The Best Sight in Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island, Maine

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We've compiled the best of the best in Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Cadillac Mountain

Fodor's Choice

One of Acadia’s premier attractions, 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain is the Eastern Seaboard's tallest mountain. Stunning panoramic views sweep across bays, islands, and mountains on and off Mount Desert Island. You can see Bar Harbor below on the northeast side and Eagle Lake to the west. Low-lying vegetation like pitch pine and wild blueberry plants accent granite slabs in the "subalpine-like" environment. There’s a paved summit loop trail and several hiking trails up Cadillac, named for a Frenchman who explored here in the late 1600s and later founded Detroit. From mid-May–mid-October, a vehicle reservation (done through  www.recreation.gov) is needed to drive to the summit. Sunrise slots are in high demand, as this is one of the first places in the country to experience first light. It's also the perfect spot to watch the sunset or stargaze. Bar Harbor’s light ordinance helps with the latter, but keep in mind that the access road is only open 24/7 in early spring and late fall.

Cadillac Summit Rd., Acadia National Park, ME, USA
207-288–3338
Sight Details
$6 per car (in addition to park entrance fee) via www.recreation.gov from mid-May–mid-Oct.
Access road closes at 9 pm from mid-May–mid-Oct., closed Dec.–mid-Apr.

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