History

• Cadillac Mountain takes its name from a French explorer, Sieur de Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac--later credited with founding the city of Detroit--who visited Mount Desert Island in the mid-18th century. In the late 1800s, the island became a popular summer resort for the wealthy. Cadillac Mountain was such a popular draw during that period that a cog railway was constructed to the summit, although it quickly fell into disuse and was removed.
  
  Many of the wealthy families who frequented the island during this period later donated land for preservation. In 1919, Acadia National Park became the first national park east of the Mississippi, although it was originally known as Lafayette National Park before being renamed.
  
  

Summit

• The summit of Cadillac Mountain is accessible via a 3.5-mile scenic road, which is closed Dec. 1 through April 14. The summit offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially Frenchman's Bay and the Cranberry and Porcupine islands. On a clear day, Maine's highest peak, Mount Katahdin, is visible more than 100 miles away.
  
  

Hiking

• Cadillac Mountain features several trails for hiking enthusiasts. Two of the most popular are the North Ridge Trail, a 4.4-mile round-trip hike rated "Moderate" by the National Park Service, and the South Ridge Trail, a 7.4-mile loop rated "Strenuous." There is also a short trail on the summit. In addition, several other trails in the park offer good views of the mountain. Maps and trail guides are available in the Acadia National Park visitors center or in tourist shops near the park.
  
  

Sunrise

• Cadillac Mountain's summit is widely regarded to be the first spot in the continental U.S. to see the sun rise during much of the fall and winter months, and many tourists and locals turn out to view the sight. Great Maine Vacations' website advises arriving atop the summit at least 30 minutes before sunrise.
  
  

Considerations

• The historic town of Bar Harbor, Maine--founded in 1796--is only a few miles from Cadillac Mountain, and features many lodging, shopping and dining options for visitors. Camping is also available in the park. Great Maine Vacations' website recommends visitors to the park avoid the most direct route, U.S. 1, which is heavily traveled during the peak season but instead to take I-95 north to Bangor, then head south toward Bar Harbor. The island is also accessible via ferry from Portland, Maine and Nova Scotia in Canada.