Last updated: March 22, 2022
Thing to Do
Birding Cadillac Mountain
Rising 1,520 ft above the bold coast of Maine, stands Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the eastern seaboard. With the interactions of coastal winds and cooler summers, Cadillac Mountain provides alpine and sub-alpine habitat at an elevation 3000ft lower than other locations in Maine. This unique ecological interaction along with Cadillac’s position along the Atlantic flyway makes it an excellent place to spot a variety of birds.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Activity Fee
No
Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas from May 1 through October 31.
Location
Cadillac Mountain
Reservations
Yes
During certain times of year, a vehicle reservation will be required to access Cadillac Summit Road from dawn to dusk. See vehicle reservations for details.
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The parking lots and portions of Cadillac Summit Loop are accessible. Extra caution is required if taking the North Ridge or South Ridge trails from the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
There is an accessible restroom at the summit.
There is an accessible restroom at the summit.
One of the best ways to access Cadillac is through its hiking trails. The most traversed hiking trails are the Cadillac North Ridge and Cadillac South Ridge Trails. Both trails begin in mixed woods and climb to exposed granite ridgetops. Throughout the hike look for Yellow-rumped Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet flitting in the treetops. As the trail becomes more exposed keep a look out in the distance for soaring Turkey Vulture and Bald Eagle. As the trails reach the peak pay close attention to the scrubby patches that grace the summit. Eastern Towhee and White-throated Sparrow can often be seen rummaging through them. For more information on hiking Cadillac Mountain please refer to Acadia’s hiking page.
The Cadillac Summit road is 3.5 miles long and allows visitors to reach the summit in about 15 minutes. The summit of Cadillac Mountain can also be a great observation spot. Throughout the year be on the look out for flocks of Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, Red Crossbill, and White-winged Crossbill. In the fall join park rangers and volunteers on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail 200 yards from the summit to participate in the Cadillac Mountain Hawkwatch. Broad-wing Hawk, American Kestrel, and Sharp-shinned Hawk are all common species to see throughout the fall. In late October Northern Goshawk and Golden Eagle are rare spots. Pay attention to the winds and head up on Northwest in wind days in September for the best chance to see hundreds of migrating raptors on their way south for the winter.
Winter is also a great time to bird on Cadillac Mountain. Often throughout winter Snowy Owl can be seen hunting along the summit. Be aware, many of the roads in Acadia National Park are closed in the winter including the Cadillac Summit Road. Be ready for any condition while hiking or snowshoeing in the winter. Refer to the parks winter visitation information.
Notable Acadia Species: Whimbrel, Horned Lark, Common Redpoll
The Cadillac Summit road is 3.5 miles long and allows visitors to reach the summit in about 15 minutes. The summit of Cadillac Mountain can also be a great observation spot. Throughout the year be on the look out for flocks of Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, Red Crossbill, and White-winged Crossbill. In the fall join park rangers and volunteers on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail 200 yards from the summit to participate in the Cadillac Mountain Hawkwatch. Broad-wing Hawk, American Kestrel, and Sharp-shinned Hawk are all common species to see throughout the fall. In late October Northern Goshawk and Golden Eagle are rare spots. Pay attention to the winds and head up on Northwest in wind days in September for the best chance to see hundreds of migrating raptors on their way south for the winter.
Winter is also a great time to bird on Cadillac Mountain. Often throughout winter Snowy Owl can be seen hunting along the summit. Be aware, many of the roads in Acadia National Park are closed in the winter including the Cadillac Summit Road. Be ready for any condition while hiking or snowshoeing in the winter. Refer to the parks winter visitation information.
Notable Acadia Species: Whimbrel, Horned Lark, Common Redpoll