THE EARNEST TRAVELER
Cadillac Mountain rises to 1,530 feet — the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast within the park — and you can reach the summit either by driving the Summit Road or by hiking one of three trails.
The Sunrise Fact, Stated Honestly
You'll hear that Cadillac sees the first sunrise in the United States. That's true only from October 7 through March 6 — not year-round. It's still a spectacular place to greet the day in summer; just don't plan around a claim that isn't in season.
Summit Road Reservations
A $6 vehicle reservation is required to drive the Summit Road from May 20–October 25, 2026, and it's separate from the park entrance pass. A Sunrise reservation gives a 90-minute entry window (one per vehicle per seven days); a Daytime reservation gives a 30-minute window (one per vehicle per day). Reservations release in two waves — 30% at 90 days out and 70% at two days out, both at 10 a.m. ET.
Hiking to the Top
If you'd rather earn it: the Summit Loop is 0.5 mile, paved, and easy; the North Ridge Trail is 4.2 miles round trip; and the South Ridge Trail is 7.1 miles round trip.
Parking
Summit parking is limited — which is exactly why the reservation system exists.
Sunrise on Cadillac is cold and breezy even in summer.