Cadillac Mountain — Attraction in Bar Harbor

We visited on a Monday and Tuesday morning in late June 2025. We were able to get a sunrise pass for both days. We had 8 adults trying to all get passes at the same time when the tickets were released. It was not a easy feat especially because we did not have the best reception on our phones.

There was plenty of parking when we arrived at 4AM. There were a few other cars in front of us waiting to get in. What they don't tell you is that they start letting folks in a little before the time on the ticket. For Day two we figured that out and went like 30 mins early. Also because sunrise is a little after 4AM in mid-June 2025 it's a early morning wake up and drive into the park. Also we didn't think about it on Day 1 but before sunrise there is DAWN! So the sky was already getting pretty bright and I think these pictures are even better than when the sun actually comes out.

Even on Day 2 when we arrived almost 20 mins early there were still other cars ahead of us in the parking lot.

We stopped by the large signs in the middle of the roundabout parking lot facing the sun. if you get a good spot you could almost watch it from just sitting inside your car. It was a bit chilly and also windy on one of the days. We walked out a bit at the overlook and got a seat but realize after a few mins more and more people were walking further and further out and getting in our pictures. We had setup timelapses as well. For Day 2 we went even further out and down the summit loop trail. There are nice spots further out on large rocks where you can get unimpeded views and also better view at Bar Harbor.

Our first morning was way more dramatic with a giant fog rolling it. My middle son got an amazing timelapse of it happening. Came in from the south and engulfed all the little islands and hit bar harbor which dissipated most of it across the town. Day 2 was also amazing but nothing as dramatic. There were clouds off in the distance so don't know exactly when the sun came over the horizon.

Tip is to also bring a seating pad or pillow as all you got is rocks to sit on. I saw some people bring camp chairs and blankets. Hot coffee or beverage isn't a bad idea either.

We thought it was worth it to wake up at 3AM but half of group decided to sleep in on Day 2.

The parking lot was pretty full both days when we left around 5AM. We saw a couple folks hitch hiking down the road as well. There were people who hiked in because they weren't able to get tickets. We would've picked them up but we had crammed everyone into the minivan and there was just no space.

The parking lot is bigger than you think and the overlook are does have paved sidewalk for a wheelchair or stroller. But if you want to walk down it's a relatively flat but rocky hike.

There are bathrooms next to the gift shop on the West side of the parking lot. It's kind of hidden in the woods a bit so just follow the signs. The gift shop is a decent size and we wanted to hit it up before it got TOO crowded. They have snacks in there as well. We picked up some merch and most importantly got our National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp. The merch here isn't 100% the same as the other park stores so if you see something you like, i'd say just get it as you may not find it again.

Overall we didn't have enough time to explore Cadillac mountain more during on visit as we had another dozen trails on our itinerary but we would 100% visit again maybe later in the morning and do some of the hikes up here at the summit.

We also purchased 6AM tickets as backup incase we couldn't get sunrise and we never used them. It would've been full sun by 6AM though. So check sunrise time for...

I hear this is a great spot for sunrise, but I'm not an early bird nor do I ever have luck to get a reservation for that early in the morning when they open up on the NPS website.

The view overall is lovely, but not that great in comparison to some of the beautiful spots within Acadia! I would say everyone should go up Cadillac Mountain once and don't sweat it if you miss it. There are so many more other beautiful spots with Acadia national park. My particular favorite is doing an E bike on the carriage roads.

I have been here twice and neither visit to Cadillac Mountain is in the top five of all the beautiful things I've seen while here. I came once in September and another time in July. My most recent July trip Cadillac Mountain was covered in fog so all I really got to see is a bunch of beautiful rocks. I also like to take photos of the pretty blooms I see as I travel. The fog was so dense that some moisture drops accumulated on the pine trees and in our hair. It was truly a unique and Mystic experience to see Cadillac Mountain in the fog, but of course the view overlooking Bar Harbor was nonexistent.

Picture shown are from both clear weather in September and a foggy day in July.

The gift store here has a little bit of everything and is a really good gift shop. The Eco store has clean restrooms and when those are closed, there are two porta potties available as well.

So while I would recommend everyone try Cadillac Mountain once, I would also say don't sweat it if you're not able to get a reservation. Enjoy the rest...

Absolutely beautiful. Plan ahead for when you go. Tourist season seems to be July into August. Morning to midday will be busy, but traffic tapers off in the late afternoon. If you plan on watching the sunset you'll need to get to a viewing spot early as the mountainside fills with cars about twenty minutes ahead of sunset.

Swimming at Sand beach is great, but parking can be a nightmare during peak season/hours. The water is pretty cold. Take breaks from wading/swimming often to allow your muscles to warm back up. There are changehouses available to change into and out of swimming trunks.

The Hull's Cove Visitor's Center has maps and plenty of information, and was the best spot to get passes and start the driving tour.

There are many scenic places to stop; including walking/hiking/horseback trails, cliffs, outlooks, a garden, picnic areas, and more.

Thunder Hole was my son's favorite. Watching the waves crash into the narrow alcove put a huge smile on his face as the ocean sprayed high above the rocks.

Overall, Cadillac Mountain is a wonderful destination. We planned on spending a few hours there, and wound up spending the entire day. I would highly...