One Of Acadia's Best Scenic Drives Leads To The Highest Mountain Peak On The Eastern Seaboard

Tucked along the Maine coast, Acadia is one of America's most visited national parks. Few destinations combine such a variety of landscapes into such a small space. It packs granite peaks, forested hills, rocky shoreline, and islands into just 65 square miles — one of the country's smallest national parks. While there is a lot to see and do here, one of the main attractions is Cadillac Mountain. Sitting at a height of 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is not only the highest peak in the park, but also on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S.

For those looking to reach the summit, the seasonal Cadillac Summit Road offers access to 360-degree views of the island and the rugged Atlantic coastline. Most visitors take 2 hours to explore this scenic drive, an experience that has earned a 4.8 rating on Tripadvisor from over 3,800 reviewers. The area can be further explored through an extensive network of hiking trails, shoreline strolls exploring tide pools, and a variety of boat, van, or bike tours.

Acadia National Park was the first park in the U.S. created through the donation of private lands in the early 1900s by philanthropic citizens. The scenic roads that wind through Acadia were thoughtfully designed to showcase the island's highlights while preserving the natural landscape. Today, they still offer the best scenic routes around the park and Mount Desert Island. Of the Summit Road in particular, one reviewer on Recreation.gov said, "Worth going at anytime of day, it is beautiful and a must-do if you're visiting Acadia."

Cadillac Summit Road is one of the park's defining experiences. The 3.5-mile drive climbs gradually to the mountain's exposed granite summit, with several pullouts that make it easy to stop for panoramic coastal views along the winding, narrow two-lane road. The summit has a small, often crowded parking lot designed for short stays, with overlooks and short paved trails offering views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Porcupine Islands below.

Part of the journey is taking time to enjoy all the postcard-worthy scenery in Acadia National Park. The park's famous Loop Road winds along the eastern side of Mount Desert Island. It's not a road you rush, considering the stunning scenery and steep coastal cliffs. Along the way, there are sweeping views of islands dotting the coastline and many landscapes that have earned Acadia a place as one of the best national parks on the East Coast. The turnoff to Cadillac Summit Road is 2 miles south of the Cadillac Mountain Entrance on the Loop Road or about 10 minutes southwest of Bar Harbor.

One of the most popular ways to experience driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain is at sunrise or sunset. Expect crowds during these times of the day and arrive early to secure parking. Cadillac Mountain is geographically the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from early October to early March. Many Google reviewers comment on the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, and the stunning sunrise experience. But many also note that it can be crowded, with changing weather conditions including fog and wind. Pack versatile clothing layers for shifting temperatures.

The road to the top of Cadillac Mountain opens around April 15 and closes December 1, conditions permitting. It can be accessed from either end of the 27-mile Park Loop Road. Drivers should keep an eye out for cyclists and note that the narrow two-lane road has tight curves, making it unsuitable for RVs, trailers, and any vehicles over 21 feet long. There is no public transportation to the top; however, the Island Explorer shuttle can drop hikers off at the Cadillac North Ridge Trail for a 4.4-mile round-trip hike to the top.

Timed vehicle permits are required between May 20 and October 25, in addition to an entry permit into the park. At the time of writing, the permits are $6 and must be purchased in advance from Recreation.gov. Reservations are not sold at the park, only online. During winter, only a portion of Park Loop Road remains open, so it's advised to check for closures before heading to the area. During this time of year, the only way to reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain is to hike. But plenty of other spots in the park are still open: Another unique way to explore is by biking, walking, horseback riding, skiing, or snowshoeing on the 45 miles of car-free carriage roads.

Summer brings the most visitors to Acadia, with varying daytime temperatures from 45 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared with layers and rain gear as the weather can change quickly. Spring and fall can be cool and foggy, while average winter highs are between 14 and 35. This is the slowest time of the year for park visitation, and there are facility and road closures. Other than visiting during the shoulder season or mid-week during the summer, you can avoid crowds at Acadia National Park by finding quieter corners to explore.