What’s the Big Deal About Cadillac Mountain?

No trip to Acadia National Park would be complete without visiting Cadillac Mountain. It is the highest point on the United States’ eastern seaboard, offering amazing views out over the Atlantic and across Mount Desert Island. It is also famously, the first place in the continental United States to see the sunrise, from October 7 to March 6.

The mountain was originally inhabited by the Wabanaki People. Their name for the mountain was Wapuwoc, which means “white mountain of the first light.” It was later renamed to the more prosaic sounding “Green Mountain,” and in 1918 received its current moniker, after the French explorer Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac. So although the current name is the most bland of them all, we can be grateful that it’s at least not named after a car.

Getting To Cadillac Mountain

Driving to Cadillac Mountain

You can get to Cadillac Mountain from the aptly named Cadillac Summit Road, which branches off the scenic Park Loop Road. It is a windy, steep road with several pullouts along it where you can stop to enjoy the view. You cannot drive an RV or trailer on this road or park one at the top of Cadillac Mountain. Watch out for cyclists as some adventurous souls will be biking up to the summit.

Be aware that from mid-May to mid-October you need to pre-buy a permit in order to park at the top. This is one of the most popular attractions in Acadia, especially at sunrise and sunset, so if you are coming during these times, aim to get there at least an hour ahead of time. This way you have time to park and find a spot to watch the main event.

Hiking to Cadillac Mountain

There are several hiking paths that you can take up to Cadillac Mountain: North Ridge Trail, South Ridge Trail, and Gorge Path. All of them are strenuous (you are hiking up a mountain, after all) and require good hiking shoes.

Cadillac North Ridge Trail

This is the “easiest” trail, clocking in at 4.4 miles round trip – so just a measly 2.2 up to the top. It is still pretty steep in parts, and across a lot of rock that can be very slick if it has rained recently. This is the trail that Brian and I took and we really enjoyed it. It’s well marked and there are plenty of beautiful (and not crowded) lookout points. It took us about 2 hours to get to the summit. However, we were totally bushed and opted to ride back down instead of hike. See my notes about other transport for catching a ride off the mountain.

Cadillac South Ridge Trail

The South Ridge trail to Cadillac summit is considered the hardest one. It is 7.1 miles round trip and a bit steeper in parts than the North Ridge trail. Part of it takes you to an exposed ridge that has really great views. The wind can be chilly up here, especially in the shoulder season, so dressing in layers is helpful.

Gorge Path

The Gorge Path may not be as long as the South Ridge trail, but it is trickier to navigate. It is just 2.5 miles round trip, but follows a narrow, rocky gorge that crosses a few streams and includes steep granite steps. This is a great trail if you want to stick to shade. However, since it is so shady, it takes much longer to dry out and the steep grades and slick rock make for precarious hiking conditions. If there has been rain in the past day or two, better leave the Gorge Path for another time.

Biking to Cadillac Mountain

In theory, one can bike to Cadillac Mountain. However, you’ll be sharing the road with cars and that road is quite narrow, with no shoulder. So if the leg shredding incline isn’t enough to put you off, several brushes with sideview mirrors (or worse!) might give you pause. We did see a few very committed bikers at the summit, though. It definitely can be done, but why would you, is the question.

Other Transport at Cadillac Mountain

Note that the Island Explorer, Acadia’s free park bus service, does not serve Cadillac Mountain. However, a private service called the Cadillac Mountain Summit Shuttle makes trips to and from the mountain for $10 per person, each way. If you hiked up and would like a ride back to Bar Harbor from the summit, you will need to call the shuttle and ask them to come pick you up. Their website makes it sound like it comes regularly on the hour, but trust me, it doesn’t! You’ll need to call if you want a pick up.

Also Good to Know…

There are restrooms and a gift shop at the summit, along with, of course, plenty of scenic overlooks. The top of Cadillac Mountain has plenty of smooth rock surface, perfect for setting out a blanket or a couple of camp chairs to relax in while you watch the sunrise.

Expect to share the summit with a lot of other people, especially at sunrise and sunset. But don’t let the crowds deter you – the view is the same whether one set of eyes or a thousand are looking! And if you can’t make it up there by sunrise (Brian and I had a previously scheduled engagement with our pillows at that time), don’t despair – the view at other hours of the day is still absolutely worth it!