Cadillac Mountain is a signature feature within Maine’s Acadia National Park, offering expansive views of the rocky coastline and surrounding island-studded sea. Situated prominently on Mount Desert Island, it draws visitors from across the globe. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the park and serves as a natural beacon for the entire Down East region.
Defining the Summit: The Official Elevation
The peak of Cadillac Mountain is 1,530 feet (approximately 466 meters) above sea level. This measurement establishes it as the highest point within Acadia National Park and on Mount Desert Island. While some maps might cite 1,527 feet, 1,530 feet is the widely accepted elevation referenced by the National Park Service.
The mountain’s summit sits near the eastern edge of the island, providing a commanding perspective over Frenchman Bay and the town of Bar Harbor below. It is part of the extensive Cadillac Mountain Granite formation, a distinct geological unit that underlies a large portion of the park. This elevation, though modest compared to peaks in the American West, gains significance from its immediate proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Geographic Significance and Unique Status
Cadillac Mountain’s elevation of 1,530 feet earns it a unique status as the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard in the Eastern United States. No other mountain rises higher for hundreds of miles along the shoreline. This geographic position is also responsible for the mountain’s famous “first sunrise” phenomenon.
During a portion of the year, Cadillac Mountain is the first location in the continental United States to witness the sunrise. This event occurs annually from approximately October 7 through March 6. This happens because the mountain’s high elevation and eastern longitude combine with the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
The mountain is primarily composed of the Cadillac Mountain Granite, an intrusive igneous rock approximately 420 million years old. This massive granite body was once buried deep beneath the surface, but continental plate movement and subsequent erosion exposed it. The mountain’s rounded shape is a direct result of immense continental glaciers, which sheared and smoothed the rock during the last Ice Age.
Experiencing the Summit: Access and Visitor Logistics
Visitors can reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain through a variety of routes, with the most common being the scenic Cadillac Summit Road. This paved, 3.5-mile road was completed in 1931 and winds its way to the peak, offering frequent pull-offs for views during the ascent. The road is open from mid-April through November, though access is subject to weather conditions.
To manage heavy visitor traffic during peak season, Acadia National Park requires a mandatory vehicle reservation to drive the Summit Road. This system is in effect from mid-May through mid-October and is designed to protect the alpine environment and reduce congestion. Reservations must be secured in advance via the National Park Service’s official booking platform and are separate from the required park entrance pass. A portion of the reservations is released 90 days ahead of time, with the majority released just two days prior to the visitation date.
For those preferring a more active experience, two major hiking trails ascend the mountain. The North Ridge Trail is the shorter, more strenuous option, covering approximately 2.2 miles one-way and featuring steep sections and granite rock scrambling. Alternatively, the South Ridge Trail is a longer, more moderate path, stretching about 3.5 miles one-way and offering a gradual, sustained climb to the summit. Reservations are not required for visitors who choose to hike or bike up the mountain.