Acadia National Park car reservations on Cadillac Mountain are off to a rocky start this year, hampered by two delays in the release of tickets during the chaos of the new administration in Washington.
Acadia car reservations are required starting May 21 for people who want to drive up Cadillac. Reservations were originally set to be released online on Feb. 20. The release was then delayed to March 22 and then last week, with little time to spare, it was postponed again to April 15.
When asked about the delays, the National Park Service Office of Public Affairs stated, “As part of the broader efforts led by the Department of Interior under President Trump’s leadership, we are implementing necessary reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency and government accountability. While we do not comment on personnel matters, the National Park Service remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the American public and preserving the natural and cultural resources entrusted to our care.”
Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the US eastern coast, is rated the most popular attraction in the Maine national park. More than 200,000 vehicle reservations were sold in 2024, allowing people to visit the peak from sunrise to sunset.
Chaos in Washington means you’ll have to wait longer to make Acadia car reservations for sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain, like this spectacular one over Frenchman Bay in August 2022. (Photo by Kate Sheehan)