The tallest mountain in Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain. The drive up Cadillac Mountain is one of the most popular things to do in Acadia National Park – views from the summit are spectacular and this is a popular place to watch the sunrise.
In order to eliminate congestion on the Cadillac Summit Road and the parking area at the top, the National Park Service has introduced a reservation system for the road.
The reservation system can be a little complicated. I am a national park expert and I have written this detailed guide to the Cadillac Summit Road reservations system to make your planning easier and help ensure you can get to the summit to enjoy the views.
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Guide to the Acadia Cadillac Mountain Summit Reservation System
If you are planning to visit Acadia National Park, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-day itineraries for Acadia that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
Type of entry tickets/ reservations
Reservations will be required for vehicle access to Cadillac Summit Road that goes to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
There are two types of timed entry Cadillac Summit Road reservation periods:
1) Sunrise reservations
This applies for entry in a 90-minute window as follows (times change with the sunrise times):
- May 22 – July: 4:00 am – 5:30 am
- August: 4:30 am – 6:00 am
- September: 5:00 am – 6:30 am
- October 1-15: 5:30 am – 7:00 am
- October 16-27: 6:00 am – 7:30 am
You can enter at any time within this 90-minute timeslot. Sunrise times range from 4:45 am in mid-June to 6:15 am in mid-October.
There is a limit of one vehicle reservation within a seven-day period.
2) Daytime reservations
You reserve a time slot that gives you a 30-minute window in which to enter the road throughout daylight hours.
Reservations are required between the following hours (varies by month):
- May 22 – July: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- August: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm
- September 1-15: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- September 16-30: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
- October 1-15: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
- October 16-27: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
There is a limit of one vehicle reservation per day.
Some things to note
For both types of timed entry, re-entry is not permitted.
The reservation is for timed entry only and does not include a parking reservation – or guarantee a parking space.
Once you enter (on either reservation), you can stay as long as you like – you just need to be out by 10:00 pm when the road is closed for the night.
Vehicles over 21 feet long (including bike racks and hitch attachments), RVs, and trailers are prohibited on Cadillac Summit Road.
Period reservations are needed for
The ticketed timed entry Cadillac Summit reservation system will be in place between May 22 and October 27, 2024.
How to get entry tickets/ make reservations
The tickets will be released in two different allotments:
1) 30% of the tickets will become available at 10:00 am Eastern Time each morning 90 days in advance of each date.
2) The remaining 70% of them will be released at 10:00 am Eastern Time two days in advance of each date.
Entry tickets are only available online at the NPS reservation system. They will not be available at park entrance stations, visitor centers or park offices.
Cost of tickets/ reservations
Tickets cost $6 per vehicle (and all its occupants).
Note that this $6 is in addition to the park entrance fee and is not included in the national park fee.
When is it not necessary to make a reservation for the Cadillac Summit Road?
This reservation (and fee) is not required if you hike, ride a bicycle or take a taxi to the summit. The entry ticket is only required for private automobiles, not bicycles, taxis or hikers.
It is also not required if you enter at night after the last time slot but before the road closes for the night (however, it will be dark with little visibility).
It is also not required for the few weeks that the road is open before and after the timed entry system is in effect (April 15 – May 21 and October 28 – November 30)
NOTE: If you miss out on a reservation, the Cadillac Mountain Shuttle is a privately run paid shuttle service to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Tips For Getting Timed Entry Tickets for Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park
Read my post about which national parks require reservations for some insider tips on making reservations (and the low down on the other national parks that also require some form of reservations this summer).
Here is a simple summary of the steps to take to maximize your chances of getting a reservation for the national parks. You’re welcome to share this image on your site using this code and attribution:
Good luck and enjoy Acadia National Park!
If you are planning to visit Acadia National Park, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-day itineraries for Acadia that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
Do you have any other tips for getting Acadia reservations? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
You might also like:
>> How to Plan a Trip To Acadia National Park
>> The Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park
>> The Best Airports for Acadia National Park
>> How to Get To Acadia National Park
>> How Long to Spend in Acadia National Park
>> The Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
>> Acadia National Park Vacation Rentals
>> Acadia National Park Campgrounds
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to the Acadia Cadillac Mountain Summit Reservation System
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If you are thinking about traveling to some other national parks, don’t miss my guides to:
Which national parks require reservations
Angel’s Landing permits lottery system
Glacier National Park’s Going to The Sun Road in reservation system
Yosemite National Park day use reservations
Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry system
Arches National Park timed entry system
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Acadia National Park? Read my Guide to Acadia National Park and Get an Itinerary for Acadia National Park
Are you looking for a place to stay near Acadia National Park? Find a vacation rental near Acadia National Park or Find a place to stay in Bar Harbor
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
Do you want to read a book about Acadia National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Acadia National Park
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.