, but requires a separate reservation (and a separate cost). It's not a huge expense, but all these cases where your national parks pass gets you into everything but there's some kind of exception get on my nerves. I got the last laugh on the feds here though, as my national parks pass had expired but they were in a government shutdown and had adopted the compromise of collecting tickets for the mountain but not checking park passes. This probably won't be the case for most visitors, but realistically, if a site like this was privately owned it would either be closed to public access completely or it would cost five times as much. And people would pay it. I stopped in as a cap on my visit to the region, and was treated to an array of majestic views and a brief bit of exercise scrambling around the rocks. There are few places I can think of where you'd be on top of a rocky mountain peak like this so close to the shore. It reminds me of Tasmania more strongly than anything in the U.S., which is pretty close to being on the opposite side of the world (the exact point opposite to Bar Harbor is off the southwest coast of Australia). I don't think there are many places in the vast amount of Earth that lies between here and there where you'd get this kind of a view.

    Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park
    John D.

    Mountain of Youth Located inside Acadia National Park and standing at over 1,500' stands Cadillac Mountain, which puts it as the highest point along the US Eastern Seaboard. The Good: *Spectacular views *The trails are relatively easy and you don't really need to go far to enjoy the views. So this would be a good spot to take older people and young kids. *Lots of parking *Restrooms *Has it's own gift shop The Meh: *Parking lot fills up fast as it's moody likely the most popular destination at Acadia The Ugly: *Even if you pay to get into the park, it doesn't guarantee you a chance to go up Cadillac as reservations are required. Go to Recreation.gov to make reservations. Pro Tip: they have an app. Conclusion: Must-visit spot in a must-visit National Park.

    Vista view
    Ross S.

    Spectacular views and trails to get a real feel for Acadia. Well worth the extra $6 to be able to visit this area. Peking was ample I think due to the timed entry Hot to see the highest point in the park and the nature center was ok too.

    Alyssa A.

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL views of Acadia National Park and a must-do on any visit to Acadia. This 3.5 mile drive up the mountain is a windy but enjoyable drive as you get impressive views of the park below. A lot of people will get here early for sunrise, but we came here for sunset as we heard this could be beautiful as well. It was super cloudy and foggy the day we were here. We were lucky enough to get a few minutes of gorgeous views before the fog rolled in and the sky was obscured for most of the evening and sunset. So if you're coming for sunrise or sunset, be prepared for the possibly of that cloud layer blocking the sun. It can definitely get chilly and windy on the mountain, so make you sure bring some warm clothes - especially if you'll be up there for a while or you're going for sunrise or sunset. You have to purchase a timed entrance ticket online in order to drive the summit road and get to the top of Cadillac Mountain. They're only $6/car, but they can sell out (especially for the time that you want), so make sure you book in advance to secure a time slot. Wonderful addition to any Acadia trip!

    Sky was beautiful even before sunrise
    J B.

    We watched the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain and it was awesome! It was pretty crowded but people were able to spread out. We got there about 45 minutes before sunrise and it was already crowded.

    Sanjay G.

    Sitting at 1530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast of the United States. Due to its location and height, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first spots in the United States to view the sunrise, making this Acadia National Park's most popular sunrise spot. It's 3.5 miles long Cadillac Summit Road which goes directly to the top. but it was my 2nd time and I did not waste my morning sleep for it, cause the first time, I woke up, woke up others as well and it was all foggy, since then I am believer in sunset :P I came here after visiting Jordan pond and the weather was nice, but when we did end up driving the Summit Road to the top, we didn't see much when it came to scenery and views. seems my luck was not with me- suddenly it became all foggy and it was hardly 5-10 meter visibility. The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is a short, easy hike on Cadillac Mountain that offers some of the best views in the park. you can reach here by hiking as well. Fact: Between October and March Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise Tip: Driving up Cadillac Mountain is one of the top things to do at Acadia National Park but this requires you to make special reservations for Cadillac Summit Road ahead of time To prevent overuse and overcrowding so book your time slot/reservation in advance. It's a $6 fee. (few pics are from the 2015 visit- when the weather was kind enough)

    Olivia R.

