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Beginner’s Guide to Driving up Cadillac mountain

UPDATE 2021: You must now make reservations to drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Please refer to this website: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/vehicle_reservations.htm

Things to see in Acadia National Park

Cadillac Mountain is a must see when in Acadia National Park! it’s the perfect trip for the whole family because you can drive up to the top of the mountain. It’s breathtaking. My first time up the mountain, I was so blown away. The blues, the greens, the rocks, the trees. Being surrounded by beauty, with so many paths to be alone on just off the beaten path. Bonus – blueberries grow wild on top of Cadillac Mountain! Driving up Cadillac mountain is an experience you will never forget.

Getting There

You’ll need to take the park loop road. Here’s your map location!

According to Acadia Magic

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, at 1,530 feet (466 meters), is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine that were pushed up by earth’s tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. Were it not for the once enormous glaciers that sheared off their tops, they would be even higher than what we see today. You can easily see the results of this on a smaller scale by viewing the slopes on the Porcupine Islands in the distance. The North side is on the left and the steeper slope, or the down side, is on the right east side. The glaciers crept across the land here from the left to the right (in a southerly direction) and stretched out to sea as far as 400 miles (644 kilometers)!

Summit Road Entrance GPS: Latitude 44.368891; Longitude -68.238506

Once you get up to the top, you’ll probably look for parking for a while. Be patient. You can take a bus, too. The bathroom is located in the gift shop, so just something to keep in mind. We recommend wearing your hiking shoes here, and exploring all of the trails from the top of Cadillac Mountain. You’ll encounter people hiking up Cadillac, and you can make conversations regarding the trails. (read about some of the trails by searching Cadillac Mountain as the tag. Or click here for a Cadillac Mountain Loop hike!) It’s a great experience. Plan to explore.

Grab your Acadia National Park hiking map before you go so you can plan out your exploration of the trails from the top. Or message us! We can help.

Happy Trails!

DD

 

Heading through Bangor, Maine and wanting to rent kayaks for your trip to Acadia National Park? Give us a call! We’ve got kayaks available for rent by the day, half day, or week! 207-814-7710

Learn more on the Rent Kayaks page on this site!

Bangor Maine kayak rentals

Driving up Cadillac Mountain in 2021 with the Acadia National Park Reservation System

Details are forthcoming on this, but it’s important to note that you could have to reserve a spot to catch the views from Cadillac Mountain! Learn more on Acadia National Park’s website here.

DD

Florida born, Maine living. Outdoor life is for me. I love adventures - hiking -photography - running - camping - reading - creating - learning - traveling - deep eddy vodka - cats and living, basically. Follow me on social - @DanielleDorrie

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