There's a whole lot of beauty here in Maine which means it's not especially hard to find it around every corner. From walks along the water to hikes between the trees, whatever it is that you love about the state you'll find it just by walking outside. But this beloved mountain in Acadia National Park has topped the list as the most beautiful, and the trek to its apex is easily one of the best hiking trails in the U.S.
Visited by more than 2.5 million people in 2020, Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor is one of the most notable attractions in Maine!
And Cadillac Mountain is a feature of the park that's gorgeous and accessible.
The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely incredible views from the top are just a few of the reasons that Thrillist named it the most beautiful attraction in the state.
The summit of the 1,529-foot mountain is accessible all year. Each season offers a different feel, from fall foliage to summer greenery and everything in between.
There are a few ways to hike to the top on some moderately challenging routes, but there's also a far easier way to reach the summit.
Simply hop in your car and head upwards! You'll find a parking lot there, but on busy mornings things here get full early.
Why so much traffic so early? Because the sunrise here is absolutely incredible! And, from around the second week in October through the first week of March, this is the first place to see the sun rise in America.
Once you've seen the sunrise stick around to enjoy the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail. This trail is entirely paved, has a small 52-foot elevation and runs for .4-miles in its entirety. This is a great trail for those who aren't looking for a large athletic endeavor.
Anything you do here at the top will allow you to take in the incredible views. We're sure you'll quickly see just why this piece of Maine's landscape is so beloved.
Cadillac Mountain can be visited all year-round. In the summer the hearty among us love hiking it, but driving up is just as great. To hike to the summit you can check out the South Ridge Trail Loop or the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. You can learn more about visiting on the National Park Service website.
If you've always wanted to explore Acadia National Park, but fear you're not experienced enough for a hiking trip think again! Here are 10 of the greatest Acadia National Park hiking trails in Maine for beginners.
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