    DEAR GOD! BEST SUNRISE OF MY LIFE. worth waking up at 5am. Prepare to shiver it's so cold up there (this was also November at 5am) bring blankets and coats and the sun and hand warmers. Attached about as many pictures as I could for reference! This is a must!

    Ray F.

    Just wow! Wow! Okay, I pride myself on learning stuff ( most is useless or outdated ). But, I really didn't know anything, I learned, About Bar Harbor, lobsters, Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain. Ya'll folks from Texas need to get up here in Early to mid October and visit this mountain! Then come back on June 21. I won't say much on the last date, but do your homework as what I learned and saw pictures of those up here at sun rise, it is worth it! I will talk about the views! My trip on a near cloudless late October was breath takingly spectacular! Stunning drive up the winding road seeing the fall leaves turning vibrant yellows to purples with many shades of orange and red in the middle. Purest of air, views for tens of miles, and glacier smoothed granite everywhere! The view of Bar Harbor, surrounding islands, lands and forest is purest of beauties. I could have sat here for hours taking it in! The history of the mountain's name is worth looking up, as it is interesting. Seriously, I can't ruin it for you. You can cheat, like I did, and hear it from a long time seasoned tourist guide.

    View from the top of Cadillac Mountain
    Helene S.

    Beautiful summit, make a plan to visit Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Climb up a trail or make a reservation on the Recreation.gov app. Sunrise tickets sell out in a few minutes, but same day tickets were easy to get. Several lots are available to park. Amazing views from the pink granite and barren peaks. Love seeing the archipelagos from the summit. At 1530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From October to March, it is the first place in the US to see the sun rise. Beautiful way to start or end the day in Acadia National Park.

    Eric C.

    Absolutely stunning view, even with the fog. Be sure to get your reservation a few days in advance as they seem to fill up quickly. The reservation process is simple enough, and it's only six bucks so it's definitely a good value. The drive up is beautiful - only about 10 minutes and not remotely dangerous. To be honest once you're up there nobody chases you out past your slot time, so feel free to sit and marvel at the beauty of everything.

    Karina L.

    Beautiful and scenic spot at Cadillac Mountain ! Easy walkable trails for anyone to use.

    Sunrise clouds

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    Ask the Community - Cadillac Mountain

    Review Highlights - Cadillac Mountain

    If you have never visited Acadia National Park, then you need to know that this is a MUST see on a trip here.

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    Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park

    4.8
    (615 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Acadia National Park is one of those places that genuinely lives up to everything said about it,…read moreand it stands apart from the big western parks in a way that makes it its own distinct experience. I found the combination of rocky coastline, dense evergreen forests, and mountain summits accessible within a relatively compact area meant there was always something worth stopping for. The scenery shifted constantly as I moved through the park, and keeping a camera within reach at all times was not an exaggeration. Cadillac Mountain is the natural anchor of my visit. The drive to the summit is worth doing on its own, but I chose to hike the Gorge Trail leading up to it on foot. It was a serious undertaking that included real rock climbing sections and rewarded me with views that felt genuinely earned. I budgeted a full half day for the hike rather than driving. The summit itself has a gift shop, and the views from the top looked out in every direction with nothing obstructing them. A reservation for the Cadillac summit road costs a few dollars and needs to be booked online in advance, so I handled that before I arrived. The Beehive Trail is another strong option for hikers who want something with more exposure and elevation gain than a standard walk. I also built Sand Beach and Thunder Hole into my loop drive, and the carriage roads offered a different pace entirely, peaceful and scenic with no vehicle traffic to contend with, making them ideal for biking if I had access to wheels. Parking was a genuine challenge during peak season and on weekends in particular. Arriving early in the morning was the only reliable way to secure a spot at the popular stops without waiting an hour or more. A late fall visit would hit a sweet spot where crowds thin out considerably, the air is crisp, and the park takes on a quieter quality that peak season cannot offer. I made sure to buy my park pass at the visitor center and did my research on seasonal hours before I went, as services and shuttles wind down toward the end of October.

