Cadillac Mountain
Bar Harbor, ME
The tallest peak on the North Atlantic coast, and often among the first places in the US to see sunrise. Vehicle reservations are required in season.
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park rises to 466 m (1,530 feet). From October 7 to March 6, it is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise. The 5.6 km (3.5-mile) Cadillac Summit Road, built between 1924 and 1931, leads to the top. Up there, the short Summit Loop Trail has paved sections, parts of which are wheelchair-accessible.
From mid-May to mid-October, you need a vehicle reservation to drive up (as of October 2026). RVs and trailers are not allowed on the summit road; if you travel by camper, park below or hike up. The North Ridge Trail (about 7 km/4.4 miles round trip) and the South Ridge Trail (about 11.4 km/7.1 miles round trip) both reach the summit. The top is often crowded, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Nearest town
- Bar Harbor, ME
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.3526, -68.2248
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
© Bob Linsdell · CC BY 3.0Fall color: the Kancamagus to Acadia
Photo by Mercedes Mehling on UnsplashMaine’s Route 1
© NPS Photo · Public domainMaple red, birch gold and lobster buoys – by camper through New England’s Indian summer
© Asaf R asafyrov · CC0Granite, tides and the first sunrise – by camper through Acadia and Maine’s Down East coast
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Blackwoods CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Cadillac MountainTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Smuggler's Den CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Cadillac MountainTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Hadley's Point CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Cadillac MountainTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Schoodic Woods CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Cadillac MountainTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover8 mi from Cadillac MountainTentsCaravansMotorhomesWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Bass Harbor CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Cadillac MountainTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Maine · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cadillac Mountain?
Cadillac Mountain is in Bar Harbor, ME, at GPS 44.3526, -68.2248. It is about 7 mi from Southwest Harbor.
Can you camp near Cadillac Mountain?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Blackwoods Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cadillac Mountain?
Cadillac Mountain is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Fall color: the Kancamagus to Acadia, Maine’s Route 1, Maple red, birch gold and lobster buoys – by camper through New England’s Indian summer and Granite, tides and the first sunrise – by camper through Acadia and Maine’s Down East coast.
What is there to see near Cadillac Mountain?
Places worth a stop nearby: Jordan Pond (3 mi), Shore Path, Bar Harbor (3 mi), Thunder Hole (3 mi) and Blackwoods Campground (3 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cadillac Mountain?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)