Cadillac Mountain
The highest point on the North Atlantic coast, offering unparalleled sunrise views and panoramic vistas of Acadia National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
First light in the US!
Cadillac Mountain
Best Time
First light in the US!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The highest point on the North Atlantic coast, offering unparalleled sunrise views and panoramic vistas of Acadia National Park.
"The first sunrise in the USA: Cadillac Mountain Summit - worth the early wake-up call!"
🚗 Book Vehicle Reservations
Essential for sunrise/sunset access. Book via recreation.gov, tickets go fast! :admission_tickets:
🧥 Layer Up!
It's cold at the summit, even on warm days. Bring a jacket and pants. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
First Sunrise in the USA
Cadillac Mountain Summit
Witness the dawn break over the Atlantic, often the first place in the US to see the sun's rays.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Cadillac Mountain Summit
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Maine coastline, islands, and surrounding forests.
North Ridge Trail Hike
Trailhead near Bar Harbor
A rewarding hike offering stunning views and a chance to reach the summit before the crowds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunrise Reservations are Key
+1Dress for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Vehicle Reservations
Essential for sunrise/sunset access. Book via recreation.gov, tickets go fast!
🧥 Layer Up!
It's cold at the summit, even on warm days. Bring a jacket and pants. :cloud:
⏰ Arrive Early for Sunrise
Aim for 30-60 mins before dawn to find a good spot.
🥾 Hike for a Unique View
Consider hiking up for a different perspective and to beat some traffic. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Vehicle Reservations
Essential for sunrise/sunset access. Book via recreation.gov, tickets go fast!
🧥 Layer Up!
It's cold at the summit, even on warm days. Bring a jacket and pants. :cloud:
⏰ Arrive Early for Sunrise
Aim for 30-60 mins before dawn to find a good spot.
🥾 Hike for a Unique View
Consider hiking up for a different perspective and to beat some traffic. :hiking_boot:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Have maps ready for navigation. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cadillac Mountain for its breathtaking sunrise views and panoramic vistas of the Maine coast. The experience of being among the first to see the sun rise in the US is a major highlight. However, many note the necessity of advance reservations for vehicle access, the cold summit temperatures even in warmer weather, and the potential for crowds, especially during peak times.
"I hiked the north ridge trail to the summit to witness the beautiful sunrise. But to get a parking spot there you need to be there really early. Otherwise you will struggle to find a spot. Anyway, it was awesome to see the sun like this. No trees, no houses or whatever in the way. Just the wind, the sun and you. And a few other visitors of course.
I started the hike around 3 AM and arrived at the top around 4 AM. Sunrise was at 5:39 AM. That is plenty of time to see the horizon turning red. Until the sun emerges in a bright red light. Awesome!"
Skorp
"Definitely buy the sunrise ticket in advance. We got the tickets, reached in time - but missed the sunrise due to cloudy weather. 10/10 for the natural beauty though."
Sid
"We visited on a Thursday. I attempted to get tickets for the sunrise but I forgot so we hiked up at 3am. The hike took an hour. We were the first people at the spot we were at but it quickly filled and was very busy. Even though the sun was behind the clouds it was still an incredible view. We couldn’t see much on the hike up but the way down was a pleasant surprise."
Kelsey Brauer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive your own vehicle (with a reservation) or take the Island Explorer shuttle bus during operating season. The summit road is paved and well-maintained.
Parking is available at the summit, but it fills up very quickly, especially for sunrise and sunset. Arriving early or using the shuttle is recommended.
Yes, biking up Cadillac Mountain is permitted, but be aware of vehicle traffic and the steep inclines.
The Island Explorer shuttle offers service to Cadillac Mountain during the summer months, providing an alternative to driving and parking.
The summit area is generally accessible, with paved paths. However, some trails may be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a vehicle reservation is required to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain during peak hours, especially for sunrise and sunset.
Tickets for Cadillac Mountain vehicle reservations can be purchased online through recreation.gov.
Vehicle reservations typically cost around $6, plus the cost of an America the Beautiful Pass or park entrance fee.
Tickets are released two days in advance and sell out very quickly. It's advisable to check recreation.gov frequently.
The summit road is generally open for driving from mid-April through mid-October, with specific hours for vehicle reservations for sunrise and sunset.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Cadillac Mountain stands at 1,530 feet (466 meters) above sea level, making it the highest point on the North Atlantic coast.
From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding islands, the Maine coastline, and Acadia National Park.
There are no facilities like restrooms or food services directly at the summit. Plan accordingly.
Yes, Cadillac Mountain is a fantastic spot for stargazing due to its elevation and relatively dark skies, especially outside of peak visitor times.
Yes, Cadillac Mountain is a popular spot for elopements and small weddings, offering a stunning backdrop.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time is during the golden hour leading up to and just after the sun breaks the horizon. Be prepared for dramatic light changes. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light sunrise shots.
Yes, explore various viewpoints along the summit road for different perspectives and fewer crowds.
While possible, the Northern Lights are more commonly seen further north. However, if conditions are right, Cadillac Mountain could offer a unique vantage point.
Look towards the west and southwest for sunset. The changing colors over the islands and mainland offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers park entrance, and the reservation fee is minimal. Hiking up the mountain is a free alternative to driving, offering a great workout and stunning views without the reservation cost, though it requires more effort and an early start. 📸 Photographers
Explore different viewpoints along the summit road to find compositions that suit your style. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cadillac Mountain Sunrise: A Bucket List Experience
+1 However, it's important to note that the 'first sunrise' claim can vary seasonally and geographically, with other locations potentially seeing the sun first depending on the time of year. To experience this iconic moment, visitors must secure a vehicle reservation through recreation.gov, as demand is extremely high.
+1 Arriving at least 30-60 minutes before the scheduled sunrise is recommended to find a suitable viewing spot and prepare for the spectacle. Despite potential cloud cover, the experience of watching the sky transform with color is often described as deeply moving and unforgettable. Beyond the sunrise, the summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Acadia National Park's rugged coastline, islands, and surrounding waters.
Navigating Cadillac Mountain: Driving vs. Hiking
+2For the more adventurous, hiking trails like the North Ridge Trail offer a rewarding journey to the summit.
Regardless of your chosen method, remember that the summit can be significantly colder than the surrounding areas due to wind exposure.
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