As a new transplant to Maine, I am fascinated by everything of this astonishing state. When I heard that I had moved to an area in the country where I could hike to the point where the sun rises first in the entire United States, I started planning for that adventure immediately.
Maine’s Cadillac Mountain Has the United States’ First Daily Sunrise … Usually
Sunrise in Acadia National ParkGetty Images/Ultima Gaina
I started planning my adventure to witness the first sunrise of the day in America for July 1st. The weather was going to be warm with clear skies. The sun rise was scheduled for 4:55am. I planned to leave my place at 2:30am and arrive an hour later in Acadia National Park to ascend up Cadillac Mountain that many have shared on multiple platforms takes a little over an hour to reach the top. Perfect. Plenty of time to hike and then find the best seat on the summit. Then I received a painful text from a colleague.
David, you know that the first sunrise on Cadillac Mountain is seasonal. On Saturday, July 1st, the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain will NOT be the first in America. – Colleague who waited until the last minute to break my heart
During Certain Months, Cadillac Mountain in Maine Experiences the First Sunrise
That’s right. NOT year round. From January 11th thru March 26th and October 7th thru November 29th, Cadillac Mountain sees the sunrise before anywhere else in the United States. Definitely NOT on July 1st, the day that I had planned for my sunrise adventure. My sunny disposition had faded quicker than a sunset. So, what about the rest of the year?
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Quoddy Head and Mars Hill in Maine Host the First U.S. Sunrises, Too
West Quoddy Head LightThinkStock
West Quoddy Head is the most eastern point in the United States. You would think that it would be in this beautiful area that we can see the sunrise before anywhere else in America year-round. Lucky for Cadillac Mountain and Mars Hill, topography blocks the initial rising of the sun for most of the year, giving opportunities for those two other locations the title of first sunrise as well.
From March 7th until March 24th, and September 19th until October 6th, West Quoddy Head will be the spot to view America’s first sunrise, leaving Mars Hill (about a 2-hour drive from Bangor) with the other dates.
Gorham Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine
David and Moo hike and review Gorham Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine.
Gallery Credit: David
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Hiking Great Pond Mountain in Maine
Pictures from hiking Great Pond Mountain in Maine.
Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
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Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM