Cadillac Mountain is simply majestic. It is truly the crown atop a royal, glorious view of lakes, forests, and mountains. At 1529 feet, nestled atop Mount Desert Island, it towers over much of Acadia National Park and is the tallest point of the Northeastern seaboard.
Cadillac Mountain has good company with more than 20 neighboring mountains on Mount Desert Island. Glaciers and tectonic shifts created the amazing variation of elevations that provide the captivating views.
Post foot injury, we decided a daytime drive up Cadillac mountain was more appropriate than our planned hike up Bubble Mountain. Although there are two set parking lots and multiple small pull-offs that can accommodate a few cars on the side of the road, the first thrill of the experience is while the car is still in motion. Both driver and passengers are blessed by stunning views at every turn as the road snakes up the mountainside.
While the first parking lot provides great views, we didn’t actually find them any more spectacular than any of the pull-off parking on the road. My perspective may be slightly tarnished from hobbling around on the unsteady ground and rocks.
We took a few pictures and allowed the kids to explore; they were looking for the best vantage point.
We continued on to the summit parking lot and this was the “money view.” From the summit, one has a clear view of the barrier islands, lakes in each direction, various mountains, and the most amazing skyline views. The kids loved climbing on the rocks and Riley hung off the side of one, appearing as though she was hanging off the side of a cliff.
Riley also found several blueberries up here though they were small and bland to taste.
With the sun still bearing down us, we finally left this enchanting spot vowing to return for the hailed sunset view.
Sunsets from the top of the mountain, watching the light fade into the lake, are a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience.
For our first Cadillac Mountain sunset, we headed to the summit, but found it too crowded for our comfort. We hiked a few minutes down the road and entered the forest, walking downhill until we found solitude and a great view.
John and I relaxed to soak in the vista while the kids continued to play and search for the “perfect spot.”
As the sunsets, there is a beautiful contrast of colors from pink to purple to blue set against a crystal blue sky with white fluffy clouds. The green of the trees, the reddish tan of the rocks and the deep blue of the water also frame one’s view. If I was an artist, I would paint the sunset on Cadillac Mountain. I lamented on multiple trips that our cameras just couldn’t pick up on the depth and variation of colors.
We made one “failed attempt” to see a sunset on an overcast evening. There were no crowds, but the clouds also stole our view.
You could see glimmers where the sun was peeking out behind the clouds. Despite missing the sunset, the view is still so incredible that we felt it was a well spent evening, soaking in the natural beauty.
We returned for an evening sunset on our 13th wedding anniversary. A hurricane had passed through the Eastern United States and brought dark, ominous clouds to us.
On our honeymoon, the remnants of a hurricane passed by our cruise creating fierce waves and unparalleled seasickness. It seems fitting that on our 13th anniversary, we would be revisited by such a force. It also seemed an appropriate commentary on the storms we’ve weathered together.
While the clouds sound disappointing, we were fascinated. There is beauty in the darkness and destruction of things. The thick celestial swirling looked three dimensional.
John and I agreed that the clouds looked like a group of dementors at one point, and a menacing hand later. We pulled off to the side three quarters of the way up the mountain and climbed some rocks with our chairs and blankets to settle in for the view this time.
Our final return to Cadillac Mountain was on a clear, sunny evening right before we left Maine. We returned to climb the rocks with our chairs. the kids found some rocks that spelled, “hi,” and created a fairy world on the cliff.
It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that we were about to kick the hornet’s nest, but feeling a tranquility in that moment that can remain in our hearts forever.
