Cadillac Summit Road

Acadia National Park, Maine · Park Loop Road → Cadillac Mountain summit

Intense3.2 mi10 min1,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,500 ftOne way

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The drive

Cadillac Summit Road is a short, paved, winding road that branches off the Park Loop Road and climbs to the top of Cadillac Mountain. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac is the highest peak on the eastern seaboard, and the summit looks out over Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.

It's a dead end, so you drive up and come back down the same way. The road is quick, about ten minutes, but it climbs about 1,000 feet in that distance, so it feels steep.

The summit is very busy and parking often fills, so the park suggests arriving about an hour early for sunrise. From October 7 to March 6 it's the first place in the country to see the sun come up.

Along the way

Park Loop Road
Cadillac Mountain summit

Elevation

1,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,500 ft

Park Loop RoadCadillac Mountain summit

Curves

Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches

mi 0–2mi 1–2mi 2–4

Park Loop RoadCadillac Mountain summit

GentleHairpins

Good to know

A vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov is required in season. You also need the park entrance pass.
RVs and trailers are not allowed on Cadillac Summit Road.
The road closes with the Park Loop Road in winter, after December 1.
There is no public transportation to Cadillac Mountain.

Closed Dec 1 to Apr 14 with the Park Loop Road; vehicle reservations needed May 20 to Oct 25 in 2026. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Acadia road conditions.

Questions about this drive

Do you need a reservation to drive Cadillac Summit Road?

In season, yes. Vehicle reservations are bought in advance at Recreation.gov. Outside the reservation season, the park pass is the only requirement until the road closes for winter.

How long does Cadillac Summit Road take to drive?

The drive is 3.2 miles and takes about 10 minutes one way. Allow extra time for parking at the summit.

Can you take an RV up Cadillac Mountain?

No. RVs and trailers are not allowed on Cadillac Summit Road.

Is Cadillac Summit Road open in winter?

No. The paved park roads, including the Park Loop Road it branches from, are open April 15 to December 1.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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