
The Bubbles are the two mountains with smooth rounded tops, which look exactly like bubbles. Here you can witness quintessential Acadia, with clear water, smoothed rocks and pebbles, adorning the shore while Acadia’s famous Bubbles rule the backdrop. Being up and about already, you might as well make the most of this early peaceful time of the day to take in some more sights before they are mobbed by summer crowds.Ī 20 minute drive down the mountain, past Eagle Lake, is Jordan Pond. This unique experience, combined with breathtaking views of Frenchmen’s Bay and the lovely scattered Porcupine Islands make getting up early to see the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain totally worth it!Īfter sunrise, as people start to make their way back to their cars and warm beds at their hotels, you would be wise to head straight to Jordan Pond.

Cadillac Mountain is not too tall at 1,529 feet (466 m), but it is the highest on the eastern starboard. The golden glow of sunrise on Cadillac Mountain reflects off picturesque Frenchmen’s Bay, as Burnt Porcupine Island, Bald Porcupine Island and Sheep Porcupine Island bask in the glow of the rising sun.Īs you stand there admiring the views and a gorgeous sunrise, don’t forget that you are the first person in the entire country touched by the rays of the sun.

The Porcupine Islands look breathtaking during sunrise. They add a wistful dreaminess to the landscape. It does get a bit windy at the summit since you’re exposed to the elements, so it might be a good idea to check on the weather beforehand and pack a rain jacket if needed. It is quite cold and chilly in the morning, so make sure to dress warmly in layers, bring a woolen cap and scarf, a couple additional quilts/blankets/comforters and something hot to drink. No spot will be secluded since there are so many people around, but atleast you will get to enjoy the sunrise in relative quiet compared to seeing it from a busy parking lot.Īs the dark inky blue sky started to get tinged with reddish-orange-golden streaks of light, we stayed warm with hot coffee from a flask, and several fleece comforters that we had brought with us. But it is better to get away from the crowds and find your own spot along the hiking trails. There is a ledge in the parking lot itself, where people were gathered around and settling down comfortably. We grabbed whatever we needed from the car and hiked a short distance to a good viewing point (there’s a trail to the right of the parking lot). The skies had just started to turn a reddish-orange from deep-inky-blue when we arrived. We saw lots of folks with tripods and cameras, ready to capture the beautiful sunrise on Cadillac Mountain overlooking Acadia National Park’s Frenchmen’s Bay and Porcupine Islands. So plan ahead and prepare to get there at a time convenient for you. It might be more if cars are backed up and driving slowly up the winding road, especially in the dark. There is plenty of parking available at the top if you arrive early enough.įor those desiring to snag a good spot like this blue and green jacket couple who were in front of us, you probably should head out a bit earlier and try to be at the summit before 4AM. If you are staying the night in nearby Bar Harbor, the drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain takes approximately 15-20 mins. Go to bed early or don’t sleep at all, do whatever it takes to be driving on that road climbing up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at 4AM. Of course, there are lots of people who want to experience this. What a unique and extraordinary experience! We’ve seen sunrise and sunset from scenic viewing points in many national parks, but what makes sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park special is being the first person in the entire United States to see the sun rise! This is possible because the sun hits the summit of Cadillac Mountain on the eastern seaboard first before lighting up everything else. Ask anybody about top things to do in Acadia National Park, and invariably they will mention sunrise on Cadillac Mountain as a must-do.
