Cadillac Summit Sunrise

Question

I have been trying for the last couple of days to get tickets to Summit Road at Sunrise. At 9;59 am tickets say not avaiable till 10 am. At 10 am tickets say sold out. Any Suggestions?

Answer

Getting tickets for the Cadillac Mountain Summit at sunrise can be tricky, especially during peak season. The tickets often sell out within minutes of becoming available due to high demand. Here are some strategies to improve your chances and alternatives if you miss out:

Tips for Securing Sunrise Tickets:

Set a reminder and be ready at the exact release time. Tickets typically go on sale at 10:00 AM ET for each day.
Use multiple devices or browsers to access the reservation page quickly. Sometimes one device loads faster than another.
Create an account in advance and log in before the release time. This saves valuable seconds during checkout.
Check for cancellations. Occasionally, tickets are released later due to no-shows or cancellations, so keep refreshing the site.

Alternative Options if Tickets Are Sold Out:

Drive or bike up the mountain before sunrise and watch the sky from designated areas outside the ticketed section. While you won’t be in the official summit area, many spots nearby offer stunning views.
Consider visiting Cadillac Mountain later in the morning for the “first light” effect; in October, the sunrise happens early, but mid-morning light can still be beautiful and less crowded.
Take a guided tour or shuttle that has pre-arranged sunrise access. Some local tour companies secure blocks of tickets for their guests.

Patience and persistence are key. If your main goal is to experience sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, trying each day and being flexible with arrival times can sometimes pay off. Alternatively, enjoy sunrise views from nearby scenic overlooks or Ocean Path areas in Acadia, which can be less crowded but still spectacular.