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Cadillac Mountain Road, Maine
(Scenic Drives of America Feature)
A short but sweet ride up to the highest point on the East Coast.
It may be only about 3 1/2 miles long, and it may be closed for one-third of the year, but Cadillac Mountain Road is one road that drivers will remember for a long time. From its start at the Park Loop Road just outside of Bar Harbor to its end at the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the Atlantic Coast of the United States, Cadillac Mountain Road is consists of one jawdropping view after another.
The bottom of Cadillac Mountain Road winds mostly through a beautiful pine forest, but it soon emerges from the trees, affording views of Bar Harbor to the north and most of Mount Desert Island to the west and south. Once at the top of the mountain, the road turns into a parking area where there is a gift shop, a short walking loop, and views from nearly every direction, making for great sunrise and sunset viewings.
Map of Cadillac Mountain Road in Maine: Click here to find the location of Cadillac Mountain Road in Acadia National Park, Maine.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG CADILLAC MOUNTAIN ROAD:
- Blue Hill Overlook--The most popular place to watch the sun set from Cadillac Mountain, this parking lot can be found a few hundred yards before the end of Cadillac Mountain Road.
- Hiking Trails--There are a number of hiking trails that lead off of Cadillac Mountain Road, including an easy loop trail at the top of the mountain.
- Cadillac Summit Center--For those who are looking for gifts related to Acadia National park or Cadillac Mountain (or simply need a rest room), the Summit Center is located at the end of the road.
- Various Overlooks--In addition to the Blue Hill Overlook, there are several other places to pull over to take a look at the outstanding views below.
- Bar Harbor--Located only a few minutes from the bottom of Cadillac Mountain Road, Bar Harbor is a classic national park town with lots of food, lodging, and shopping available.