    Did we go in a wrong entrance or something?!…read more I was underwhelmed for sure. We walked a few trails and took some photos but ??? Im very glad we hit Cadillac Mountain - that's where it's at!!!

    Photos
    Acadia National Park
    Acadia National Park
    Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park
    Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park
    Acadia National Park

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    Acadia National Park
    Bar Island

    Bar Island

    4.9
    (15 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Despite having done some research in advance, I had not been aware of this particular opportunity…read more There are many small islands in the region, but this one is notable for having a gravel walkway that sits above the tide for only a few hours a day. An appropriately timed hike yields an array of fantastic views that beggar belief. And this is despite the fact that walking to the end of the trail on the island from downtown, Bar Harbor takes maybe half an hour. Signage warns people not to get trapped on the island when the tide rises as getting a boat is expensive. I could imagine that if the weather is rough one could get into a bit of trouble here, but as long as you're smart about it, this is a fantastic place to visit.

    Bar Island is a tidal island connected to Bar Harbor by a gravel and sand bar that is exposed at…read morelow tide and submerged at high tide. So interesting to be able to cross from Bar Harbor by foot and then hike to the top of the island for a view of historic Bar Harbor. The city of Gouldsboro still maintains jurisdiction over the island based on its 1798 articles of incorporation. Many families have tried to build a bridge to the island from Bar Harbor, however John D. Rockefeller, Jr. purchased the half of the island that has the sandbar which stopped the bridge from being constructed. Today, the island is part of Acadia National Park. If you visit, mind the times for the tides. People have been stranded and apparently cars have been washed away back in the days when they parked on the sandbar. Once high tide comes in, you will need to wait approximately nine hours for low tide or pay a hefty fine for being stranded on Bar Island. A unique experience in Acadia National Park.

    Photos
    Bar Island
    Bar Island
    Bar Island

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    Park Street Playground

    Park Street Playground

    4.6
    (8 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Playground has something for everyone. Equipment is all new and well taken care of. Nice wood chips…read moreno dogs allowed so no pee or poop to worry about. Kids could complete a whole obstacle/ninja course. Kids are 7 and 5.

    This is the nicest playground I have ever seen. If I could rate it 10 stars, I would…read more It was so clean, well kept and huge. Plus, it's all fenced in which is a must have in my opinion for a perfect park. The equipment was great for a variety of ages - my two year old had a blast! There are restrooms across the street by the baseball field that also has a water fountain and a place to refill water bottles, which is so handy. There are trash cans, plenty of benches and a couple of picnic tables to use while your kiddos burn some energy. There is a small parking lot by the park, or I'm assuming you could park across the street by the ball field. There are also hooks to hang jackets or diaper bags. No dogs allowed - which even as a dog owner/lover, I prefer for kid parks because not everyone cleans up after their fur kids, and I don't want to have to worry about that nonsense when letting my kid play. Also, there is one of those "free library" cases out front. Love seeing these pop up all over the place. I didn't get to peek at what was inside, but love the idea. But anyway, great park! Wish I would've stumbled upon it earlier in our week here!

    Photos
    Park Street Playground
    Picnic table, bench and trash can - more throughout the park
    Picnic table, bench and trash can - more throughout the park
    Small area with some musical stuff inside

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    Small area with some musical stuff inside
    Shore Path

    Shore Path

    4.7
    (20 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    The compromise that seems to have been made involves a set of private properties that go near to…read morethe shore, but then a path that is open to the public right on the shoreline. It is a narrow space but plenty wide enough to walk in two directions. The views are majestic, so thankfully people that didn't invest in waterfront property have access to them. The length of the path is modest and it adjoins other parklands, and there is no reason not to stop by when in town.

