Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the Easter seaboard, the first place in the USA that the sun strikes each morning. From the top, which has been made easily accessible to the public thanks to Acadia National Park and Reserve, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Bar Harbor and out to the ocean, including the interesting Porcupine Islands. When I visited with my family, we actually had to take the drive up twice in one day - our first attempt, near lunchtime, found us in the middle of a fairly intense rainstorm with clouds completely obstructing any view. From down below, the storm had not appeared to be very serious, but we found ourselves in what seemed to be the center of a rain cloud that had settled itself on the peak. We tried to wait it out a bit, but the weather was so severe that we gave up any hope of being able to experience the summit that day. However, we learned a little something about the fickleness of the weather in Maine. By late afternoon, the fog had lifted, and since it was our only chance, we decided to give it one more shot. This time, the place had cleared out and even dried up already, giving up the magnificent panorama the mountain is so popular for. Even if we did have to try twice, it was worthwhile. We even found the geological summit marker, which is quite a ways from the popular tourist area.

To get the most out of the mountain, before you start your trek up to the summit (which is quite a trek), be sure to take a look at a map of the park. Food establishments are quite spread out, and the small shop on Cadillac Mountain only sells limited snack items. It might be nice to take a picnic with you. Be aware that the drive around the cliffs and up the winding hills (which is a gorgeous one) will take you about 15 minutes without much traffic, even if you are already inside the park and close to the entrance for the road up the mountain. Also, be ready for wind and cold on the summit. Even if there's blistering heat down below, this altitude is definitely in sweatshirt territory. Also, remember that Park Loop, where you'll probably start from, runs one way for a good while, so be sure you can get back where you need to be. Give yourself plenty of time and be ready to appreciate the natural beauty of the Maine coastline.

You can drive up by car (there is also a small restaurant up there), or you can walk up. The walk is considered to be moderate, which means some steeper grades and level stretches.

What is nice here is that it is an open ascent with many good views of Bar Harbour and the islands in the sea in front of Acadia.

Start at the North Ridge Cadillac Parking Area (easy to miss).

If you can, be here at sunset. It’s a view!

After crossing a footpath over an old beaver dam area, a signpost with various trial markers directed us to the left toward Cadillac Mt., continuing on the Kane Path. At this point the going is very easy, although the trail does begin to roll in places like a gentle roller coaster. But watch out! When the Otter Creek and Canyon Brook Trails converge, all hell breaks loose! Over the next mile or so we gained most of the altitude, climbing up the rough staircase of granite. Fortunately, we were there in September, a dry time of year. Otherwise, the waterfalls and rivulets coursing down the rocky face would have been even more dangerous.

Having emerged unscathed from that difficult portion, we sat on a rock where the path was about to re-enter the woods and enjoyed a picnic lunch. With the cool air, bright sun, fall colors, and joy in being alive, our simple lunches tasted like heavenly ambrosia.

Next we made our final assault on Cadillac Mountain. At the summit, people who had parked at the top were scrambling all about, gawking at the magnificent views. A park ranger led a small group to various spots about the summit on a safe, smooth sidewalk, narrating history and landmarks. We rewarded ourselves with a decadently delicious Haagen-Daz bar (Vanilla with a Chocolate-Almond coating. I still remember the taste.)

After searching around the summit we eventually found our 'trail' off the mountain: the Notch trail, leading to the A. Murray Young Gorge Trail, connecting again to the Kane Path and back to the car. I use the term 'trail' loosely, because 'the Notch drop-off down the mountainside over a pile of dangerous rocks' is a better description! And the Gorge Path, while if one were to fall the drop might not be so far, was perhaps even more dangerous because of the poor footing and loose rocks. Once we hit the Kane Path again, we had a 'treat for the feet' all the way back to the car.

Besides the natural splendor, and pride of accomplishment, I guarantee after a hike of this nature, you'll get the best night's sleep of your life!

Biking to the top is great. I listed this under mountain biking, but only because it is up and down a mountain and because I had a mountain bike. The reality is that it is all paved road and any type of bike will do. You just need some endurance and you will make it sooner or later.

It is 4 miles to the top and it is a steady incline (steep at many places) the whole way. It took me about 35 minutes but I am in pretty good shape. Add another 15 minutes (and some steep hills) to get from town to the beginning of the road to go up the mountain and you have a pretty tiring ride. If you have a backpack, take your camera. The views are fantastic. Also, the ride down is really fun. I didn't have to pedal once to get all the way back to Bar Harbor (4 miles down the mountain and another couple of miles to the town). Watch out for cars and just let it rip all the way down!!!