Cadillac Mountain
Mountain Highest coastal peak in North America, in Acadia
At 1,530 feet on Mount Desert Island, Cadillac Mountain draws sunrise-watchers, hikers and drivers along Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road for exposed granite ledges, Atlantic panoramas and coastal wildlife viewing.
Cadillac Mountain is a prominent summit on Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park, Maine. The summit rises to 1,530 feet (466 metres) and is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic seaboard.
The summit offers broad panoramic views over Frenchman Bay and the islands off the coast, attracting photographers and sunrise watchers. A paved summit road and several maintained trails provide access for drivers and hikers, and the site is a popular starting point for early-morning sunrise visits.
The mountain and its access routes were developed as part of Acadia National Park infrastructure in the 20th century, with improvements to trails and a paved summit road to accommodate visitors. Management falls under the U.S. National Park Service.
Located on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, the summit sits within Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor on Maine’s central coast. The massif overlooks the Atlantic and numerous offshore islands.
- Summit elevation: Summit elevation is 1,530 feet (466 metres), making it the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States north of Florida.
- Sunrise views: On clear mornings between autumn and winter it is often the first place in the United States to see sunrise, a frequent reason for early-morning visits.
How to Get to Cadillac Mountain #
From Bar Harbor, drive north on Route 3/198 then take Park Loop Road to the Cadillac Mountain summit. In high season the Park’s free shuttle services can reduce parking congestion; the summit road is typically open late spring through fall (check NPS for exact dates).
Tips for Visiting Cadillac Mountain #
- Arrive before sunrise in season to claim a parking spot at the summit - Cadillac is the most popular sunrise viewpoint on the U.S. East Coast.
- On summer mornings expect steady traffic; use the Park Loop Road shuttle (when running) to avoid parking headaches.
- If visibility is poor at the summit, try the nearby Champlain Mountain trails for equally dramatic coastal views with fewer visitors.
Best Time to Visit Cadillac Mountain #
Best visited late spring through autumn for summit road access; fall combines good weather with fewer crowds and colorful foliage.
Weather & Climate near Cadillac Mountain #
Cadillac Mountain's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1442 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (161 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and breezy conditions.
