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Cadillac Mt reservation tomorrow

We have 5:30am sunrise reservation tomorrow 10/4. Can anyone tell me if Cadillac rd is open and if they are ONLY allowing those with reservations to go up Cadillac Mt road?

Ive been hearing that it’s open but that anyone can go up regardless of having a reservation or not and it’s a madhouse!

For Cadillac Mountain sunrise reservations in early October, here’s the current situation and what to expect based on recent visitor reports and park guidelines.

Cadillac Mountain Road is open, but there are specific rules for the sunrise reservation system to manage the high volume of visitors during this popular time:

  • Vehicles with a confirmed reservation for the sunrise time slot are guaranteed access to the summit during their reserved window.
  • Non-reservation vehicles are generally not allowed to enter the summit area during sunrise hours. Rangers may turn cars away or redirect them to parking lots lower down the mountain if they do not have a reservation.
  • Pedestrians and bicyclists without reservations are sometimes allowed to access the summit, but space may be limited.

Practical tips for your visit:

  • Arrive early and allow extra time to reach the summit, as traffic can be slow and parking limited even with a reservation.
  • Bring warm clothing and a flashlight or headlamp for the pre-dawn hours, as it will be dark and chilly at 5:30am.
  • Follow park signage and ranger instructions carefully; the reservation system is enforced to reduce congestion and protect the environment.
  • If you do not have a reservation, consider alternative spots to watch the sunrise, such as Ocean Path, Bass Harbor Head, or other accessible viewpoints in the park, though the view from Cadillac is unique.

In summary, while there are occasional reports of crowds, only vehicles with reservations are officially allowed to access the summit during the designated sunrise window. The system is intended to prevent the “madhouse” conditions that were common in prior years when the mountain was open to all at sunrise.

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