Driving up Cadillac Mountain will surely be one of your most memorable experiences at Acadia National Park. The drive has been referred to as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the entire world and understandably so.

The road is easily accessed and clearly marked off Park Loop Road. As you ascend the two-mile road, notice the large jagged pink granite blocks that serve as a guard rail. To the west, one of your first panoramic sights will be Frenchman Bay, Bar Island, Porcupine Islands, the town of Bar Harbor, Egg Rock (easily identified by the lighthouse), and off in the distance, Schoodic Peninsula.

Your second great view will be Eagle Lake which is encircled by tall pines and stretches for two miles. As you proceed, you see views of Western Bay, Somes Sound, Sargent and Penobscot Mountains, the double humps of Bubbles and Pemetic Mountain.

The winding uphill grade is easy for motor vehicles but be on the lookout for hikers and mountain bikers who may have stopped along the way to take a break. There are several vehicular pullouts affording unsurpassed photo opportunities. Our early morning ascent up Cadillac Mountain afforded us the opportunity to view white-tailed deer, a fox, several songbirds and a circling peregrine falcon.

Once you reach the summit, 1,530 feet, you may be surprised to discover a large parking lot, a small gift shop and restrooms. Somehow it does not erode the unique splendor of the incredibly beautiful scenery. There is a small trail circling the parking lot which affords views from all directions. At the south side of the parking lot, along the trail, you'll find markers identifying the various landmarks. On clear days, you'll be able to see the town of Camden across the bay. This circular trail is the terminus to many of the park's hikes such as Dorr and Hemlock.

The Park Service opens this road at 4:30 a.m. for folks wishing to experience the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. This spot is also popular with sunset enthusiasts. The trip down off the mountain is the grande finale of this scenic drive with one gorgeous breathtaking view after another. Thankfully, the descent offers several opportunities to pull-off and soak up the splendor.

Elevation: 1,530 Feet

Distance: 4 Miles

Directions: From Hulls Entrance/ Visitor Center, Cadillac Mountain Road begins on the western side of Park Loop Road approximately 3 miles south of Hulls Entrance / Visitor Center. The road is well marked. Note: this section of Park Loop Road is two-way.

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