Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Acadia National Park

Sunrise in Acadia National Park is one of Acadia’s most popular activities and a claim to fame due to being one of the first places to see the sunrise in the US during certain times of the year. Usually during October through March you can claim to be one of those lucky viewers, as there are other parts of the US that hold the title the rest of the year. However, even if you are visiting Acadia outside the actual “first place to see the sunrise in the US,” it’s a wondrous experience no matter what time of year. 

Sunrise times range throughout the year, being as early as 4:45 am in June to around 7:00 in peak winter. That said, you may be in for a very early rise. You’ll want to get to your viewing spot well ahead of time to enjoy the sky as it changes color prior to actual sunrise. If you want a true sunrise experience, you’ll likely want to get there about an hour before sunrise, but even 30 minutes before will still be a show.

If you are wanting to watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, Acadia’s highest point and most popular place to watch the sunrise, you will need to plan in advance as reservations are required. But, even if you don’t score reservations there are plenty of gorgeous spots to camp out to see first light. This guide covers it all.

Mountaintop Sunrise Spots

• Cadillac Mountain

  As mentioned previously, Cadillac Mountain is the spot to watch the sunrise in Acadia National Park. Due to being the highest peak in Acadia with panoramic views over the ocean, this spot really can’t be beat. 

  Cadillac Mountain has a timed entry reservation system for vehicle entry. Passes for sunrise entry times are released 90 days in advance with additional tickets released two days prior. Both release times are at 10AM EST. You can only buy one reservation for the sunrise slot over a 7-day period. Passes are $6 and can be purchased here. 

  If you are unable to secure a reservation 90 days before, make sure you get on two days before to try to snag a spot. Or if you are really determined and can’t get a reservation, you still have an option to see the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. You will just have to hike your way to the top on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, a 4.2 mile out and back trail. You’ll really have to get up early if you go this route to find a parking spot and ensure you have enough time to hike up to the top before sunrise begins. 

  Besides having to plan out your sunrise viewing in advance, you should expect to be sharing the view with quite a few other people. If that’s not your vibe then check out the rest of the options on this list!

• Gorham Mountain

  While not quite as high as Cadillac Mountain, Gorham Mountain offers a great alternative for those looking for sunrise mountaintop views without the crowds.

  Park at the Gorham Mountain trailhead along Park Loop Road and head up the trail. This moderate hike will take you up to a perfect viewpoint for the sunrise with sweeping views of the ocean and coastline. About a mile up, you will find the summit where you can pick a spot for your sunrise viewing. Look for the summit marker to get the best views. Pro tip: On your way up there is a fork for Cadillac Cliffs trail. This 0.3 mile trail meets back up with the Gorham Mountain trail. We probably wouldn’t advise taking this route in the dark prior to sunrise, but it is a fun and challenging little side quest with some rock scrambling and pretty rock tunnels from the old sea cliffs.

• Beehive Mountain

  You’ve probably heard of the infamous Beehive Trail with its steep climbs and steel rung ladders. It’s a pretty spectacular hike for those looking for a little more adrenaline pumping hike action. 

  We really don’t recommend taking this hike while it is still dark, but there is an alternative route to the top without the danger of hiking precarious trails in low light. If you take the route clockwise, you can bypass these sections to get to the top of Beehive Mountain. Beehive Mountain has some awesome views that are worth stopping by for the sunrise. Just don’t expect to go down the ladders to complete the loop. That section of the trail can only be done one way - counter clockwise. You will have to return the way you came and do the infamous ladder rungs later on if that is something you wanted to cross off your Acadia bucket list! Check out our Best Hikes in Acadia post for a full breakdown.
  

Ocean View Sunrise Spots

• Boulder Beach 

  There are some great spots along Acadia’s coastline to check out the sunrise if you are looking to escape the crowds of Cadillac Mountain (or couldn’t get a reservation) or just aren’t in the mood for an early morning hike.

  Boulder Beach is where we ended up watching the sunrise and we have no regrets. We chose this option because we wanted to keep some flexibility for when we saw the sunrise (based on the weather) and avoid the crowds.

  There were only a few other groups on the beach with us and it was a tranquil and peaceful experience. It was a bit difficult getting down to the beach, so be prepared for a little bit of light rock scrambling. Boulder Beach is aptly named with many rocks to clamber over to get down, but the view of the sunrise over the rocky beach was idyllic.

  There are a couple of parking lots not too far away either at Gorham Mountain trailhead or Otter Cliff Overlook. You’ll just have a short walk down Ocean Path to get to Boulder Beach.

• Sand Beach

  Sand Beach is Acadia’s most popular beach. Its shores are made of tiny shell fragments to create the sandy beach. The location between cliffs makes for a picturesque sunrise experience. 

  You’ll likely encounter more people here than at Boulder Beach, but it’s larger so you will have room to spread out. It’s also next to a large parking lot and bathrooms making it an easily accessible point in the early morning hours.

• Otter Cliff

Otter Cliff is a rocky cliff you see just south of Boulder Beach. Rising about 100 feet over the ocean, it provides a prime perch for viewing the sunrise. Again, just a few groups of people here watching the sunrise, so it makes a great place to escape the crowds. Sit on the edge of the rocks and wait for the show to begin.

Otter Cliff has a parking lot just across Park Loop Road, so it is very easy to access as well.

Final Thoughts

There are so many great places to view the sunrise in Acadia. You’ve got mountain tops, beaches as well as the option to get in a pre-sunrise hike. Just make sure you are prepared with proper lighting like a headlamp if hiking in the dark and bring layers or a blanket with temperatures being cooler in the early morning hours. 

Our top picks are Boulder Beach for an ocean view and Gorham Mountain for a mountaintop view to beat the crowds but still experience a spectacular sunrise setting.

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