    Breathe in the sea air along this easy walk along Shore Path. Guests and locals have been strolling…read morealong this peaceful path since the late 1800s. Start at Agamont Path and follow the trail along the edge of Frenchman Bay. It winds past the historic and once exclusive private Reading Room, now the restaurant of the Bar Harbor Inn, former private residences and summer homes, including The Briars (Nelson Rockefeller's birthplace), and Balance Rock. During the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 to 30,000 years ago, a glacier creeped along the mountains in Acadia carving the landscape, creating what became lakes as the ice melted and moving huge boulders known as glacial erratics to where they sit precariously today. Balance Rock is a beautiful example of a huge rock that was picked up and moved by the glacier many miles from where it was originally. Geologists estimate that it may have come from a location near Bangor which is 40 miles away. The pink or white roses that grow along the Shore Path are Rosa rugosa which are native to China and Japan. Rugose means "corrugated" or "wrinkled" and refers to the wrinkled leaves. This is in contrast to native Maine roses that have smooth leaves. After the rose hips bloom and the blossoms fade out, the fruit of the rose can be eaten. They are a good source of Vitamin C. So nice to be able to spend a tranquil summer morning walking along this scenic walkway.

    Photos
    Museum in the Streets
    Museum in the Streets
    Shore Path
    Shore Path

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    Schooner Head Overlook

    Schooner Head Overlook

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    This was something I wanted to explore as I found it online while researching…read more We came here before entering the park and I found the short walk/hike down to the rocks easy (maybe 0.2 of a mile?) and the rocks are flat enough here that you can easily walk around a little and see the view from different angles. No one else was here while I was visiting (01 May) and I was able to take photos and enjoy the ocean. Gorgeous views.

    What a stunning location. Turn before you hit the park entrance pass station,and you'll come out in…read morea parking lot that was, at the time we visited, nearly empty. The views from the lot are lovely enough, but the short (.25 mile) hike down to the cliff edge is absolutely worth it. If you are severely mobility challenged, you will probably want to stick to the parking lot overlook. If you are comfortable with a paved downhill slope, the views along the water are worth it. As you get to the end of the path, there will be natural rock steps toward the water and tidal pools. Avoid taking early shortcuts -- the path down to the incredible tidal pools is easier if you follow the path to its natural conclusion. I'd recommend wearing sturdy, waterproof shoes with a good grip, and taking extreme caution with every step -- even at the best possible viewing time (maybe an hour or so before low tide) -- the rocks will be slippery and falling is very easy. You will see tidal pools all along the shoreline, and there is a stunning sea cave accessible during low tide. I would continue to the natural end of the path and double back along the shoreline and tidal pools to get to the cave. Otherwise the scramble down is quite rough. The sea cave is worth the effort if you arrive prior to low tide. However, this is an area where the dangers of rising tide are acute. Be safe. Be smart. And enjoy!!

    Photos
    Sea cave at low tide
    Sea cave at low tide
    Schooner Head Overlook
    Schooner Head Overlook

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    The Natural History Center

    The Natural History Center

    5.0
    (8 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Very nice narrative of the area, history and some "fun facts". It was neat to see Acadia from the…read morewater after visiting from land the day before.

    Rich took our family on a full day tour of Bar Harbor/Acadia. The kids are ages 7 and 9 and he…read moreadjusted the content of the tour based on the likes and dislikes of my kids that I described to him over the phone prior to arriving. We started the morning on 1+ hour hike through a spruce forest to arrive at the edge of a cove. Seals were in the water and birds in the distance. We literally didn't see a single other person on the hike which is incredible given that it was high season (August). It was a testament to Rich's knowledge of the island. We did visit Sieur de Monts Spring and did a flat loop walk on the long boardwalk trail which was also fairly deserted given its proximity to the tour buses pouring tourists out in front of the nature museum there. Lastly, we made a visit to a tidal pool where we spent a solid 2 hours in the water looking under every rock for starfish, crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins and snails galore. Rich knew each species and explained the good and the bad (green crabs -- invasive, not good; Jonah crabs - native, good) Rich did all of the driving and it made for a relaxing exposure to Bar Harbor/Acadia that we would've never been able to do as quickly on our own. Well worth the money.

    Photos
    Atlantic Puffins.
    Atlantic Puffins.
    Atlantic Puffins seen on a recent tour.
    Atlantic Puffins seen on a recent tour.
    Laughing Gull

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    Laughing Gull

    Cadillac Mountain - parks - Updated July 2026

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