Drive Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Summit Road is a popular drive for sunrise views.

Ashley L. Conti/Friends of Acadia

Enjoy 360 degree views across the coastal landscape from the highest point on the U.S. eastern seaboard. On your drive up Cadillac Summit Road, you'll wind past panoramic vistas and close views of the extraordinary mountain ecosystem. A short, paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, interpretive waysides, and seasonal restrooms and gift shop are also located at the summit.

Vehicle Reservations

Advance reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road mid-May to mid-October. Make your reservation in advance at recreation.gov. The reservation system ensures all visitors are able to drive and park safely at this limited and highly popular destination.

• Please print or save a digital copy of the vehicle reservation with the QR code (square digital confirmation code), which will be scanned to verify the reservation. Connectivity is unreliable in the park.
• Vehicle reservations cost $6 and are sold online in advance at Recreation.gov. They are not available for purchase at the park.
• Thirty percent of vehicle reservations are made available 90 days ahead of each date. The remaining 70 percent are released at 10 am ET two days ahead.
• Visitors must have a park entrance pass to enter the park in addition to purchasing a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road. Park entrance passes are available at the park or online at Recreation.gov.
• Vehicle reservations are not required for any other areas of the park, or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bike, or taxi. Cadillac is not served by the Island Explorer bus system.
• For more information, please visit our website.

Getting Around

Cadillac Summit Road is located off the Park Loop Road, and can be accessed at the beginning or end of the loop. You can reach the Cadillac summit by private vehicle, guided bus tour, taxi, hiking, or biking. Cadillac is not served by the Island Explorer bus system. It is a windy, paved 3.5 miles up to the summit. Along the way, there are several scenic pullouts to enjoy the view. Parking is available in two locations at the summit, where restrooms, a gift shop, and scenic overlooks connected by paved walks can be found. Be aware of road cyclists and visitors on and alongside the road.

Road Conditions

The narrow, two-lane road winds to the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain. Drivers should use caution when traveling the road and yield to pedestrians. RVs and trailers are prohibited.

Parking

The summit parking area becomes congested with autos and tour buses most of the summer, and visitors crowd a short summit walkway and the overlooks. Be cautious of people crossing from every direction when approaching and in the parking lots.

Safety

At the most popular destination in the park, it is important to be aware of weather changes, terrain, and posted safety notices.

• Stay on designated paths and away from marked re-vegetation areas to reduce resource impacts.
• Drive slowly and carefully in the parking areas. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles can cause congestion and frequent stops.
• Exposed granite sections can be slippery when wet. Stay cautious of footing.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife. Dispose of all trash properly or pack it out with you.
• Dogs (or any pets) must be leashed (6 feet or less) at all times.

Details

Duration

2 Hours

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must be on a leash 6 feet (2 m) or shorter.

Activity Fee

Yes

Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October. Vehicle reservations cost $6 and are sold online in advance at Recreation.gov. 

Visitors must have a park entrance pass to enter the park in addition to purchasing a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road. Park entrance passes are available at the park or online at Recreation.gov.

Location

Cadillac Summit Road

Reservations

Yes

Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May to mid-October. Vehicle reservations cost $6 and are sold online in advance at Recreation.gov. 

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October. Weather permitting, the road opens in mid-April and closes no later than December 1st.  The road is also closed for unsafe weather conditions, especially in late fall and early spring Visit our Current Conditions page to up to date closure information.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Cadillac Summit Road is subject to night closures.

Accessibility Information

Parking

At the two summit parking lots, a limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are marked. These are reserved for vehicles displaying an accessibility placard or license plate. Pullout parking is unmarked and may be sloped.

Trails

Portions of the Cadillac Summit Loop are paved, wide enough for a single wheelchair, and provide scenic views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Other sections are very steep or contain steps up and down. All other trails to and around Cadillac Mountain are not accessible.

Facilities and Services

Cadillac Mountain Gift Shop has an accessible entrance and restrooms.